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Biological and Physical Sciences

For career paths in health, science, and research, TMU’s top-ranked degree uniquely prepares students to be shining examples of Christ in every scientific field and profession. This personalized learning environment, featuring 10 emphasis areas and a variety of minor options, provides a foundation for success through research opportunities, small class sizes, and competitive internships. With these resources, you'll be well-prepared to excel in your career or graduate studies.

Biological Science
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Biological Science
For Christ & Scripture

Science Through The Christian Lens

Our department is dedicated to equipping students with the skills to analyze knowledge across a range of disciplines critically. We prioritize professional excellence, lifelong intellectual development, and a steadfast commitment to faith. Through the lens of a Christian worldview grounded in the doctrine of special creation, students examine the history and contemporary perspectives on science, laying a strong foundation for evaluating its principles. Our ultimate mission is to prepare students to boldly represent and uphold their faith in their professional, academic, and spiritual lives.

Academic Excellence

Career Preparation

Students thrive through exceptional research opportunities, enabling them to design, conduct, and present their work under the mentorship of dedicated faculty. Students benefit from personalized guidance, small class sizes, and the expertise of distinguished professors, all united by a shared commitment to core doctrinal values. This individualized approach cultivates academic excellence, reflected in an impressive graduate school acceptance rate and ranking among the Top 6 Nationwide for Career Preparation (WSJ 2024 and 2025).

Meet the Faculty

View All Faculty

The faculty is dedicated to the sufficiency, inerrancy, and authority of God’s inspired Word — from Genesis to Revelation. Each year, faculty reaffirm and teach every point of TMU’s doctrinal statement, which has remained fundamentally unchanged since the institution was formed in 1927. In every respect, our mission and our educational philosophy are rooted in Scripture.

Matthew McLain

Matthew McLain

Dean of the School of Science, Math, Technology & Health; Chair of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences; Associate Professor of Biology and Geology
bio
Steve Pekovich

Steve Pekovich

Assistant Professor of Biology
bio
Joey Kim

Joey Kim

Chair, Department of Engineering & Computer Science; Assistant Professor of Biological Science
bio
Dawn Okonowski

Dawn Okonowski

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
bio
Haley Smith

Haley Smith

Assistant Professor of Biology
bio
Michael Kornoff

Michael Kornoff

Assistant Professor of Chemistry
bio

Why a Biblical Lens Matters in Biological and Physical Sciences

Secular Lens

Science is explored as natural processes without reference to God or moral purpose.

Biblical Lens

The natural world is studied as God’s creation, revealing His order, wisdom, and design.

Impact

Graduates develop rigorous scientific skills while understanding the Creator behind the complexity of life.

Learning From Professionals

Pre-Health Advisor Program

Professional doctors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and dentists are available as mentors for our students majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Med, Pre-Nursing, Pre-Allied Health, or Pre-Dental studies. These professionals are currently working in their respective fields, and are available to our students by email, and occasional on-campus meetings. Their aim is to guide our students as they work toward entrance into graduate programs.

Unlocking Your Future

Research Opportunities

We encourage our students to explore personalized scholarship opportunities by collaborating directly with faculty members in the department. These research experiences can be transformed into academic credit toward graduation through practicums in industrial settings or by presenting scholarly work to academic and professional societies.

Highlighted Courses

Course Catalog
Marine Biology (LS346)

This course will cover an introduction to oceanography, marine organism diversity, and ecological relationships. The student will be exposed to contemporary techniques for studying marine ecosystems, especially community relations.

Medical Physiology (LS352)

The course starts with aspects of cellular physiology, particularly cell transport and osmosis, then endocrine physiology with particular attention paid to cell-surface receptors and second messenger pathways. The physiology of each of the following systems is covered: neural, skeleto-muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal/acid-base, gastrointestinal, and reproductive. Particular attention is given to the regulation of these systems and their integration into a functioning whole. Computer simulations of various physiological processes involving these systems are performed.

Immunology (LS361)

Topics include the adaptive and innate immune systems and cell biology of cells and tissues involved in immunity, immunogenetics, antibody structure-function, immunotechniques, complement, autoimmunity, tolerance, and tumor immunology.

Biochemistry (CH461)

Investigates proteins (structures and functions), enzymes (kinetics and regulation), biological oxidation-reduction, and thermodynamics of living systems. Particular attention is given to the integration and regulation of intermediary metabolism. In the laboratory, students learn the theory underlying many common biochemical techniques. Students also gain practical, hands-on experience for several of these techniques, such as gel filtration chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, thin-layer chromatography techniques in enzyme kinetic assays, determination of the binding specificity of proteins, protein fingerprinting, SDS-PAGE and molecular weight determination, agarose gel electrophoresis, peptide mapping, and Western blotting.

Environmental Geoscience (GS452)

This course shows students how to apply geoscience to various natural hazards and environmental problems including landslides, floods, water supply issues, natural resource extraction, and waste disposal. Required field trip

Minors in addition to Biblical Studies (15-27 Units)

Most students will complete a minor in Biblical Studies by default by completing the 24 units in their GE classes and upper-division requirements across 4 years at TMU. In addition to their major, students can also complete a minor in any of these programs by completing the required 15-27 units, depending on the minor: Accounting, Biblical Studies, Biology, Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, Education, English, History, Global Studies, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Mathematics, Music, and/or Political Studies.

Degree Details

Core Courses

Core Courses

Core Courses (41 Units)

See Complete Degree Checklist

  • CH151 General Chemistry I*
  • CH152 General Chemistry II*
  • CH351 Organic Chemistry I*
  • LS151 Organismic Biology*
  • LS220 Research Methods
  • LS252 Cell Biology*
  • LS342 Genetics and Genomics*
  • LS372 Origins
  • LS420 Seminar in Biology
  • LS422 Senior Capstone
  • MA260 Elementary Statistics
  • One of the following:
    • PS251 General Physics I*
    • PS211 College Physics I (with PS251 lab)
  • One of the following:
    • PS252 General Physics II* (3, 1)
    • PS212 College Physics II (with PS252 lab)

*With corresponding lab. (Ex: take CH151 w/ CH151L).

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Top 10

Ranked Nationwide for "Career Preparation" Wall Street Journal: #6 in 2024, #9 in 2025

Top 4

Ranked Nationwide for "Best Student Life" Niche 2024, Christian Colleges

Our Alumni in the World

teaser

Nicole Nitake, '16

“At pharmacy school, I would get stressed. I would worry about an exam, or flunking out of school,” she says. “But ultimately, I knew that God was in control. So regardless of what happened, I knew that it was going to be OK.”

See Nicole's Story
teaser

Joe Marquez, '11

Reflecting on his journey, Marquez says the pre-med program in TMU’s Department of Biological Science . . . in many ways laid a foundation for success in medical school and the career that’s followed.

Read Joe's Story
teaser

Matt Fukuda, '15

I got to see how much good someone can do as a Christian physician—especially in a place like Africa, where there’s such a great physical and spiritual need. I was able to see how a couple of American doctors were able to go in there and use their skills to not only treat people’s physical needs, but also care for them spiritually.

Read Matt's Story

Our Alumni in the World

Teaser

Nicole Nitake, '16

“At pharmacy school, I would get stressed. I would worry about an exam, or flunking out of school,” she says. “But ultimately, I knew that God was in control. So regardless of what happened, I knew that it was going to be OK.”

See Nicole's Story
Teaser

Joe Marquez, '11

Reflecting on his journey, Marquez says the pre-med program in TMU’s Department of Biological Science . . . in many ways laid a foundation for success in medical school and the career that’s followed.

Read Joe's Story
Teaser

Matt Fukuda, '15

I got to see how much good someone can do as a Christian physician—especially in a place like Africa, where there’s such a great physical and spiritual need. I was able to see how a couple of American doctors were able to go in there and use their skills to not only treat people’s physical needs, but also care for them spiritually.

Read Matt's Story
Your Future

The skills and perspective to do all that you do for Christ.

God has uniquely equipped each of His people to serve His Kingdom. For some, this means using their gifts to study and research for the benefit of others. Graduates from TMU’s Biological and Physical Sciences programs have numerous career opportunities that allow them to do just that!

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Research

Biochemist

Study the chemical processes within living organisms. As a biochemist, you may conduct experiments to understand biological functions at the molecular level, often focusing on topics like cell biology, genetics, or disease mechanisms. Use your skill in research to contribute to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Image story
Research

Veterinary

Do you have a love for animals? Study animal health and diseases to advance veterinary science by conducting experiments and analyzing data to develop new treatments, improve animal care practices, and enhance our understanding of veterinary medicine. This type of work typically involves collaborating with scientists and veterinarians to address critical health issues affecting animals.

Image story
Archaeology

Paleontologist

The world is your classroom. Whether you're unearthing fossils in remote deserts, exploring ancient ruins in tropical jungles, or diving into underwater archaeological sites, you'll employ a mix of scientific methods, analytical techniques, and advanced technology. Your work will contribute to our knowledge of ancient history and life on Earth!

Image story
Health & Medicine

Dietitian

Provide expert advice on nutrition and diet to help individuals improve their health and manage various medical conditions. By combining research, nutrition science, and compassion, you can profoundly impact people's lives.

Image story
Research

Ecologist

Ecology provides an abundance of career opportunities across multiple sectors, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, environmental consulting firms, and academic institutions. Whether you are conducting field research in remote areas or crafting sustainable policies for urban settings, the possibilities are both extensive and lucrative.

Image story
Research

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians are vital to diagnoses, research, and the safety of medical treatments. In order to accurately perform experiments and analyze samples, they prepare and maintain equipment, conduct tests, record results, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of data. Our alumni are renowned not only for their technical expertise but also for their compassion and integrity.

Image story
Health & Medicine

Pharmacist

In community pharmacies, hospitals, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies, you play a vital role in patient care, medication management, and health education. You can specialize in areas such as clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, or pharmaceutical research. This ever-evolving field offers personal fulfillment, professional growth, and the satisfaction of serving others with integrity and compassion.

Image story
Health & Medicine

Physician

Becoming a physician is a commitment to serve with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Physicians offer medical, emotional, and spiritual support, often becoming community leaders who advocate for public health and policy changes. Our alumni make a significant impact by representing Christ with compassion and justice.

Image
Research

Biochemist

Study the chemical processes within living organisms. As a biochemist, you may conduct experiments to understand biological functions at the molecular level, often focusing on topics like cell biology, genetics, or disease mechanisms. Use your skill in research to contribute to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Image
Research

Veterinary

Do you have a love for animals? Study animal health and diseases to advance veterinary science by conducting experiments and analyzing data to develop new treatments, improve animal care practices, and enhance our understanding of veterinary medicine. This type of work typically involves collaborating with scientists and veterinarians to address critical health issues affecting animals.

Image
Archaeology

Paleontologist

The world is your classroom. Whether you're unearthing fossils in remote deserts, exploring ancient ruins in tropical jungles, or diving into underwater archaeological sites, you'll employ a mix of scientific methods, analytical techniques, and advanced technology. Your work will contribute to our knowledge of ancient history and life on Earth!

Image
Health & Medicine

Dietitian

Provide expert advice on nutrition and diet to help individuals improve their health and manage various medical conditions. By combining research, nutrition science, and compassion, you can profoundly impact people's lives.

Image
Research

Ecologist

Ecology provides an abundance of career opportunities across multiple sectors, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, environmental consulting firms, and academic institutions. Whether you are conducting field research in remote areas or crafting sustainable policies for urban settings, the possibilities are both extensive and lucrative.

Image
Research

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians are vital to diagnoses, research, and the safety of medical treatments. In order to accurately perform experiments and analyze samples, they prepare and maintain equipment, conduct tests, record results, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of data. Our alumni are renowned not only for their technical expertise but also for their compassion and integrity.

Image
Health & Medicine

Pharmacist

In community pharmacies, hospitals, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies, you play a vital role in patient care, medication management, and health education. You can specialize in areas such as clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, or pharmaceutical research. This ever-evolving field offers personal fulfillment, professional growth, and the satisfaction of serving others with integrity and compassion.

Image
Health & Medicine

Physician

Becoming a physician is a commitment to serve with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Physicians offer medical, emotional, and spiritual support, often becoming community leaders who advocate for public health and policy changes. Our alumni make a significant impact by representing Christ with compassion and justice.

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The Master’s University and Seminary admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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