Department of Biological and Behavioral Sciences

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences

The Department of Biological and Behavioral Sciences strives to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience in the life, physical, and behavioral sciences.  With diverse programs including majors in Biology, Exercise Science, Medical Laboratory Science, One Health, Pre-Nursing Studies, and Psychology, students are prepared for the career path that best suits their individual interests.  Many of our students continue their studies at graduate and professional schools around the country in fields like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or advanced biological sciences.  Through articulation agreements (or on their own) students can also choose to continue their training in fields ranging from nursing, occupational therapy, engineering, chiropractic medicine, teaching, and beyond.  For students ready to enter the workforce directly, they are prepared for jobs in health, psychology, laboratory sciences, biology, counseling, law enforcement, biotechnology, quality control, and more.

Within each major field of study, students are exposed to dedicated faculty members using modern teaching techniques, equipment, and instruments; up-to-date labs provide training with the latest tools and technology.  Exposure to cutting-edge research programs helps to round out an already versatile classroom experience. 

The links below provide more details of each program including the required and elective courses for each major and minor field of study.  For any questions or specific information on articulation agreements, please contact the department chair. 

Faculty

Main Campus

Jessica M. Blaxton, assistant professor of psychology

Jason R. Finley, assistant professor of psychology

Julie Hamdi, associate professor of chemistry and chairperson of the department of biological and behavioral sciences

Kelly Lane-deGraaf, assistant professor of biology and director, Center for One Health

Stephenie Paine-Saunders, professor of biology

Elizabeth Rayhel, professor of biology

Minh Truong, associate professor of physics

Mercy Hospital

Beverly B. Kraemer, M.D., Medical Director for the MLS programs

Terry Taff, MA, MT (ASCP) SM, Laboratory Manager and Program Director of MLS

Saint Louis Zoo

Sharon Deem, Ph.D., CVM, 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.

Engineering with 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 James McKelvey School of Engineering 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 in St. Louis (2/2 or 4/1)

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) (Biology or Psychology Track)

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. Application to the program does not guarantee admission, however, and students are advised that admission is highly competitive. 

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 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.

Please consult your advisor for important details of this program.

Programs

• Applied Behavioral Sciences, B.A.
• Biology, B.S.
• Exercise Science, B.S.
• General Studies, Psychology Emphasis, B.A.
• Medical Laboratory Sciences, B.S.
• One Health, B.S.
• Pre-Nursing Studies, B.A.
• Psychology, B.S.

• Biology Minor
• Chemistry Minor
• One Health Minor
• Psychology Minor

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences