Experiential Learning
INTERNSHIPS
The University of Mount Union’s Biology program offers an extraordinarily high degree of hands-on learning opportunities. At Mount Union, we believe there is real value in putting in-class knowledge to work outside of the classroom. Hands-on learning opportunities will help to strengthen your skills and knowledge in biology, which are critical to success in your career.
Experiential learning opportunities through Mount Union’s Biology program include:
- Independent research
- Research with faculty or student peers
- Laboratory experience
- Internships
- Field trips to Ball Research Forest, coastal marine locations, local zoos and museums, and Lake Erie
- Exclusive access to Mount Union’s Nature Center
FIELD TRIPS
Ball Research Forest - This small forest, managed by the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, is located in the unglaciated region of Ohio. The area is used for field trips to study the soils and plants that are typical found in the southern half of Ohio.
Regional Zoos and Museums (including Cleveland, Akron, Columbus and Pittsburgh) - These facilities are used to study marine organism diversity. Classes have been able to utilize behind the scenes programs on coral propagation, sea turtle rehab, and macaroni penguins at Pittsburgh. Classes have also been able to work with moon jelly propagation and touch tank encounter at Akron and reef ecosystem at Columbus.
HUSTON-BRUMBAUGH NATURE CENTER
Students in biology, geology, and environmental science use the Nature Center for field laboratories to study biological diversity, ecology, and hydrology. The Nature Center also offers numerous school programs for schools in the area. There are educational programs open to students, staff, and the general public nearly every weekend. The Nature Center includes a bird observatory, a natural history library, three classrooms, an educational garden, a historic farm, and nearly four miles of walking trails.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Beta Beta Beta is a national biology honor society on Mount Union’s campus. The Xi Zeta Chapter was established at Mount Union in 2001, and is a society specifically for students who are dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Members must be biology majors or environmental biology majors and must have completed at least three hours of non-introductory classes in the biological sciences with an average grade of B in all biology classes at the time of initiation.
Darwin’s Birthday Party is celebrated each year on February 12 on Mount Union’s campus. In celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday, biology students and faculty members watch movies, participate in Darwin trivia games, and eat birthday cake.
Association of Pre-Physician Assistant Students (APPAS) Interested in the physician assistant graduate program? The purpose of APPAS is to promote educational experiences and provide a route for students seeking to pursue continued education as a Physician Assistant (PA). APPAS provides members opportunities for shadowing, volunteering and patient care as it relates to the PA profession. The organization seeks to help undergraduate students prepare for the application and interview process required for entry into a PA program.
