WHY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES?

Innovative and exciting introductory courses
Hands-on laboratory classes taught by professors not teaching assistants
Access to faculty at every level of study enabling one-on-one mentoring
Knowledgeable advisors to guide you through your academic career
Freedom to take a variety of courses across colleges

We offer a B.S. degree in three majors: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Physiological Sciences. All majors have a similar
curriculum in the first two years. Each major has a core sequence and elective
courses in biological sciences including: developmental biology, ecology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neurobiology, physiology, and plant biology.

Beginning in fall 2009 there will be two new majors. A track within Physiological Sciences for direct-admit Physical Therapy (PT) students to earn a B.S. degree after their 4th year. This is an ideal major for PT students with an interest in combing clinical practice with a research career. Students in the College of Education with a desire to teach high school biology can earn a B.S. degree with a second major, Biology for the Professions.

WHO WILL TEACH YOU?

You won't find our faculty behind closed doors and inaccessible. They will be in labs, teaching you, because that's where student-focused learning is best achieved. Faculty will push you hard in the lab—where the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1—because they are heavily invested in what you learn. Opportunities will be abundant, and you'll learn science as science is practiced.

Our faculty:

have an established history as recipients of the university’s Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence.

are recipients of the university’s Lawrence G. Haggerty Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, the university’s top honor for research.

have research programs where they are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in a variety of fields.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

Common to all majors:

The strength of the Department of Biological Sciences majors is flexibility. You can concentrate on molecular biology, cell biology or system physiology or have a different approach by studying ecology, plant biology or microbiology. Common to all majors:

FRESHMAN YEAR
Biology 1 and 2 (2 semesters)
Chemistry 1 and 2 (2 semesters)
Other classes to satisfy your core requirements
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Cell biology
Genetics
Organic chemistry (2 semesters)
Gain experience by working in a lab
And other classes to satisfy your core requirements
KEY JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEAR COURSES
Biological Sciences major :
Three laboratory classes (or two lab courses plus independent study course)
Five biological sciences electives
Independent study course (a second BIOL 4995 can substitute for an elective)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major:
Biochemistry and the Molecular Basis of Biology
Experimental Molecular Biology
Physical Chemistry
Quantitative Analysis
Laboratory course or independent study course
Three biochemistry or molecular biology electives

Physiological Sciences major:
Human Physiology
Neurobiology
Experimental Physiology
Experimental Neurobiology
Human Anatomy
Three physiological sciences electives (which could include an independent study course)

Biology for the Professions:
Introductory lab (BIOL 2001)
Human Physiology, Plant or Microbiology lecture course
One additional lab course
Three biological sciences for the professions electives

WHAT ARE THE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERGRADUATES?

We emphasize laboratory training and research for our students. These research experiences frequently lead to publications in which the undergraduate is a co-author with the faculty mentor.

Enroll in BIOL 4995 (independent research) and receive academic credit for
research conducted in one of our 18 faculty labs. This can count as one
laboratory course requirement.

Apply for a competitive summer research program.

Spend a semester or summer at Duke University Marine Laboratory

LEARNING OUTCOMES/ WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF OUR CURRICULUM?

Upon completing a degree in one of our majors a student should be able to:

Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in biology, with a deeper understanding in specific areas of interest.
Apply knowledge of scientific methods and experimental design to solve biological problems.
Use critical thinking skills in analyzing biological data, demonstrated through written and/or oral presentations.

WHERE DO OUR GRADUATES GO AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

All of our majors prepare students for a variety of careers as well as professional schools and graduate schools. See the careers section for more information

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR MAJORS?

If you have a question about any of our majors or want to visit us send an e-mail to the Dr. Robert Fitts the Department Chairperson via e-mail.

READY TO APPLY?

Marquette students who wish to enroll as a major in the Department of Biological Sciences should go to the Department office in 109 Wehr Life Sciences.

Students who are considering enrollment at Marquette University should consult our Explore Marquette site.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

HELPFUL INFORMATION

UNDERGRAD RESOURCES