Life Sciences Department

The life sciences include the scientific study of living organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, animals, and human beings.  At YVC the Life Sciences Department is divided into two distinct programs of study:

​​Biology – this program focuses on cellular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, botany, ecology, and evolution.

Nutrition – this program focuses on human nutrition and its applications.

Academic Options

Associates in Arts – DTA Biology

The associate in arts – direct transfer agreement (DTA) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. YVC offers a variety of disciplines so that students can select their course load based on their area of interest within this degree. These courses are recommended as guidelines for state transfer. For assistance with course selection, contact the program faculty or the Advising Center.

Student please note: To insure that your degree requirements for graduation have been met, you need to review the degree planning guide with an advisor or counselor.

Students who are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry at a four-year institution may find more information about the Transfer Track 1, AS-T T1 option.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Humanities: students will create, examine, interpret, and/or qualitatively evaluate products of human expression through the arts, language, literature, philosophy, culture, and/or religion.
  • Natural Sciences: Students will demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of scientific concepts and insights as well as employ scientific or mathematical inquiry.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Students will use mathematical skills or symbolic reasoning to analyze and interpret quantitative information and draw conclusions.
  • Social Sciences: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.
  • Written Communication: Students will use a process to make conscious rhetorical choices to compose texts in varying situations, modalities, and genres.

Associates in Arts – DTA Nutrition

The associate in arts – direct transfer agreement (DTA) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. YVC offers a variety of disciplines so that students can select their course load based on their area of interest within this degree. These courses are recommended as guidelines for state transfer. For assistance with course selection, contact the program faculty or the Advising Center.

Student please note: To insure that your degree requirements for graduation have been met, you need to review the degree planning guide with an advisor or counselor.

Life Sciences Department Contacts

Biology Department

Jeremy BueggeBiology Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 255
Phone: 509.574.4863
Claire CarpenterBiology Instructor/Department Head
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 283
Phone: 509.574.4866
Amanda GallBiology Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 249
Phone: 509.574.4808
Stacey GingrasBiology Instructor
Grandview Campus
Main Building
Building 56, Room 136A
Phone: 509.882.7033
Steve KennyBiology Instructor
Grandview Campus
Main Building
Building 56, Room 131
Phone: 509.882.7066
Matthew LoeserBiology Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 279
Phone: 509.574.4858
Jeremy MarionBiology Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 260
Phone: 509.574.4602
Lance Myler Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 262
Jerred SeveykaBiology Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 04, Room 285
Phone: 509.574.4944

Nutrition Department

Stephanie AhlgrenNutrition Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 02, Room 250
Phone: 509.574.4617
Sarah PanarelloNutrition Instructor
Yakima Campus
Glenn Anthon Hall
Building 02, Room 281
Phone: 509.574.4946