Concentration Options
The Bachelor of Science in Biology offers three concentrations for students pursuing specific interests in biology, as well as the option to create a customized concentration.
Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
As a biology major with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, you’ll study ecological systems and animal behavior in the context of evolutionary biology.
You will:
- Study the physiology, ecology and evolution of animal behavior.
- Gain a greater understanding of modern evolutionary biology theories.
- Complete both field and laboratory work to collect and analyze data, and interpret your findings.
- Explore the impact of humans on Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Develop strategies to conserve, protect and restore global natural resources
Hands-On Learning
The laboratory includes access to terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats, ranging from salt marshes to mountains to forests to watersheds to wetlands to lakes. Using our well-equipped instrumentation laboratories, you’ll engage in ecological and behavioral research and investigation. Our newly renovated greenhouse space provides an ample growing environment for plants.
Career Options
Upon successful completion of the Ecology and Behavioral Biology program, you’ll be well equipped to pursue advanced studies or a career in biology, ecology or environmental science.
Positions may include:
- Conservation officer
- Environmental and sustainability director
- Ecologist
- Natural resource manager
- Marine and fisheries scientist
- Botanist
- Agriculture scientist
- Research scientist
- Teacher
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE – BACHELOR OF ARTS, BIOLOGY
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE – BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGY
Integrative Biology (pre-med, pre-vet and pre-dental)
The Integrative Biology concentration provides a course of study for students interested in pursuing careers in the medical field, including but not limited to medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. These careers increasingly demand an integrated understanding of anatomy and physiology with molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics and biochemistry. Courses in the concentration will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, positioning you for rewarding careers in the rapidly evolving field of medicine.
You will take our core biology series (Principles of Biology I and II, Ecology, and Genetics, along with significant coursework in Chemistry and Physics). If you would like to apply to medical, dental or veterinary programs you will work with our Health Professions Adviser to plan upper level coursework that satisfies the prerequisites for graduate programs of interest.
Hands-On Learning
Outside the classroom, you will build your resume through engagement in undergraduate research, internships, clinical shadowing and volunteer work. Our connections to Merrimack College alumni working in the medical field are strong, and we invite our alumni to campus on a regular basis to share their perspective with current students.
Career Options
Upon successful completion of the Integrative Biology program, you’ll be well equipped to pursue advanced studies and a career in medicine.
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE – BACHELOR OF ARTS, BIOLOGY
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE – BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGY
Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biotechnology
As a biology major with a concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biotechnology, you’ll learn how modern molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry support the biotechnology industry and biomedical research enterprise. In addition to gaining a solid foundation in biology, you’ll also have the opportunity to build your skills by performing experiments in our state-of-the-art labs.
You will:
- Explore the foundations of biology from the genome, to the transcriptome, to the proteome to cells.
- Discover the advances, tools and insights that are driving the modern life sciences enterprise in the 21st century.
- Learn the many ways that living systems and organisms can be used to develop products and processes.
- Work side by side with faculty on ongoing research projects to learn techniques regularly performed in cell and molecular biology labs.
Hands-On Learning
You’ll have the chance to conduct independent research, with guidance from a faculty mentor, and then present your work at conferences and in scientific journals. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to intern at one of many local organizations.
Career Options
Upon successful completion of the Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biotechnology program, you’ll be well equipped to pursue advanced studies or a career in the biotech, pharmaceutical or medical industry.
Positions may include:
- Research scientist in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology
- Biomedical or clinical research scientist
- Genetic counselor
- Microbiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmacist
- Bioprocess engineer
- Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device product representative
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Teacher
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE – BACHELOR OF ARTS, BIOLOGY
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE – BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGY
Customized Concentration
The customized concentration option includes a minimum of any five upper level courses woven together in consultation with your advisor.
