Biology Major: Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology

All biology majors are required to complete a research experience to prepare you for graduate school, medical school, or the workforce. And, almost every required course has a laboratory component, because the best way to learn is with hands-on experience guided by faculty experts.

See a lab activity completed by our Developmental Biology students — they studied the process of fertilization by collecting gametes from live sea urchins and mixing the sperm and egg together. 

GMercyU’s laboratories feature modern instrumentation and facilities for biology and chemistry: thermal cyclers, electrophoresis equipment, a research room with tissue culture hoods used for work in cell culture, and more.

Recent research projects include:

• Studying how the brain’s neuroimmune cells contribute to alcohol-induced brain dysfunction and degeneration
• Contributing to a national research project focusing on the search for new antibiotics secreted by soil-dwelling bacteria
• Investigating organic compounds with the potential to function as anti-cancer agents

Students can also present their research, contribute to publications, and even receive a financial stipend for summer research. See what our Biology majors presented at our Spring 2020 University Research Conference!

Summer Research: See how students spent a summer sampling fish from a local stream and evaluating a variety of factors regarding responses to the environment and the reaction of the immune system to pollution. They worked side-by-side with faculty.

All of these research opportunities give GMercyU biology students an edge in their job searches and graduate school applications.

Here, Amanda Pirrone ’18 shares how her research experiences at GMercyU helped her land a job she loves.
 

Wondering what your classes will look like as a biology major? Here’s a closer look at just a few GMercyU Biology Program courses.

BIO 251 Genetics
An investigation into the fundamental principles of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance and the molecular and cellular basis of heredity, including the molecular and biochemical processes behind inheritance, gene expression and development. Additional topics include pedigree analysis, mutation and cancer, the conflict between nature and nurture, modern DNA technology, population genetics, evolution, and the ethical impact of genetics on society. 

BIO 402 Molecular Biology of the Cell
This is a project-driven laboratory course that introduces students to the world of mammalian cell culture. In addition to learning basic cell culture techniques, students will use cell viability assays, spectrophotometry, RNA isolation, reverse transcription PCR, and DNA gel electrophoresis to investigate important research questions in cell biology. Students will also gain experience in experimental design, data analysis, presentation of experimental results, and maintenance of a detailed laboratory notebook. 

BIO 415 Developmental Biology
A study into the biochemical, molecular and genetic factors that regulate organismal growth and development. The field of classical embryology will be combined with molecular biology to investigate the mechanisms by which DNA dictates organism form and function. The course will cover topics including cell fate determination and differentiation, fertilization, embryogenesis, pattern formation, the regulation of gene expression during development, plant and animal cell lineages, tissue and organ formation, gene rearrangements in adult cells, aging, and developmental responses to the environment. Molecular mechanisms of development will be examined in species ranging from bacteria to higher plants and animals. 

CHM 301 Biochemistry
Chemical structure, function and reaction of biologically important molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; biological membranes; enzyme kinetics, regulation and mechanisms.

For all Biology course descriptions, please refer to the undergraduate catalog.

GMercyU’s Biology Program encourages students to explore careers that interest them. Some embark on our specific Program Career Paths, others have different plans.

Sean Carney ’11, for example, earned his PhD in molecular biophysics and structural biology from the University Pittsburgh after graduating from GMercyU. Today, he works as a Research Fellow in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School. 

Here are other careers to consider…  

Top Jobs for Biology Majors

Biomedical Engineer
An aging population will increase the need for medical equipment and technology, and therefore, this type of job, now through at least 2029.* 
Degree Requirements: A bachelor’s degree, such as a biology degree. Sometimes a graduate degree, depending on the organization, is required, as well.
Average Salary: The national median pay is $91,410. *
*Source

Physician
Work in a hospital, for the government, in schools, or in private practices. Physician salaries are among the highest of all occupations.*
Degree Requirements: A bachelor’s degree, a medical school degree, and three to seven years in internships or residency programs.
Average Salary: The national median pay is $208,000 per year* 
*Source

Research Scientists
Work in a laboratory or office in academia, a research hospital, or within an industry.
Degree requirements: You can find some entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree in biology; more advanced positions require a master's degree or PhD.
Average Salary:  Salaries vary depending on the position, experience, and degree required. Medical scientists with a PhD, for example, earn an national median pay of $88,790.*
*Source

More Possible Careers for Biology Majors

• Aquaculture Farmer
• Aquarium & Museum Worker
• Aquatic Biologist
• Barrier Beach Manager
• Biochemist
• Bio-technologist
• Botanist
• Brewery Laboratory Assistant
• Coastal Resources Worker
• Commercial Fishing Engineer
• Dentist
• Dietitian & Nutritionist
• Ecologist
• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Health
• Environmental Protection
• Epidemiologist
• Ergonomist
• Fisheries Conservationist
• Food Scientist
• Forester
• Genetic Counselor
• Genetic Engineer
• Health Officer
• Hydrographic Survey Technician
• Marine Fisheries Worker
• Medical Librarian
• Medical Technologist
• Microbiologist
• Mining & Petroleum Industry
• Molecular Biologist
• Mycologist
• Neurobiologist
• Optometrist
• Pharmaceutical Salesperson
• Pharmacologist
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physical Therapist
• Physiologist 
• Physician Assistant
• Public Health Worker
• Quality Control
• Science Illustrator
• Science Teacher
• Science Writer/Technical Writer
• State Parks & Recreation
• Toxicologist
• Veterinarian
• Water Quality Technician
• Wildlife Resources

*Some of these careers may require additional education. 

Learn more about what you can do with a biology degree here.  

At GMercyU, we strive to make a quality education accessible to all through financial aid, scholarships, and grants. As a military-friendly university, we welcome service members and participate in all VA educational benefits programs. 

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