Explore the Foundations of the Natural World
The biology major at Elms College gives you a broad background in scientific theory and research. In our program you’ll have the freedom to conduct experiments on topics that interest you, ranging from the microscopic (genes, molecules, and cells) to the macroscopic (ecosystems, organisms, populations).
Our hands-on classes help you master the scientific method, learn new lab techniques, and apply your knowledge in ways that make a difference. Your work isn’t limited to the classroom, either. Bio majors at Elms complete internships, present original research at conferences, and even co-author articles with faculty.
Push the Limits of Scientific Discovery
Studying biology at Elms is only the starting point of your journey as an inquisitive thinker. You can launch your love of science into many fulfilling careers:
- Become a research scientist. Gain ample experience running experiments here. Then, confidently apply to Ph.D. and master’s programs. Our biomedical sciences program is the perfect stepping stone if you want to do research that changes the future.
- Become a medical expert. The healthcare field constantly needs doctors, physician assistants (PAs), and other specialists. In our program you can customize your studies to prepare for these career paths. If you already know that you want to practice medicine, check out our pre-health, pre-med track.
- Become a science teacher. Double major in biology and education so you can inspire students to investigate the mysteries of the universe.
Our students go on to accomplish extraordinary things. Recent alumni can be found in pathology laboratories, research labs, colleges and universities, hospitals, doctor’s offices, government agencies, and classrooms.
Connect Biology with Ethics
How will your research impact the world? Our bioethics and medical humanities minor challenges you to think about the ethical aspects of scientific research and its applications. Classes on forensic science and environmental biology ask you to reflect on the intersections of science, criminal justice, public policy, industrialization, and more.
Quick Info
Required Credits
67
Degree Option
Bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in biology; minor in biology
- Conduct original research in the Lyons Center, a 22,000 sq. ft. research facility with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Gain hands-on experience in the life sciences, both in the classroom and in the field.
- Benefit from personalized instruction and small class sizes.
- Work with faculty to create a career development plan.
- Explore extracurricular opportunities in Western Massachusetts.
Alexandra Norton ’20
“I like being challenged. When I was researching colleges, I looked with the intent of going somewhere that would help me get to veterinary school.”
Junior biology major Alexandra Norton ’20 chose Elms for its research opportunities. The Bolton, CT, native, who started community college when she was only 13, says that gaining this experience will help set her apart when she applies to veterinary school. Read Alexandra’s story.
Curriculum
Click to view course requirements for the Biology (B.A.).
Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits/Minimum GPA: 2.5
Major Requirements (66 credits)
Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Biology Courses (36 credits) | ||
BIO 3101 | Ecology | 3 |
BIO 3101L | Ecology Lab | 1 |
BIO 1203 | General Biology I | 3 |
BIO 1203L | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
BIO 1204 | General Biology II | 3 |
BIO 1204L | General Biology II Lab | 1 |
BIO 3001 | Developmental Biology | 3 |
BIO 3001L | Developmental Biology Lab | 1 |
BIO 3201 | Genetics | 3 |
BIO 3201L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
BIO 4004 | Biology Seminar | 3 |
Biology electives (13 credits) |
Other Science Or Math Courses (30 credits)
Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
CHE 1201 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 1201L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 1202 | General Chem II | 3 |
CHE 1202L | General Chem II Lab | 1 |
CHE 2101 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 2101L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 2102 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 2102L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
PHY 1005 | General Physics I | 3 |
PHY 1005L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
PHY 1006 | General Physics II | 3 |
PHY 1006L | General Physics II Lab | 1 |
Click to view course requirements for the Biology minor.
Minor Requirements (24 credits)
Students electing biology as a minor field of concentration must take 24 semester hours chosen from the department course offerings in consultation with a faculty member from the department. The choice of courses will be related to the student’s major and subsequent career goal.
Course offerings are updated on a rolling basis and can be discussed with your program director or faculty advisor.