Department of Biological and Physical Sciences

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Mission

The mission of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences is to inspire students to embrace a lifetime appreciation and understanding of the biological sciences by providing essential, rigorous, and authentic science experiences. The department offers a variety of program and curriculum choices that prepare students to enter the scientific community.

Faculty

Main Campus

Julie Hamdi, Associate Professor and Department Chair
Kelly Lane-deGraaf, Assistant Professor and Director, Center for One Health
Stephenie Paine-Saunders, Associate Professor
Elizabeth Rayhel, Professor
Minh Truong, Associate Professor

Mercy Hospital

Beverly B. Kraemer, M.D., Medical Director for the MLS programs.
Terry Taff, MA, MT (ASCP) SM, Laboratory Manager and Program Director

Saint Louis Zoo

Sharon Deem, Ph.D., DVM, DACZM-Director, Institute for Conservation Medicine

Chiropractic with Logan University in St. Louis

Fontbonne University students may elect to pursue a 3/3 program of study in connection with the Logan University College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. Students who have completed the first three years of coursework toward a biology degree at Fontbonne, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 for the 97 credit hours at Fontbonne to be considered for admission.

Upon satisfactory completion of the first year of coursework in chiropractic, the student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Fontbonne University. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for the bachelor’s degree from Fontbonne during the fall semester of the student’s first year at Logan University. Upon satisfactory completion of the third year of study at Logan College of Chiropractic the student would be awarded a doctorate in chiropractic.

Dual Degree Program in Engineering with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and with Washington University in St. Louis

Fontbonne University students may choose a program of study in collaboration with either: The School of Computing and Engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City or the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis. This program may be combined with any major, but is most easily achieved in conjunction with a major in applied mathematics or in biology. Because of the many engineering avenues, students must work closely with the dual degree advisor to map out a curriculum plan. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B+ (3.25 on a 4.0 scale) or better, both overall and in science and mathematics courses, is required for admission to the engineering schools. Applicants with lower GPAs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon satisfactory completion of both programs, the student will be awarded Bachelor of Science degrees from both Fontbonne University and University of Missouri-Kansas City or from both Fontbonne University and Washington University in St. Louis.

Nursing with the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis (2/2/)

Fontbonne University students may elect to pursue a program of study in connection with the Goldfarb School of Nursing (GSON), located at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital complex. Students who have completed a minimum of one semester with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 may apply for admission to GSON. If accepted, the student must complete the remainder of the general education and prerequisite coursework, maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, before transferring to GSON for training in clinical techniques and procedures. Qualified students should be aware that there can be a waiting period before matriculation at GSON. After completion of 5 terms at GSON the student would qualify for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from the Goldfarb School of Nursing. Each school retains its own tuition rates and separate financial aid packages, and GSON students must be available a minimum of 30-40 hours per week, for course work and simulation labs during the day or evenings and for clinical experiences during days, evenings and/or weekends. Students complete their clinical experiences at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center and other BJC HealthCare hospitals and St. Louis area health care facilities.

For certification as an RN, eligible graduates must also pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).

Occupational Therapy with Washington University in St. Louis (3/2)

Fontbonne University students may elect to pursue a 3/2 program of study in connection with the Occupational Therapy (OT) program in the Washington University School of Medicine. Students who have completed the first three years of coursework for either a biology or a psychology degree at Fontbonne and who have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in required prerequisite courses may apply for admission to the OT program at Washington University during their junior year at Fontbonne. Upon satisfactory completion of the first year of coursework at Washington University, the student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Fontbonne University. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for the bachelor’s degree from Fontbonne during the fall semester of the student’s first year at Washington University. At the end of the second year of study at Washington University, the student would qualify for a master of occupational therapy degree from the Washington University School of Medicine.

Programs

• Biology for Secondary Education, B.S.
• Biology, B.S.
• General Studies, Health Emphasis, B.A.
• General Studies, Science Emphasis, B.A.
• Medical Laboratory Sciences, B.S.

• Biology Minor
• Chemistry Minor
• Environmental Science Minor
• One Health Minor

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