Program Overview
Introduction to Integrative Biology
The Department of Biological Sciences offers expertise in the life sciences, spanning molecules, cells, tissues, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Courses are available in a range of subjects, including molecular, cellular, and structural biology; biochemistry; biophysics; cell biology; genetics; developmental biology; neurobiology; parasitology; immunology; computational biology; systems biology; genomics; evolutionary biology; ecology; paleontology; and conservation biology.
Degree Options
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology, a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences.
- The B.S. in Integrative Biology emphasizes both coursework and research.
- The B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology integrates coursework with an emphasis on independent laboratory research and is appropriate for students interested in a career in biological/biomedical research and/or in medicine.
- The B.A. in Biological Sciences is a highly flexible, coursework-based major and is appropriate for students wishing to emphasize coursework over laboratory research.
Curriculum
The integrative biology curriculum emphasizes both coursework and research. Majors complete three foundational courses that focus on central ideas and concepts in biology. A strong foundation in chemistry coursework is also required. All majors complete advanced coursework in evolution, with additional coursework chosen to match student interests and goals.
Research Opportunities
Students completing the B.S. degree conduct original research for at least one year under faculty supervision, gaining expertise in experimental design, research techniques, critical evaluation of literature, and oral and written scientific communication skills. Many students in this major conduct research for two or three years, both during the academic year and in the summer. Students can choose to conduct biological research with outstanding faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, as well as in other departments, including the School of Engineering and the Medical School.
Honors Program
The Honors program is designed to foster advanced skills for students with a strong interest in basic research, including those who wish to pursue graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. or the combined M.D./Ph.D. at prestigious institutions. The program provides intensive experience in independent research as well as training in critical thinking and scientific writing. Students must have a 3.3 GPA overall and a 3.4 GPA in courses that count toward the major. The program requires a minimum of 8 hours of Honors research and the oral defense of a written Honors thesis in front of a faculty committee.
Faculty and Research Areas
The research and teaching interests of the faculty cover many areas of biological sciences, including:
- Biological clocks
- Vector biology
- Animal behavior
- Host-parasite interactions
- Evolution
- Paleontology
- Phylogenetics
- Primary and secondary metabolism
- Microbiology
- Speciation
- Social evolution
- Molecular ecology
- Population genetics
- DNA replication and repair
- Epigenetics
- RNA biology
- Protein trafficking
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Brain asymmetry, synapse formation, and plasticity
- Touch, visual, and olfactory sensory systems
- Pedagogy in the life sciences
Undergraduate Publications and Presentations
Students conducting research present their work at Vanderbilt, as well as at regional, national, or international conferences. Many students who conduct independent research produce and co-author work that is published in leading scientific journals.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with an integrative biology degree frequently seek advanced degrees in research, pursue industry or government positions, or work in healthcare.