Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science - Organismal Biology/Physiology Concentration

The biological sciences encompass many fields. Biologists study the structure and functions of living organisms, from the individual cell to the whole organism and communities. In the past three decades, advances in molecular biology and genetics have been rapid, opening many new, exciting career opportunities in the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Biology graduates can pursue a variety of options including graduate and professional school in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related areas, as well as careers in research or commercial laboratories, private and government agencies, and in teaching. The Organismal Biology/Physiology concentration focuses on the biology of organisms, including the diversity of life on Earth and the function of organisms at the physiological level. The four required organismal/physiology courses provide students with a foundation in the cellular or biochemical basis of physiologic events and the diversity of organismal forms, as well as an in-depth study of physiology. Students with interests in pre-health can specialize in human physiology and its application to health and disease. The required courses in the concentration include: BIO 201 Human Physiologies or BIO 254 Invertebrate Morphology and Physiology BIO 203 Human Physiologies II or BIO 256 Vertebrate Morphology and Physiology BIO 270 Development Biology BIO 412 Biology of Aging or BIO 284 Biology of Stress or BIO 466 Endocrinology Selection of two additional organismal/physiology electives allows students to tailor their studies to their specific area of interest, while two additional elective courses from the other concentrations and two lab electives complement students' breadth of knowledge in modern biology. This concentration will prepare students for careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and industry, and for further research in human biology, organismal biology or physiology. CAREERS Our alums go on to have careers in medicine, veterinary sciences, dentistry and other allied health professions, including careers as physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists. Many hold research positions in the private sector; become technicians in government and academic labs; or work as research scientists and professors in diverse fields such as cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology and forensic biology. Other career paths include genetic counseling, clinical trials coordination, bioinformatics, genomics, clinical lab medicine, public health, policy, science journalism, teaching and law. Biologists may also be employed in “green” jobs in biotechnology, field research, evolutionary biology, biodiversity and conservation. The opportunities are numerous and varied.