Biology

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Biology

• BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
• BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
• BIOL2123 Genetics
• BIOL2131 Biochemistry OR CHEM2111 Biochemistry with Lab
• BIOL2301 Experimental Biology Laboratory
• BIOL4160 Seminar
• CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I(SI-L)+AND  
  CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II(SI-L)+ 
• CHEM2101 Organic Chemistry I+
• BIOL4194/95 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences (with permission of instructor; a one-semester experience with approved research component

* Qualified students may replace CHEM1101 and CHEM1102 with CHEM1103 
+Biology majors are approved to receive a passing grade of C- in CHEM1101, CHEM1102, and CHEM2101

Electives: 
Five biology electives, which include three with laboratory and two at the 3000-level, with or without a laboratory. Students must choose at least one from each of the two categories of biology electives. The remaining courses are chosen according to interest.

Category 1: Cellular/Molecular Electives

• BIOL2115 Determinants of Health and Disease
• BIOL2119 Current Topics in Biological Research
• BIOL2151 Marine Microbiology with Lab
• BIOL2303 Biotechnology Applications
• BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with Lab
• BIOL3103 Cell Biology with Lab 
• BIOL3119 Immunology
• BIOL3125 Molecular Biology
• BIOL3127 Microbiology
• BIOL3132 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry
• BIOL3135 Cancer Biology
• BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II*
• CHEM3121 Introduction to Molecular Modeling 
• NEURO3214 Psychopharmacology

Category 2: Organismic/Systems Electives

• BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
• BIOL2121 Human Health and the Environment (SJ)
• BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
• BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab 
• BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with lab
• BIOL3105 Endocrinology
• BIOL3151 Exercise Physiology with lab
• BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II*
• NEURO2201 Neurobiology
• NEURO3200 Computational Neuroscience
• NEURO3205 Neuroendocrinology
• NEURO3216 Neurobiology of Addiction
• NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience

* BIOL4149 counts as a 3000-level biology laboratory elective for a B.S. in biology if the entire two-semester internship sequence (BIOL4194 and BIOL4195) is completed. The student's advisor determines the appropriate category for the internship. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (BIOL4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 11 required biology courses.

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in Biology

Five courses (no more than two at the 1000-level), such as:

• BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
• BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
• Any three biology courses except: INT3211, BIOL4160, BIOL4178, BIOL4194 and BIOL4195 

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

• Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
• Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
• Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
• Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
• Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
• Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.

Students seeking teacher licensure in biology must complete a major in biology, as well as complete required education courses and ­student teaching. Education requirements are available through the education department. Interested students should also consult the biology department regarding the optimal selection of electives.

Students seeking Initial Licensure in Massachusetts must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
 

Biology majors have a wide array of career paths available to them, spanning various industries including healthcare, research, education, environmental science, biotechnology, and more. Here are some potential jobs and career paths for biology majors:

Healthcare and Medicine

• Medical Doctor (MD): Requires further education in medical school and residency.
• Nurse: Requires additional nursing education and licensure.
• Physician Assistant (PA): Requires a master's program in PA studies and certification.
• Dentist: Requires dental school and licensure.
• Pharmacist: Requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and licensure.
• Medical Laboratory Technician: Conducts lab tests and analyses, often requiring certification.
• Public Health Worker: Involves working on public health initiatives, often requiring a Master's in Public Health (MPH).

Research and Development

• Research Scientist: Conducts experiments and studies in various fields like genetics, microbiology, or pharmacology.
• Biotechnologist: Works in developing products or technologies related to biology, such as genetic engineering or drug development.
• Bioinformatics Specialist: Uses computational tools to analyze biological data.
• Clinical Research Coordinator: Manages clinical trials and research studies.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

• Biotechnologist: Works on developing new technologies and products in biotechnology.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Markets and sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers.
• Quality Control Analyst: Ensures products meet quality standards and regulations.

Genetics and Genomics

• Genetic Counselor: Provides information and support to individuals regarding genetic conditions, often requiring certification.
• Genomics Researcher: Studies genes and their functions, often working in labs or research institutions.

Agriculture and Food Science

• Agricultural Scientist: Works on improving crop yields, pest control, and sustainable farming practices.
• Food Scientist: Develops and tests food products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.

Forensic Science

• Forensic Biologist: Analyzes biological evidence in criminal investigations, often working in crime labs.

Health and Safety

• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: Ensures workplace safety and compliance with health regulations.
• Epidemiologist: Studies disease patterns and health issues in populations, often requiring additional education in public health.

Science Communication

• Science Writer/Journalist: Writes articles, reports, and books on scientific topics for various audiences.
• Public Relations Specialist: Manages communications and public image for scientific organizations or companies.

Veterinary Science

• Veterinarian: Requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and licensure.
• Veterinary Technician: Assists veterinarians, often requiring certification.

Environmental Science and Conservation

• Environmental Scientist: Studies the environment and works on conservation and sustainability projects.
• Ecologist: Studies ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Wildlife Biologist: Researches animal behaviors, habitats, and conservation.
• Environmental Consultant: Advises businesses and organizations on environmental best practices and regulatory compliance.

Education

• High School Biology Teacher: Teaches biology at the high school level, often requiring a teaching credential.
• College or University Professor: Requires a Ph.D. and involves teaching, research, and publication.
• Science Educator: Works in museums, zoos, aquariums, or science centers to educate the public about biology.

These career paths leverage the skills and knowledge acquired through a biology degree, including analytical thinking, research capabilities, technical skills, and a deep understanding of living organisms and their processes. Biology majors are well-equipped to pursue careers that make significant contributions to science, healthcare, the environment, and education.

Science majors develop a variety of skills throughout their studies, including:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Science majors learn to think critically and logically, and to analyze complex data and information.
• Research and data analysis skills: Science majors learn to design and conduct research studies, collect data, and analyze results using statistical methods.
• Attention to detail: Science majors must pay close attention to details in experiments, observations, and data collection to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Laboratory and technical skills: Science majors gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and technical procedures.
• Communication skills: Science majors develop strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts and data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Science majors often work collaboratively in research teams, requiring effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Adaptability and creativity: Science majors must be adaptable and creative in solving problems and developing new ideas and approaches to research questions.
• Computer and technology skills: Science majors must be proficient in using computer software and technology for data analysis, modeling, and simulations.

Scientists have several ethical responsibilities that they need to uphold while conducting research. Some of the ethical responsibilities of scientists include:

• Honesty and Integrity: Scientists are expected to be truthful in their research and results, and they should not manipulate data or misrepresent findings.
• Responsibility: Scientists have a responsibility to ensure that their research does not harm the public, animals, or the environment.
• Confidentiality: Scientists must respect the privacy and confidentiality of their research participants and maintain confidentiality with any data or information that they obtain.
• Objectivity: Scientists should remain impartial and avoid personal bias or conflicts of interest in their research.
• Informed Consent: Scientists must obtain informed consent from their research participants, especially if the research involves human subjects.
• Publication and Reporting: Scientists have a responsibility to accurately report their research findings and ensure that their research is published in reputable journals.
• Respect for Intellectual Property: Scientists must respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism or infringement of copyrights.
• Transparency: Scientists should be transparent about their funding sources and disclose any potential conflicts of interest.