Biology

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

Framingham State’s BS degree in Biology provides excellent preparation for a wide variety of career paths in the health professions, biotechnology, wildlife conservation, industry, research, and education. Our diverse curriculum includes courses in organismal biology, human and animal physiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, ecology, wildlife biology, botany, and marine biology.

Every Biology major selects a concentration according to their interests and career goals. The five concentrations offered are General Biology (UBIG), Wildlife and Environmental Biology (UBIW), Biotechnology (UBIO), Biology Secondary Education (UBIT), and Pre-Health Biology (UBIP). See the Program links at the bottom of this page for specific Biology core and concentration requirements.

In addition to regular course work, every Biology major participates in an intensive capstone research program. Through first-hand experience students come to understand the scientific process and appreciate the complexity and diversity of biological systems. The program also gives the students invaluable training in scientific writing, data analysis, and oral presentation skills.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Describe principles of biology
2. Solve problems using laboratory and/or field techniques
3. Analyze data objectively
4. Evaluate scientific literature
5. Communicate in written and oral form
6. Relate biological knowledge to ethical/social issues

PRE-HEALTH STUDIES PROGRAM

The Pre-Health Studies Program, jointly run by the Biology Department and the Chemistry & Food Science Department, provides career-specific course guidance to students in any major who are interested in pursuing a medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, or other health-related career. Students in the Program also have the opportunity to apply to the Health Professions Advisory Committee for a composite letter of recommendation. Please visit the Pre-Health Studies Program page for more information.

BS/PSM 4+1 PROGRAM FOR BS IN BIOLOGY TO PSM IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biology majors planning a career in biotechnology or the biopharmaceutical industry may elect to combine their BS in Biology with the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree in Biotechnology - Quality Assurance. This 4+1 program prepares graduates to enter the job market with both scientific expertise and management skills for long-term career growth and success. Interested students should apply in the fall of their junior year. Please visit the BS/PSM 4+1 Program page for more information.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

The Biology Department participates in two interdisciplinary programs offered by the University: the Environmental Science and Policy major co-sponsored by the Biology and Geography Departments, and a Neuroscience minor sponsored in conjunction with the Department of Psychology and Philosophy. For more information see Program links below.

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION MINOR

Biology majors who are considering a career in a science writing, editing, or publishing may elect to declare a Science Communication minor, an interdisciplinary minor offered by the English Department. The minor consists of five courses, one of which is a 160-hour supervised practical experience in an approved professional setting. To declare a Science Communication minor, students must complete the appropriate form and obtain the signature of one of the following department chairs: Communication Arts, English, or Physics and Earth Sciences. Students should meet with an advisor in the minor to design a course plan. See Program link below for details.

BIOLOGY FOR NON-MAJORS

The Biology minor may be elected by non-Biology majors when biology course work would complement the major program. See Program link below.

For non-science majors the Department offers several general education courses on a variety of topics including human biology, marine organisms, plants, and the environment.