Biology - BA
UHart’s Bachelor of Arts in Biology offers fewer science courses and can lead to graduate study in biology, and careers in environmental science, science education, and the allied health care fields.
Overview
Go further than you ever imagined.
A Bachelor of Science in Biology gives you the foundation to explore life at every level—from molecules to ecosystems—while gaining hands-on lab and research experience.
From day one, our inquiry-based labs put you in the role of a scientist—asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries. You’ll also have the chance to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking research, from studying diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis to exploring how climate change affects oyster health and their resistance to harmful bacteria.
This degree prepares you for graduate, medical, dental, or veterinary school, and opens doors to careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and more. With a strong background in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in science and society.
You, Opportunity Ready
Rhiannon Lara
Biology, 26
Rhiannon is one of four students who had research published in Frontiers in Microbiology with biology faculty Professor Adam Silver and Associate Professor Laura Enzor. The research examines the consequences of climate change on eastern oyster and the aquatic bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a human pathogen that is frequently associated with foodborne illnesses.
Rhiannon is planning on pursuing a degree in medicine with a focus on family medicine and community health and is part of the University’s Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program.
The journey toward medical school is difficult to navigate and the Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program has made it easier for me to visualize the goals I want to achieve and my progress to get there.
Degree Requirements
A total of 70-72 credits is required and includes a combination of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses. The major also includes a capstone experience.
16 Course Credits
The major requires four core courses:- Introductory Biology I and II
- Ecology
- Genetics
You also select one of the following 4-credit capstone courses:
- Seminar in Life Science Writing
- Biology Research Capstone
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
19-20 Course Credits
Five additional biology courses are required. At least one course must be at the 300 level and at least one course must be at the 400 level. Examples of this flexible curriculum include:- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Conservation Biology
- Embryology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Neurobiology
Required Chemistry Courses - 16 Course Credits
- College Chemistry (Two courses)
- Organic Chemistry I and II
Required Physics Courses - 8 Course Credits
- Algebra-Based Physics I and II
Required Math Courses - 7 to 8 Course Credits
You select two of the following courses:- Biostatistics
- Precalculus with Trigonometry
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
18 Course Credits
A minor in biology can be paired with another major to help give you an edge when seeking employment. Students should apply by the end of their sophomore year to ensure all requirements can be completed within four years. Some courses may have chemistry prerequisites, adding up to 8 extra credits. You can customize your minor to fit your interests, but it must include at least one 300- or 400-level biology course and one course not required for your major.
For more information, and to see a complete list of minor requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Foundational concepts:
- Students will be able to describe and apply foundational concepts of biology.
Analysis and critical thinking using the scientific method:
- Students will be able to design a well-controlled experiment, collect and analyze data, and write a report in scientific paper format.
Transfer of knowledge and analytical skills from one course to another:
- Students will be able to analyze and evaluate foundation concepts of biology in upper level biology elective courses.
Written or oral communication of concepts or experimental results:
- Students will be able to communicate, in a written or oral format, experimental results or biological concepts clearly and cogently to an audience of peers (other biology majors).
BS in Biology with Pre-Pharmacy Option
Through a partnership with the University of Saint Joseph Pharmacy School, UHart students can complete both a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in only six years.
In this accelerated pathway, you’ll finish your biology requirements at UHart, then transition to Saint Joseph’s, where you complete your BS in Biology during your senior year while beginning pharmacy coursework.
Interested? Talk with Professor of Biology Aime Levesque, to see if this program is right for you.
Learn more about the PharmD curriculum.
Jadyn LaFlamme '25, BiologyThe courses are challenging, and important concepts were covered and taught well by brilliant professors who really care about the success of each student. There is a lot of one-on-one help available if needed and each professor taught with care, had a deep understanding of the subjects, and showed lots of enthusiasm.
Meet Your Faculty
Aime A. Levesque
Associate Dean for Academic Planning and Curriculum; Professor
Biology
Dean's Office for A & S
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Dean's Office for A & S
Mary Dowst
Office Coordinator; Executive Secretary and Treasurer
Emeriti Association
Biology
Chemistry
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Biology
Chemistry
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