Majors & Minors | Biology

Biology

Biology is life. Within this scientific realm lies the basis for the structure and function of all living things. Studying biology at JAVĿ¼ leads to a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

The scope of biology as a program of study may be big, but the size of biology classes and labs at JAVĿ¼ is not. Here you will not get lost among a sea of students in a huge lecture hall. The student-to-teacher ratio at JAVĿ¼ means more opportunities for you to:

Use high-grade equipment and facilities
Participate in hands-on research, often in conjunction with faculty
Be seen and heard, and your contributions valued

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is recommended for students who want a concentrated biological sciences program—preparing you for careers in which an in-depth knowledge of the biological sciences is expected—while the Bachelor of Arts in Biology allows more time to study other areas of the liberal arts, as well as an opportunity to pursue a double major.

Over the course of this program, you will take 22 credits worth of core biology courses, regardless of whether you choose the B.S. or B.A. track. Both tracks also require you to take courses in chemistry, mathematics, and the liberal arts.

Life After JAVĿ¼

The biology program at JAVĿ¼ prepares you for a variety of career and post-graduate options. In addition to graduate study, alumni of the program have gone on to distinguished careers in, among others:

Medical professions
Secondary and college teaching
Research
Conservation
Public health

Integrated Science and Health Sciences Building

The Integrated Science and Health Sciences (ISHS) Building provides greater avenues for the cross-disciplinary scientific learning and research initiatives at JAVĿ¼.
More on ISHS

“ The biology program at JAVĿ¼ did a great job in terms of rigor in preparing me for medical school. ”

Allen Murphy ’20
Jacobs School of Medicine at SUNY Buffalo

“ As a JAVĿ¼ Science Scholar, you are matched with a research mentor who guides you as you undertake research at the undergraduate level, helping you understand the formation of how a primary study works. It’s a hands-on experience that makes you be a scientist–not just a student. ”

Alex Freedenberg ’18
Science Scholar and Summer Research Fellow, biology major, Spanish for health professions and chemistry minor

“ The biology department has so much to offer in terms of courses that spark your personal interest and professors with different backgrounds who are willing to help with anything. ”