Biology

Learn the fundamentals, then expand your scope

Your first courses will give you a solid understanding of biological systems — from the molecular to ecological level. With this foundational knowledge, you’ll be able to explore more advanced subjects, including:

• Marine biology
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Ecology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Physiology

Experiment — a lot!

We emphasize “doing” science and an active approach to learning. Throughout your classes, you’ll gain a lot of research-like experience by working side-by-side with your professors in state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll design experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.

Get involved with research

If you want to further explore the research questions raised during your classes — or even start new experiments — you have the opportunity to participate in:

• Full-time, 40-hours-per-week summer research fellowships through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
• Departmental honors program, with additional research-intensive courses

Join the scientific community

You’ll have the opportunity to present your original, mentored research at the Festival of Scholars or Student Research Symposium. You can even share your findings at national conferences!

We also encourage you to join the TriBeta National Biological Honor Society and pre-health clubs to connect with other students and faculty who share your passions and goals.

Teaching, research, biotech, clinical… so many careers!

A biology degree opens up a lot of career opportunities for you. The health professions, such as medicine, allied health, nursing, dentistry, or veterinary medicine, are popular with biology majors. But you can also pursue a career in research, biotechnology, clinical work, and even teaching! The substantial critical thinking you’ll engage in and the skills you’ll develop as a biology major will serve you well in any career.

We offer two degrees in biology: a bachelor of science if you are considering a career in a health profession or research and a bachelor of arts if your goal is to teach at the K-12 levels or pursue other post-graduate careers.

If you decide to pursue an advanced degree in medicine or allied health, then you’ll have the support of our Pre-Med Advising Program to prepare for the challenges of graduate school.

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Programs

Offered as a major (BA or BS) and a minor.

Popular Minor Pairings

• Applied Scientific Computing
• Chemistry
• Environmental Studies
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Spanish