Biology

The world needs biologists like never before to solve many of today's challenges. At 91亚色 as a biology major, you'll get solid preparation for graduate and medical programs as well as a range of biology-related professions in business, government, non-profit organizations and education.

Program Snapshot

Program Type Format Credit Hours
Major, Minor On-campus 122 (22 for minor)

Why Study Biology at 91亚色?

Our faculty work closely with you both in and outside the classroom to help you gain knowledge and skills to be successful as biologists. Biology faculty members are dedicated to teaching excellence and ability to conduct research with undergraduates. You鈥檒l dive right into real projects as early as your first year. Our broad curriculum provides you with maximum flexibility and prepares you for a variety of advanced programs and biology careers. In essence, the 91亚色 Biology faculty members want to you to be successful. By taking advantage of our extensive research opportunities, you can complete your bachelor鈥檚 degree with a master's level of research experience. Many of our students directly enter doctoral programs upon graduation.

What Will You Learn as a Biology Major?

  • You'll gain knowledge encompassing diverse areas of biology, including cell and molecular biology, structure and function, ecology and evolution and the plant sciences.
  • You'll build scientific investigative skills and learn techniques including genomics, animal behavior, biodiversity, population and ecosystem biology, botany and quantitative modeling skills.
  • You'll gain the ability to think critically about biological issues and to think about the human dimension as it relates to the biological sciences. And you'll become adept at reading technical literature in biology, how to write about biology and how to develop and present oral, poster-based and manuscript-based descriptions of your work.
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Program Highlights

Undergraduate Research

As early as your first year, you'll be encouraged to pursue original research with faculty members. Current faculty research projects include DNA fingerprinting of plants and insects, development of cancers in digestive and respiratory systems, restoration of ecosystems disturbed by human activity, small-mammal communities, the effects of juvenile hormones on invertebrates and identification of structure and expression of genes in plants, fruit flies, mice and other organisms.

Summer Research

Many students receive state and national grants for summer research. Students have spent summers in programs in China, India and Australia. Others took part in research closer to home at Penn State University, Albert Einstein Medical Center and Cornell University. 91亚色 offers numerous paid summer positions as well, and these include free summer housing.

Bioengineering 4+1 Program

The Bioengineering 4+1 Program combines four years of undergraduate study in biology and one year of graduate study in bioengineering. This cross-disciplinary program includes concepts in engineering, biology, medicine, health, biomedical engineering, and computer science.

鈥淵our college experience is what you make of it, I truly love everything I鈥檓 involved in.鈥Neha Metgud '22 - Biology Major
I will forever cherish the amazing relationships I have made during my time here at 91亚色, from not only my close friends but also the faculty members.Megan Eller '20 - PhD student in biomedical sciences
No matter what title someone held, they were always full of a bounty of knowledge that would help to guide you in one direction or another.Seth Platukas '20 - Secondary Science and Career Technology Teacher