Program Overview

Introduction to the Biological Sciences Program

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a comprehensive program that spans the life sciences, including 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 three degree options:

• B.A. in Biological Sciences
• B.S. in Integrative Biology (I-Bio), ideal for students who plan to pursue advanced training in genomics, systems biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation, and environmental biology
• B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB), designed for students interested in a career in biological/biomedical research and/or in medicine

Curriculum

The biological sciences curriculum is highly flexible. Majors complete three foundational courses (one may be satisfied through AP/IB credit) that focus on central ideas and concepts in biology. A strong foundation in chemistry coursework is also required. Students select intermediate and advanced courses in areas that meet their interests and career goals while ensuring exposure to a broad range of topics.

• Laboratory skills and scientific reasoning are taught through structured laboratory experiences
• An advanced seminar course emphasizes critical evaluation of the biological research literature

Honors Program

The Honors program is designed for students with a strong interest in basic research. Students completing the B.A. in Biological Sciences may choose to complete the Honors program but are encouraged to consider the I-Bio or MCB degrees for which research is an integral component.

• The Honors program provides an 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 biological sciences major
• The program requires a minimum of 8 hours of Honors research and the oral defense of a written Honors thesis

Faculty and Research

The research and teaching interests of the faculty cover many areas of biological sciences.

• Focused areas of research include:
  • Biological clocks
  • DNA replication and repair
  • Epigenetics
  • RNA biology
  • Protein trafficking
  • Vector biology
  • Animal behavior
  • Host-parasite interactions
  • Evolution
  • Paleontology
  • Phylogenetics
  • Primary and secondary metabolism
  • Microbiology
  • Speciation
  • Social evolution
  • Molecular ecology
  • Population genetics
  • Developmental biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Brain asymmetry, synapse formation, and plasticity
  • Touch, visual, and olfactory sensory systems
  • Pedagogy in the life sciences Department faculty have won multiple teaching awards, attesting to the outstanding mentoring and teaching majors receive.

Career Opportunities

Biological sciences majors are well prepared for a variety of careers, including in biology education, industry, government, and medicine (nursing, medical assistant, dentistry, optometry, etc).