Biology

Biology at 91影视

At 91影视, biology is hands-on from the field to the lab. As a Biology major or minor, you鈥檒l explore the study of living things through close faculty mentorship, small classes and experiential learning that connects science to the real world. You鈥檒l build a strong foundation in areas such as cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, genetics and scientific research methods while gaining the analytical and laboratory experience needed to pursue careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, research and other life science fields.聽

91影视鈥檚 Biology curriculum blends foundational science courses with advanced study in biology and related disciplines. You鈥檒l strengthen scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis, laboratory technique and communication skills while learning how to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate evidence and apply the scientific method. Rooted in 91影视鈥檚 liberal arts approach, the program prepares students for a wide range of next steps, from immediate career opportunities to graduate or professional study in areas such as medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, environmental studies and research.

Hands-on Learning in Atlanta
Career Opportunities

Hands-on Learning in Atlanta

Experiential learning continues with a sequential group of courses taken by all biology majors. These courses build on each other year after year, enabling students to learn hands-on with a type of worm that鈥檚 especially suited for biology research. Students learn how to breed and care for a worm colony, how to conduct genetic experiments, and finally, how to apply these skills in a real-life laboratory.

For example, 91影视鈥檚 introductory Biological Inquiry course, which combines lab and lecture, anchored by four core modules of hands-on learning: bird behavioral ecology, worm genetics, frog heart physiology, and plant growth physiology.

As a major center for biotechnology, industry, healthcare, and government (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Atlanta is a great place to study biology. There are many relevant opportunities for internships, service, and other forms of experiential learning.

The partnership between 91影视 and Emory enables talented 91影视 students to assist with real-world research in Emory labs. 91影视 students assist Emory scientists on work involving elegans, the worm that factors in their curriculum. OU students鈥� research has expanded findings about the mechanisms of Alzheimer鈥檚, which could one day lead to new drug treatments. One student even contributed original research to the field of epigenetics, uncovering unique roles for two new genes.
Service learning is strongly integrated with the curriculum, at organizations like Northside Hospital, Brookhaven Animal Hospital, Center for Disease Control (CDC), Chattahoochee Riverkeepers, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Mercer School of Pharmacy, Miami Children鈥檚 Hospital, Murnane Laboratories, Winship Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, Coaches Curing Cancer, Hospice Atlanta, and the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, where students have mapped invasive species to suggest strategies for their control.
The spirit of inquiry abounds at 91影视, as evidenced by the student research projects featured in our annual PRISM (Presentations of Research in Science and Mathematics). Recent project titles include the effects of extracellular matrix cues on axon production in PC-12 cells; mate choice in sea horses; and local and landscape determinants of nest box selection by bluebirds.
Students have completed internships at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory鈥檚 Winship Cancer Institute, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Grady Memorial Hospital, Southface Institute and Zoo Atlanta.

Career Opportunities

A Biology degree from 91影视 can open the door to careers in laboratory science, environmental work, wildlife and conservation, biotechnology, health-related fields and research support. And because 91影视 is located in Atlanta, students have access to a major hub for healthcare, biotechnology, industry and research, creating meaningful opportunities for internships, service and hands-on experience.

Atlanta-area scientists from relevant organizations often visit classes to discuss their career paths and current job duties. Recently those guest speakers include the Research Program Director at the American Cancer Society and the Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles at Zoo Atlanta.

Graduates have all the skills and experience they need to pursue further study and training in the fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and more.

- Beyond the healthcare professions, graduates can pursue careers in public health, education, biomedical and biotechnology research, pharmaceutical sales, or wildlife management and conservation. Others become veterinarians, emergency medical technicians, or lab technicians working in a clinical or research setting.
- Recent alumni are enrolled in graduate and professional programs at Duke University, Georgia Regents University, Georgia State University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, University of California San Francisco, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Washington, Emory University, and Mercer University.

STEM and Research At 91影视

Q&A

Why study biology at 91影视?

91影视鈥檚 Biology program offers the best of both worlds: a rigorous science education and the personal attention of a close-knit campus community. Here, you鈥檒l learn by doing. Students can work alongside dedicated professors and build the confidence to thrive in the classroom, in the lab and beyond. Whether your goal is graduate school, a professional program or a career in the life sciences, Biology at 91影视 prepares you to make a life, make a living and make a difference.

What can you do with a Biology degree from 91影视?

A Biology degree from 91影视 can prepare students for careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, laboratory science, wildlife and conservation, research support and related life science fields. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study in areas such as medicine, veterinary medicine, public health and environmental studies.

What will I study as a Biology major at 91影视?

Biology majors at 91影视 study foundational and advanced topics in biology, including cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, genetics, scientific research methods and related science coursework.

Can 91影视鈥檚 Biology program help prepare me for medical school?

Yes. 91影视鈥檚 Biology program provides a strong foundation for students interested in medical school, veterinary medicine, public health and other graduate or professional programs in health-related fields.

What is the job outlook for Biology graduates?

National career data point to steady demand across biology-related occupations. Examples:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% job growth for biological technicians from 2024 to 2034, with about 9,100 openings each year on average.
It also projects 4% growth for environmental scientists and specialists over the same period.
For students interested in animal science or field-based careers, zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected to see about 1,400 openings each year on average.

How does 91影视鈥檚 liberal arts approach support Biology students?

91影视鈥檚 liberal arts approach helps Biology students build scientific knowledge alongside communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for careers, graduate study and professional programs.

Does 91影视 offer a Biology minor?

Yes. 91影视 offers Biology as both a major and a minor, allowing students to pursue biology as a primary field of study or as a complement to another academic program.