Shear-McFadden Science Center

Be ready to hit the ground running in the Biology and Earth Science department. We offer a rigorous curriculum that provides a strong foundation in the sciences, while preparing students for a variety of exciting postgraduate endeavors, including employment and graduate or professional school. From the very first year, students are actively engaged in the classroom, laboratory, and field as they take classes in each of the diverse areas offered by the department.

Otterbein's Department of Biology and Earth Science offers undergraduate programs in the following areas:
- Biology (major, BA or BS)
- Biology and Earth Science (minor)
- Environmental Science (major)
- Zoo & Conservation Science (major)

The Department of Biology and Earth Science is also affiliated with the following interdisciplinary programs:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pre-Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Pre-Professional Health Studies
- Sustainability Studies

How can Otterbein University help you “find your element”? From your first chemistry class through your senior year, you will work directly with faculty in small courses and laboratory experiences. Opportunities abound for research with faculty at Otterbein and internships at companies in the Columbus area and throughout Ohio.

Otterbein's Department of Chemistry offers undergraduate programs in the following areas:
- Chemistry (major and minor)
- Environmental Chemistry (major)
- High School Teaching Licensure in Chemistry (BA + teaching license)

The Department of Chemistry is also affiliated with the following interdisciplinary programs:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pre-Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Pre-Professional Health Studies
- Sustainability Studies

The Department of Equine Science prides itself on experiential learning opportunities and individualized attention. Students are immersed in their own living laboratory and have the opportunity to expand their passion for horses into a competitive career path.​

The Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science, while not in this building, is worth mentioning. It provides an important academic, economic, and recreational resource to the community, the region, the equine industry, and our outstanding students. The Knowlton Center contains classrooms, faculty and staff office space, a large indoor riding arena suitable for regional and national equestrian competitions, night caretaker quarters, reception and spectator seating, and stalls for 52 horses. Situated on approximately 70 acres in a pristine setting in the heart of the Westerville residential community, the Knowlton Center is surrounded by pasture and paddocks with turnout sheds. Only two miles from the main Otterbein University campus, the Center provides easy access to students and faculty and projects Otterbein visibly into the community.

Otterbein's Department of Equine Science offers undergraduate programs in the following areas:
- Equine Business Management (major and minor)
- Equine Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Graduate Studies (major)
- Equine Veterinary Technology (major)
- Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (minor)

The Department of Equine Science is also affiliated with the Sustainability Studies interdisciplinary major and minor.

At Otterbein University, you will engage in both classroom and clinical experiences that are relevant to the current, and ever-changing needs of our health care system. In addition to learning from faculty who are committed to providing you with personal attention and a supportive environment, you will also have opportunities to study abroad and off campus to broaden your nursing skills.

Otterbein's Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, as well as graduate degrees in various nursing fields.

To support the Aquarium Track in the Zoo and Conservation Science program, the department houses two salt water aquarium systems. A 300 gallon tank visible in the hallway models the coral reef ecosystem with an expansive collection of hard and soft corals, shrimp, fish, sea urchins, anemones, and crabs. In addition to providing valuable educational opportunities, the natural beauty of the tank provides a favorite respite to take a break, observing and relaxing between classes.

The greenhouse, which was built in 2009 by Rough Brothers, Inc. of Cincinnati, consists of two rooms for instruction and research given by generous donations from the family of Lou Ann Riseling ’56 and from Thomas C. Morrison ’63 and Sarah Morrison. The greenhouse is highly automated with a series of sensors and monitors that record conditions (e.g., temperature, sunlight, wind speed) in and outside the greenhouse and allow the greenhouse to adjust ridge and side vents, reflective shade cloths, exhaust fans, and high-pressure sodium light fixtures as required.

The Science Center is home to a series of learning labs including nursing simulators for a variety of exercises. The nursing simulation lab offers unique learning experiences for students to integrate critical thinking skills and clinical "doing" skills. Our large, state-of-the-art lab offers after-hours practice time with the opportunity to engage with equipment and human patient simulators.