Biology

Majors & Minors
Biology

Biology

"I chose biology because I have always absolutely loved science. I also love helping and providing for others. Earning a degree in biology gives me the opportunity to do both in future career paths.”

Meet Brianna Franklin, biology major and student-athlete

You should major in biology if:

You want to study humans, animals, and plants to understand biological and health functions.
You’re curious about how environments support life and allow organisms to thrive.
You want a career either practicing medicine or conducting applied research.
You enjoy spending time both in labs and outdoors and want hands-on experience in classes that take you into �鶹��ý’s biodiverse ecosystem.

Biology is the study of life, including animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and protists. Biology majors study the development and evolution of these organisms and the physical environments in which they live and thrive.

Biology majors can choose from one of five concentrations:

General Biology
Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology
Medical & Allied Health Sciences
Microbiology
Veterinary Bioscience

Whichever you choose, you’ll get experience doing lab and fieldwork, DNA mapping and sequencing, and data analysis.

Biology at �鶹��ý Lafayette

What's Biology Like?

Lab work & research
Field Work
Group work & collaboration
Writing
Presenting
Math

The biology program is among the largest, most diverse, and most visible majors at the University.

Life as a Biology Major

Green infrastructure and urban prairie sign on campus at �鶹��ý Lafayette

Unique Biodiversity in Our Own Backyard

Biology majors at �鶹��ý Lafayette have unique opportunities thanks to South �鶹��ý's native �鶹��ý. Explore, learn, and get your hands dirty while studying �鶹��ý’s many mammals, fish, crustaceans, fungi, and bacteria.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Earn credit towards your degree while living in another country through �鶹��ý Lafayette's Study Abroad programs. Travel to Costa Rica, England, France, or Italy.

Hands-On Learning

Take learning beyond the classroom through lab work and field work. You’ll have lab-based learning opportunities at the , , , and . Experience �鶹��ý through courses that travel to sites like Cypress Lake, Lake Martin, and the Atchafalaya Basin.

Student Organizations

Connect with students and professionals in our campus-based organizations including the , , and

Concentrations in Biology

General Biology

This concentration provides the broadest understanding of biology. Discover a larger worldview through the many sub-fields of biology, including cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology.

Biology - Ecology Evolution and Marine Biology - Collecting Specimen

Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology

Study how organisms both live and evolve. You'll prepare for a career in governmental labs, botanical gardens and arboretums, wildlife refuges, coastal restoration or environmental assessment companies, or marine stations.

Biology - Medical and Allied Health Science

Medical & Allied Health Sciences

This concentration prepares you for a career in human health. Improve lives with a job in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, medical clinics, forensic laboratories, hospitals, nursing, or public health facilities.

Microbiology

Study microorganisms and their effects on humans, animals, plants and the environment. This concentration can lead to jobs in hospitals, government and university research labs, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, water treatment, agriculture, pollution control, biotechnology, and energy development.

Veterinary Bioscience

If you love working with animals, choose a path in animal health and veterinary medicine. Pursue a career in veterinary clinics, animal care and husbandry, forensic laboratories, and zoological parks.

Biology According to Students

Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year

BIOL 110: Fundamentals of Biology I

with Marla Perez

I really enjoyed Fundamentals of Biology. I have to admit — it was quite a rigorous class. Once I got the hang of it, I was learning so much more than I was before. I noticed more details and understood every little part of the process that made life the way it was. That class allowed me to realize how focused I have to be throughout college if I want to perform well, and I am thankful for it.”

Shriya Gaikwad, Biology major

BIOL 230: Fundamentals of Cell and Molecular Biology

with Dr. Patricia Mire

Dr. Mire’s class was designed to cater to active learning, which happened to be quite significant as the courses that a biology major must take after Cell and Molecular Biology all stem and accumulate from the prior knowledge taught in these essential courses."

Bailey Williams, Biology major

CHEM 417G: Biochemistry II

with Dr. Eric Taylor

Biochem II was the most difficult and rewarding course during my college career. I learned the in’s and out’s of metabolism and how malfunction of a few key proteins can lead to serious disease. Dr. Taylor pushed us to integrate all of our knowledge from biology, chemistry, and physics to understand body processes holistically.”

April Pruitt, Biology major

Careers in Biology

April Pruitt

“The supportive professors and the initiative to involve undergraduates in research are my favorite parts about the biology program. The entire department truly encourages and provides many opportunities for undergraduates to increase their repertoire of skills and critical thinking abilities by engaging in research.”

Biology '20

Neuroscience Ph.D. Student at Yale

More about April

Jobs in Biology & Alumni Stories

Biologist
Biochemist
Microbiologist
Biological Technician
Biomedical Engineer
Food Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Health Communications Specialist
Pharmaceutical/Medical Product Sales Representative
Veterinarian

Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements

To major in biology, you must meet the University's admissions requirements.

See the full admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements

Biology majors are required to maintain a grade of “C” or better in each major biology course and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to enter junior year.

Students who have scored 26 or above on the ACT exams and maintain a 3.0 grade point average are eligible to participate in the .

To earn a minor in biology, you will need to complete 18 credits hours of biology courses, with a minimum of 6 credit hours being at the 300 or 400 levels.

Resources

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Biology

Meet Brianna Franklin, biology major and student-athlete