A single nerve cell, transmitting electrical impulses in a continuous chain of stimulus and response. A wind-polished cypress tree, its roots digging deeper into the soil with every passing season. A patient receiving chemotherapy to help target and destroy the cancer invading her body. Each of these situations, and every function of every living being, is within the scope of interest of a major in biological sciences.

Major Requirements

You will begin your studies with foundation courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, followed by depth coursework that spans the many biology disciplines. Students may choose to pursue a bachelor of arts (A.B.) degree, which provides greater opportunities to incorporate coursework outside the Biological Sciences major. Students who pursue a bachelor of science degree will take more upper-division coursework than A.B. candidates and can choose from areas of interest such as molecular biology and genetics, animal behavior, plant growth and development, bioinformatics, marine biology, forensics and microbiology.