Biology Major
The general biology major provides students with a strong background in the biological sciences, from molecules to organisms to ecological relationships. The general major is a good choice for students interested in botany, wildlife biology, conservation biology, marine biology and secondary education. A major in traditional Biology prepares students to pursue graduate degrees or to work in a variety of settings.
The general Biology major includes courses from a variety of fields, including biology,
chemistry and physics. The required courses are as follows:
A sample 4-year plan showing a possible sequence of courses in this major.
Students in the Biology major have conducted research in a variety of fields, including marine biology, ecology, botany and microbiology, and have completed internships with a local herpetologist at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and at the Berkshire Bird Paradise, among other sites. Motivated students are encouraged to apply for off-campus research opportunities, such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, and to explore internships and other experiences in their areas of interest.
A faculty advisor will meet with each student at least once per semester, and information about specific internships, research opportunities, upcoming courses, and other topics is provided to enrolled students on the Biology Department’s Canvas page.
Students interested in graduate school should plan to take the GRE’s general test and Biology subject test. Study materials for these examinations are provided in the Biology department.
Students who have graduated with a degree in Biology have moved on to graduate programs in biotechnology, education, plant biology and other fields, and are working in a variety of settings, including research labs and hospitals.
