Biology Major and Minor

The Path to Your Dream Career

Earn your B.S. in Biology degree and prepare for a career in:

• Molecular Biology
• Laboratory Science
• Biomedical Research

Just a few of the many career options include:

• Research
• Graduate and Medical School
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician’s Assistant
• Dentist
• Environmental Biologist

Our Alumni in the Field

Recent internship locations students have applied to include UMass Medical School, UMass Boston, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Broad Institute, and more. Our alumni are leading the way at:

• Baystate Health
• Dana Farber Cancer Institute
• Maine Medical Center
• UConn Graduate School - Cell/Molecular Ph.D. Program
• UMass Medical School
• And more!

Prerequisites:

Core Requirements:

Students must complete a minimum of 12 additional elective credits at the 2000/3000 level according to the following criteria. A minimum of 3 credits must be taken at the 3000-level in addition to BIOL 3120.

Biology Electives (Choose from the following list):

Requirements in Related Areas:

To qualify for honors in Curry science-related majors, the following criteria must be met:

• Maintain a 3.5 GPA overall + 3.5 GPA in major
• Complete application
• Complete the Science Communications course with B+ or better
• Complete Independent Research course with B+ or better
• Complete Honors Research + Senior Honors Thesis (4 cr) with a B+ or better.

Students can earn a minor in biology by taking any 15 credits in graded Biology (BIOL) courses (See Biology major requirements in the accordion above), at least six credits of which must be taken at Curry College.

1.       Students will be able to explain the basic concepts of biology.

a.       Knowledge of cell structure and function understanding the metabolic processes of cells in terms of cellular organelles, membranes, and biological molecules
b.      Knowledge of the diversity and similarity of living organisms at organization levels ranging from molecules to the community
c.       Knowledge of the nature and function of genes and processes of inheritance and natural selection as they influence the characteristics of population and species
d.      Knowledge of ecology

2.       Students will learn a variety of skills necessary to function as a biologist in the workplace or as a candidate for an advanced degree.

a.       Ability to design experiments with appropriate controls and to conduct original research.
b.      Ability to use specific laboratory tools and techniques (e.g. effective use of microscopes and lab instruments, handling of microorganisms, making up solutions).
c.       Ability to apply mathematical or statistical approaches to understanding biological information.

3.       Students will develop scientific critical thinking skills

a.       Ability to assess the appropriateness of experimental designs and significance or relevance of data.
b.      Ability to think critically in reading and analyzing biological information in both mass media and research journal articles.

4.       Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate, verbally and in writing, knowledge of biology, biological methods, and biological issues in context

5.       Students will develop an awareness of the impact that biology has had on society at large as well as the interactions of biology with other disciplines such as psychology and sociology (with which interdisciplinary courses are offered), and art and history.