Biology Major
The Major in Biology is designed to educate students in both the breadth of subject matter encompassed by the biological sciences and the rapidly advancing knowledge at the forefront of this discipline.
The Biology major is perfect for me because it allows me to explore a variety of interests within the field, ranging from genetics to ecology and molecular biology. With a diversity of classes, professors, and research opportunities, the major has prepared me to enter any field of biological study and helped me discover my passion for genetics research.
Finn Thompson, COL ’22
About the Major
The Biology Major provides a comprehensive perspective on all aspects of our biological world, including ecology, evolutionary systems, behavior, genetics, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, immunology, developmental biology, and neurobiology. All students begin their program as Biology majors.
- Students may remain intentionally broad or may select a concentration in an area of biology, either in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology or in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior.
- Alternatively, students may declare in their sophomore year as one of the specialized majors offered from the Department: Biology of Global Health, Environmental Biology, or Neurobiology.
Build Your Experience
The inclusion of a RISE (Research Intensive Senior Experience) project allows the student to have the experience of basic or medical research, ecological or computational research, teaching and researching pedagogy, or research in conjunction with an internship. Students can start research in the junior year and apply tutorial research for course credit.
Career Path
The Biology Major is a strong platform from which to embark on a multitude of paths including graduate and medical school, as well as careers served by having a foundational understanding of biological systems, such as in education, science policy, scientific writing, healthcare, law, and drug development.