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.

"Careers in the sciences are essentially recession-proof. There is always a need for innovation and progress."
—Michelle McEliece, PhD, Program Coordinator

Explore some of your options through the successful GMercyU Biology alumni below. As you read their stories, you'll see they all share an appreciation for our Biology faculty, who will work closely with you on your career path, mentoring you every step of the way. This mentorship often continues after graduation.

Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals 

Amanda Pirrone '18 — Scientist at Merck & Co., Graduate Student at Drexel University College of Medicine
Miles Kehs '18 — Associate Scientist at PPD, Graduate Student (Immunology)
Meredith Weir '12 — Technical Writer at Pace Analytical Labs, Improv Comedian at The Second City
Sean Carney '11, PhD — Scientist, J&J Pharmaceuticals
Garrett Gincley '10 — Head of Manufacturing for Precision Biosciences

Scientific Research

Julia Tasca '17 — Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania
 

Medicine

Joseph Giordano' 20 — Medical Student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Joseph Pandolfi '19 — Medical Student in the Physician Assistant Program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Dhaval Patel '18, MPH — Medical Student at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Mark Pappadakis '08, DO — Attending Physician in the Emergency Department at Capital Health in New Jersey
Jennifer Lorine '06, DO — Proprietor & Physician at Jennifer Lorine, DO
 

Public Health

Jordan Abelson '21 — Master of Public Health Student at Brown University
Casey Gonzaga '18 — Disease Intervention Specialist at Montgomery County Department of Public Health
 

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.  

Have questions about GMercyU's admission requirements? Contact us! Our Admissions staff is ready to walk you through the process of applying to GMercyU’s Biology Program.

Email: admissions@gmercyu.edu
Phone: 215-641-5510

Get the education you need for a career in the sciences at one of the top biology schools in the area. Earn your Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at GMercyU!