The Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences has a distinctive core curriculum that provides a foundation in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Students also choose electives in biology, humanities, social science and fine arts, shaping their degree programs according to their unique interests and goals.

Biological sciences students who wish to have a specialized focus can tailor their education to include a minor in disciplines such as computational biology or neuroscience. Many students broaden their education by pursuing minors in disciplines outside of the Mellon College of Science in areas such as psychology and business.

Our program offers the best of both worlds: the small size of a liberal arts program, and the educational opportunities of a large research institution.

The Biological Sciences Program provides students with rigorous training in biology, while building a strong foundation in all of the natural sciences.

Our students study biology at the macro and micro scales, focusing on five core areas:

• genetics and molecular biology
• biochemistry
• cell and developmental biology
• neuroscience
• computational biology

One of the most important features of the Biological Sciences Program is the opportunity for undergraduate students to interact with faculty. Providing a solid foundation to scientific practice is critical; therefore, the department offers students a variety of inquiry-based, hands-on courses that incorporate a wide range of topics and interests within biological sciences. These courses kick-start the transformation of science students to scientists.

Laboratory courses

Honors Modern Biology

This combination lecture and lab course provides students with a foundation in cellular and molecular biology. The laboratory component reinforces experimental concepts and encourages the analysis of experimental data. Experiments include enzyme kinetics, diffusion, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and the expression of recombinant proteins.

Phage Genomics Research

Students are introduced to biological investigation through research in bacteriophage genomics. The enormous diversity of bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—make them important models for the study of gene structure, function and regulation, population genetics and evolution. Students will use the techniques of DNA isolation, next generation sequencing and computational analysis to identify bacteriophage species and conduct a comparative genomic study.

Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology

This course teaches experimental methods of modern biology. Students conduct experiments in microbial genetics, molecular biology and eukaryotic genetics, with an emphasis on understanding and applying the biological principles of each experiment. Experimentation using living organisms and/or their tissues, cells or molecules is an essential component of this course.

Experimental Biochemistry

Students learn methods for investigating the structure and function of biological molecules, including enzyme kinetics, spectroscopy, and techniques associated with mammalian cell technology such as tissue culture and flow cytometry. During several experiments, students design their own projects. Experimentation using living organisms and/or their tissues, cells or molecules is an essential component of this course.

View a sample four year plan for the Biological Sciences degree.