The Department of Natural Sciences

YC's Natural Sciences Department:
  • Gives students an awareness of the world in which we live and our responsibilities as inhabitants of this world.
  • Contains dynamic faculty that instruct and mentor students.
  • Prepares graduates with analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for most scientific careers.
  • Boasts graduates who have been accepted into some of the country's top universities and programs for the health professions and other graduate studies. Includes career preparation as physicians, veterinarians, optometrists, physician assistants, pharmacists, chiropractors, nurses, and more.
  • Develops an appreciation for our scientific heritage and the value of science as processes that are useful to our understanding of our world and ourselves.
  • Cooperates with the Education Department to offer secondary subject endorsements in Biology Education, Physical Science Education, and Natural Sciences Education, as well as endorsements in science for those majoring in middle school education.
  • Allows for any of these bachelor degree majors to be obtained with an Athletic Training Emphasis.

Majors  

Be More in the York Science Department

Meet Our Faculty
 
Dr. Bryan Kretz
Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Milton D. Eckhart
Associate Professor of Biology
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​
Dr. Stacie Turnbull 
Assistant Professor of Agriculture ​
Dr. Terence McAuley Kite
Professor of Physics

Biology

A Bachelor of Science in Biology provides significant career options including:
  • Various Medical fields
  • Laboratory work

​Aside from graduate studies in biology, other advanced study options include:
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Physician Assistant
  • Pharmacy
  • Chiropractics
  • Nursing

Courses
 
Some of the courses you may take include: 
  • College Biology
  • General Zoology
  • General Botany
  • Medical Terminology
  • Nutrition
  • Cell Biology
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I/ II
  • General Microbiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Concepts of Biological Origins
  • Genetics

Biology, Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with a concentration in Exercise Science couples a foundation of science and human movement to explore the positive and negative responses and adaptations of the human body in exercise, nutrition, rest and injury. This degree also prepares students who are interested in post-graduate studies.

A Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Exercise Science science provides significant career options including:
  • Allied Health Services
  • Sports, Fitness and Wellness
  • Recreational Industries

Courses
 
Some of the courses you may take include: ​
  • General Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Human Anatomy 
  • Human Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Nutrition​
  • Theory of Lifetime Fitness
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
  • Medical Terminology
  • General Psychology​

Biology, Plant Science

The Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in plant science, will prepare students for exciting opportunities in the field of science.  A degree that is focused on providing the world's need for food, fuel, and fiber. Students in the area of plant science will gain knowledge in skills surrounding plant systems, crop production systems, agricultural technology, as well as, crop, soil and water management. 

A Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Plant Science provides significant career options including:
  • Crop Producers
  • Regulatory Agencies
  • Agronomic Product Sales
  • Plant, soil and biotechnology laboratories
  • International Missions

Courses
 
  • Chemistry
  • Soil Structure
  •  Nutrition
  • General Microbiology
  • Genetics​
  • Animal Science 
  • Plant Science 
  • Environmental Science
  • Genetics 
  • Field & Horticulture Production 

Biology, Pre-Professional
 
In addition, the Natural Sciences Department also offers a Bachelors in Biology emphasizing in the following pre-professional concentrations:
  • Pre-Chiropractor
  • Pre-Dentistry
  • Pre-Medical Technology
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Nursing
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Chiropractic
 
​Each school of chiropractic has its own specific requirements. It usually requires two, three, or even four years to meet the pre-professional prerequisites for chiropractic colleges. Students planning to go into chiropractic work should work closely with their faculty advisor to insure that all pre-requisites are met.

A dual degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology from York College and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC), located in Davenport, Iowa, is available to qualified students. The dual degree program requires a minimum of 90 semester hours in the three year Pre-Chiropractic program. Upon submission of a timely application which meets all of PCC’s criteria for Admission, a York College student shall be eligible to enroll at PCC. Upon graduation from PCC with a degree of Doctor of Chiropractic, York College will award the student a Bachelor of Science degree. Students who successfully complete the dual degree program will be eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies at both PCC and York College.​
Pre-Dentistry
The student who is planning a career in dentistry should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admissions requirements of schools of dentistry can only be met with at least three years of college work, with a strong preference for a baccalaureate degree. The student can meet admissions requirements with the B.S. in Biology degree plan.
Pre-Medical Technology​
​A student planning to enter medical technology must complete three years of college, a minimum of 90 semester-hours, before admission to the professional program. Such students should enroll in the general liberal arts program. In addition they should complete BIO 154, 312, 314, 324 and CHM 214, 224, 314, and 325, plus three hours of appropriate mathematics. Some of the science courses can be planned for the junior year. The student should be familiar with the requirements of the desired school of medical technology/allied health. York College offers a BS in General Science with an emphasis in Chemistry/Biology. Students are encouraged to consult closely with their faculty advisor in planning their programs to make sure that all pre-admission requirements are met.
Pre-Medicine
The student who is planning a career in medicine should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admissions requirements of medical schools can only be met with at least three years of college work, with a strong preference for a baccalaureate degree. The student can meet admissions requirements with the BS in Biology program.
Pre-Nursing
​The following is a typical pre-nursing curriculum. If the student knows which professional nursing program he/she will be attending, the prerequisites for that particular nursing school can be identified and the pre-nursing program can be tailored to fit.
Pre-Pharmacy
​The student who is planning a career in Pharmacy should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admission requirements to pharmacy programs can be met with three years of college work. The student can meet admissions requirements with the BS in Biology program.
Pre-Physician Assistant
​The student who is planning a career as a physician assistant should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admissions requirements of P. A. programs can only be met with at least three years of college work, with a strong preference for a baccalaureate degree. The student can meet admissions requirements with the B.S. in Biology program.

Pre-Chiropractic
 
​Each school of chiropractic has its own specific requirements. It usually requires two, three, or even four years to meet the pre-professional prerequisites for chiropractic colleges. Students planning to go into chiropractic work should work closely with their faculty advisor to insure that all pre-requisites are met.

A dual degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology from York College and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC), located in Davenport, Iowa, is available to qualified students. The dual degree program requires a minimum of 90 semester hours in the three year Pre-Chiropractic program. Upon submission of a timely application which meets all of PCC’s criteria for Admission, a York College student shall be eligible to enroll at PCC. Upon graduation from PCC with a degree of Doctor of Chiropractic, York College will award the student a Bachelor of Science degree. Students who successfully complete the dual degree program will be eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies at both PCC and York College.​

Pre-Dentistry
 
The student who is planning a career in dentistry should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admissions requirements of schools of dentistry can only be met with at least three years of college work, with a strong preference for a baccalaureate degree. The student can meet admissions requirements with the B.S. in Biology degree plan.

Pre-Medical Technology
 
​A student planning to enter medical technology must complete three years of college, a minimum of 90 semester-hours, before admission to the professional program. Such students should enroll in the general liberal arts program. In addition they should complete BIO 154, 312, 314, 324 and CHM 214, 224, 314, and 325, plus three hours of appropriate mathematics. Some of the science courses can be planned for the junior year. The student should be familiar with the requirements of the desired school of medical technology/allied health. York College offers a BS in General Science with an emphasis in Chemistry/Biology. Students are encouraged to consult closely with their faculty advisor in planning their programs to make sure that all pre-admission requirements are met.

Pre-Medicine
 
The student who is planning a career in medicine should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admissions requirements of medical schools can only be met with at least three years of college work, with a strong preference for a baccalaureate degree. The student can meet admissions requirements with the BS in Biology program.

Pre-Nursing
 
​The following is a typical pre-nursing curriculum. If the student knows which professional nursing program he/she will be attending, the prerequisites for that particular nursing school can be identified and the pre-nursing program can be tailored to fit.

Pre-Pharmacy
 
​The student who is planning a career in Pharmacy should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admission requirements to pharmacy programs can be met with three years of college work. The student can meet admissions requirements with the BS in Biology major.

Pre-Physician Assistant
 
​The student who is planning a career as a physician assistant should be familiar with the requirements of the specific professional school of their choice. Typical admissions requirements of P. A. programs can only be met with at least three years of college work, with a strong preference for a baccalaureate degree. The student can meet admissions requirements with the B.S. in Biology major.

Chemistry

A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry provides career options in:
  • Forensic Science
  • Chemical Analysis and Research
  • Environmental Research
  • Pharmaceutical Research
  • Quality Control
  • Safety Analysis
    ​
Aside from graduate studies in chemistry, other advanced study options include:
  • Medicine or related health professions
  • Research
  • Education
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy

Courses​
 
Some of the courses you may take include:
  • College Chemistry I/II
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry I/II
  • Physical Chemistry I/II
  • Biochemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

Natural Science (Engineering)

York College is partnering with several universities to offer a Dual Degree in engineering. In this major, you complete three years at YC, earning credits in science, math, computer science, and general education courses. Then you transfer to a partner school for two years of focused courses in engineering.
​
You will graduate with two bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science from York College and an engineering degree from the second college.

Graduates of the Dual Degree major are highly sought after, as they are liberally educated engineers. Dual Degree students possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, and a broad background in the humanities and social sciences, as well as high-quality technical education.

Not only do you get to enjoy the benefits of attending a Christian college, but completing an engineering degree this way COSTS LESS, too!

The partner schools will offer a variety of engineering specializations including:
  • Electrical 
  • CMI 
  • Computer
  • Environmental
  • Mechanical
  • Biomedical
  • Chemical
  • Systems

Courses
 
Some of the courses you may take include
  • Introduction to Engineering
  • College Chemistry I/II
  • Introductory Physics I/II
  • Modern Physics
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Computer Programming (C++)
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry I/II
  • Analytical Geometry & Calculus I/II/III
  • Elements of Statistics
  • Differential Equations
  • Linear Algebra

Department Learning Outcomes

  1. The learner will demonstrate safe and appropriate laboratory techniques such as: proper use of microscope, effective use of pipetting, filtrate, titrate, prepare media, practice sterile techniques, staining process, purify enzymes, centrifuge, and blotting techniques.
  2. The learner will understand core concepts of Biology, such as cellular structure and function, information transfer and gene expression, energy information, and biology of organisms and their symptoms.
  3. The learner will be able to compile peer-reviewed journals, articles, scientific reports, data and scientific theory, concerning a current biological question, into a scientific presentation and paper in which they explain the data and theory at a professional level.
  4. The learner will be prepared for entrance into the career field of study or graduate school or professional program in the biological sciences.
  5. The learner will understand positive and negative physiological adaptations associated with both sedentary and physically active life styles, and how these adaptations affect health, wellness and physical activity.
  6. The learner will understand cellular metabolic pathways and the regulation of key enzymes in those pathways.
  7. The learner will understand how the environment influences plant growth and crop yields and ways to modify the environment to improve plant growth and yields.
  8. The learner will develop general knowledge in the biological sciences, including the fields of physical science, life science, animal science or plant science. 

Alumni Success

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Dr. Scott Abraham '99
Orthopedic Surgeon
Kansas City, Kansas
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Dr. Kimberly Williams '02
Family Physician
Salina, Kansas

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Ben Elsass '13
Game Warden
City, Kansas
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Dr. Erin Stubblefield '02
Doctor of Chiropractic
Assistant Professor, Cleveland University
Kansas City, MO
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Aaron Fletcher, PhD '02
Founder, President
Bios Research
Independent biotech, healthcare consultant​
Woodland Park, CO
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Jennifer Martin '08
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Flagler, Colorado

Learn More About the Science Department

York College

1125 E 8th St
York, NE 68467
1-800-950-YORK 
1-402-363-5600
www.york.edu

​York College Online
http://online.york.edu


The mission of York College is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society.

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