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Health Sciences
Natural Sciences

Biology Degree Program

Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology
Degree Options:
  • Major (BA)
  • Major (BS)
  • Minor
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What is a Biologist?

The field of biology is vast. From ecology and genetics to anatomy and neuroscience, biology majors are interested in studying life to discover its variety and characteristics.

This curiosity and desire for learning by doing is embraced by professors who mentor their students and engage them in challenging research and professional development opportunities outside the classroom.

Degree Specializations

Molecular Biology: This specialization is all about the study of molecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. Students interested in the health professions often get degrees in this specialization and this includes, but is not limited to, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, pre-physician assistant, genetic counseling, and other health specialties.

Environmental Biology: This specialization focuses on organisms and their relationships to each other and their environments. Students pursuing careers in ecology, environmental biology, botany, zoology, natural resource management, etc. would take this track.

General Biology: This specialization covers the widest scope of biology, with courses from across the discipline. All biology degrees prepare students for graduate and professional schools, work in laboratories and other scientific endeavors, and teaching (with appropriate certification).

Because of our size, we are able to offer individualized attention in our classes and labs. Professors take a personal interest in their students and assist them in securing internships with other universities or companies in various industries. These relationships are critical for students wanting to apply to graduate or medical schools.

Course Experiences

All TLU Biology degrees now include a semester of research, because we believe that to be trained in science means that you need to be exposed to the "doing" of science in the form of scientific research. Biology students are encouraged to take advantage of faculty-mentored undergraduate research opportunities. Every senior participates in a capstone project that may include an original research project, a poster presentation and an oral presentation that is presented at our Student Academic Symposium in the spring.

Courses students might take include: Biodiversity, Biological Systems, Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, and Aquatic Biology.

Majors also take courses in chemistry, math, and physics to better understand the full scope of biology and how these areas work together.

Download the Biology Brochure

Degree Plans

Outside of the Classroom

Meet the Faculty

Mark Gustafson

Professor of Biology, Environmental Studies Program Director

All Faculty