A bachelor's degree in biology offers a fundamental education in life sciences that can be a stepping stone to a vast array of careers, including pharmacist, dentist, physical and occupational therapist, and many others, even doctor.
Overview & Distinctions
Overview
Graduates in biology can also directly enter industry in related jobs in healthcare or environmental companies. Or if you are interested in teaching biology at the middle school, high school or college level, a bachelor's degree is the right start.
As a Biology major at D'Youville, you'll benefit from hands-on experience in anatomy through dissection of human cadavers in our state-of-the-art gross anatomy laboratory. Typically, courses like this are taught in the first year of medical or dental school. D'Youville College is one of the very few colleges to offer gross anatomy courses for undergraduate students.
Starting in your junior or senior year, you'll have the opportunity to conduct paid research under the supervision alongside scientists at collaborating institutions like the world-renowned Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Few biology programs offer these types of exceptional undergraduate research opportunities.
BA or BS options
The Biology major offers two degree options:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology
- More extensive program that will prepare students for careers in science or medicine.
- Meets the admissions requirements of graduate programs in biological specialties, as well as medical, dental, veterinary and chiropractic schools.
- This program is linked to our joint and combined degrees in Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Anatomy.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology
- Allows students preparing for non-traditional career tracks to acquire a strong foundation in biology, while also developing skills in other areas
- Requires fewer courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics than the BS degree.
- This program is linked to our combined degree in Anatomy.
- Meets the admissions requirements of some graduate programs, including education.
- Many D'Youville students enroll in this major as they apply to our Physician Assistant program.
Why Choose D'Youville?
- Benefit from direct entry into one of D'Youville's joint and combined professional degree programs. You can earn a highly-respected bachelor's and doctoral degree here at D'Youville in less time than you can at other institutions. After you earn your Bachelor of Science degree, as long as you’ve maintained the necessary academic standards you’ll be automatically admitted to the doctoral program…no reapplying and no GREs required!
- Ace your graduate or professional school entrance exams with D'Youville's in-house review course. Students at other colleges often pay $1,000 or more to take similar courses from commercial firms. If you're unsure about a career path, your assigned faculty advisor will help you explore your options.
- Get individualized attention in small classes, usually around 20 students, and not more than 40. Science labs range from 12 to 15 students per class.
- 100% of classes at D'Youville College are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants.
- D'Youville College's long commitment to a liberal education means that you'll receive the kind of interdisciplinary education that will give you a rock-solid foundation. Gain skills like problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and written, visual, and oral communication — all skills that employers believe are critical to success, no matter what career path you decide to take.
- Gain international experience and perspective with our one of a kind study abroad experience in Italy, where you'll explore the history of anatomy through curated museum tours and private anatomy collections.
AUTOMATIC MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION
When you apply for admission at D’Youville, we’ll automatically consider you for our merit scholarships. Undergraduate scholarships can cover as much as 50% of your tuition, and there is no need to fill out a separate application! Transfer students can qualify for scholarships, as well. Unlike other schools, maintaining your scholarship is easier at D'Youville, because we use realistic GPA requirements to determine your eligibility each year.
Check out the chart below to see if you qualify:
| Scholarship | GPA / SAT (M & EBRW)* / or ACT⁺ | Tuition Waiver Amount | Dorm | GPA required to retain scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors | 88/1170 /or 24 | 50% off | 25% off | 2.75 |
| Distinction | 80/1080 /or 21 | 25% off | 50% off | 2.5 |
| Achievement | 80/980 /or 19 | $3,000 | 2.25 | |
| Transfer | 3.5 | $5,000 |
2.5 |
|
| Transfer | 3.0 | $4,000 |
2.5 |
|
| Transfer | 2.75 | $3,500 | 2.5 | |
| Dillon | 93/1360 /or 29 | 100% off | 25% | 2.75 |
| Buffalo Say Yes | No GPA minimum requirement/1080 /or 21 | 100% off | 2.75 | |
| Alumni Kinship | $300-$2,000 | Must reapply each year. Only open to relatives of D'Youville alumni. |
*Scores are based on the new SAT score format which went into effect in March 2016.
⁺D'Youville only requires that you submit the results from one test.
More information can be found on our scholarships page.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission Requirements
First Time Freshmen
D'Youville selects students who are academically well-rounded and committed to meeting the challenges of a high quality education. If you have been successful in a traditional college preparatory program in high school, you should be well-prepared for the academic challenges at D'Youville.
Students entering D'Youville College as a freshman must meet the following minimum entrance criteria:
| High School Average | SAT⁺ (or) | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 980 | 19 |
Our admitted freshman class profile:
High school average: 85% attained a B or better
Class rank: 87% of students in the top 50 percent of their class or higher
| Test Scores | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing* | 460 | 590 | 530 |
| SAT Math* | 510 | 590 | 550 |
| SAT Composite* | 1010 | 1180 | 1090 |
| ACT Composite* | 21 | 25 | 23 |
Transfer students
Students entering D'Youville College as a transfer student must meet the following
entrance criteria:
Criteria for Admission: Transfer students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher will be considered for admission.
Average Cumulative GPA: 3.26
Review the steps to apply for admission to D'Youville as a transfer student.
Curriculum
Biology BA
In the specific area of concentration
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101 | Introductory Biology | 4 |
| BIO 102 | Introductory Biology | 4 |
| BIO 302 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO/CHE 303/303/L | Biochemistry | 4 |
| BIO 312 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
Biology electives (chosen from)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 107/107/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 108/108/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 208/208/L | Microbiology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 216 | Marine Biology | 3 |
| BIO 218 | Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| BIO 229 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 230/230/L | Foundations of Environmental Science/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 231/231/L | Environmental Geology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 242 | Evolution | 3 |
| BIO 304 | Microscopic Anatomy | 4 |
| BIO 309 | Virology | 3 |
| BIO 310 | Immunology | 3 |
| BIO 314 | Botany | 4 |
| BIO 317 | Comparative Anatomy | 4 |
| BIO 320 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIO 330/L | Environmental Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 331/L | Conservation Biology | 4 |
| BIO 332 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| BIO 335 | Pharmacology I | 3 |
| BIO 336 | Pharmacology II | 3 |
| BIO 339 | Human Gross Anatomy | 6 |
| BIO 342 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BIO 389-90 | Special Topics in Biology | 3-4 |
| BIO 403 | Comparative Animal Physiology | 3 |
| BIO 407-410 | Research | 1-3 |
| BIO 479-480 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| BIO 505/L | Neurobiology | 4 |
| BIO 659 | Intermediate Physiology | 3 |
| BIO 660 | Intermediate Physiology II | 3 |
| Total elective credits | 14 | |
In other academic areas required for the major
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 101/101/L | General Chemistry/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 102/102/L | General Chemistry/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 219/219/L | Organic Chemistry/Lab | 4 |
One of the following
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 117 | Topics in Mathematics | |
| MAT 120 | Elementary Practical Statistics | |
| MAT 122 | Algebra and Trigonometry | |
| MAT 123 | Introduction to Applied Statistics | |
| MAT 125 | Calculus I | |
| MAT 389-390 | Special Topics in Mathematics | |
| Total | 3-4 | |
Totals
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major requirements | 49-50 |
| Other core requirements | 39 |
| Free electives (including core electives) | 31-32 |
| Total | 120 |
Biology BS for Health Professions Preparation (DPT)
In the specific area of concentration
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101/L | Introductory Biology I/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 102/L | Introductory Biology II/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 302/L | Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIO/CHE 303/303/L | Biochemistry/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 312 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
Biology Electives (including)
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 107/107/L | Human Anatomy and physiology I/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 108/108/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab | 4 |
| Total | 10 |
In Other Academic Areas Required for the Major
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 101/101/L | General Chemistry I/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 102/102/L | General Chemistry II/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 219/219/L | Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 220/220/L | Organic Chemistry II/Lab | 4 |
| MAT 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHY 101/101/L | General Physics I/Lab | 4 |
| PHY 102/102/L | General Physics II/Lab | 4 |
Health Professions Preparation Option (DPT)
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 203 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| MAT 123 | Intro to Applied Statistics | 4 |
| RSC 203 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
totals
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Biology BS and DPT preparation | 70 |
| Core Curriculum Requirements (in addition to courses above) | 36 |
| Health Professions Option (DPT) | 14 |
| TOTAL | 120 |
Biology BA for Health Professions Preparation
In the Specific Area of Concentration
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101/L | Introductory Biology I/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 102/L | Introductory Biology II/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 302/L | Genetics/Lab | 4 |
| BIO/CHE 303/303/L | Biochemistry Lab | 4 |
| BIO 312 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
Biology electives (including)
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 107/107/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 108/108/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 208/L | Microbiology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 339/L | Survey of Human Gross Anatomy/Lab | 6 |
In Other Academic Areas Required for the Major
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 101/101/L | General Chemistry I/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 102/102/L | General Chemistry II/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 219/219/L | Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 4 |
| MAT 123 | Introduction to Applied Statistics | 4 |
Health Professions Preparation Option (BS+MS in Physician Assistant)
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RSC 203 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| PHI/RS 214 | Challenges of Death | 3 |
| PHI/RS 312 | Bioethics Seminar | 3 |
| BIO 307 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PSY 203 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
Totals
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Master's in PA Preparation (BIO BA degree) | 54 |
| Other Core Curriculum Requirements | 30 |
| Pre-PA option | 13 |
| Free Electives | 23 |
| TOTAL | 120 |
Biology BS for Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy & Pre-Chiropractic
In the Specific Area of Concentration
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101/L | Introductory Biology I/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 102/L | Introductory Biology II/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 302/L | Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIO/CHE 303/303/L | Biochemistry/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 312 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
Biology Electives
Choose 18 credits from these courses:
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 107/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 108/L | Human Anatomy and Physiology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 208/L | Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| BIO 216 | Marine Biology | 3 |
| BIO 218/L | Invertebrate Zoology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 229/L | Ecology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 230/L | Foundations of Environmental Science/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 231/L | Environmental Geology Lab | 4 |
| BIO 242 | Evolution | 3 |
| BIO 304/L | Microscopic Anatomy/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 309 | Virology | 3 |
| BIO 310 | Immunology | 3 |
| BIO 314 | Botany | 4 |
| BIO 317/L | Comparative Anatomy/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 320/L | Developmental Biology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 330/L | Environmental Microbiology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 331/L | Conservation Biology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 332 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| BIO 335 | Pharmacology I | 3 |
| BIO 336 | Pharmacology II | 3 |
| BIO 339/L | Human Gross Anatomy/Lab | 6 |
| BIO 342 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BIO 350 | Fundamentals of Genomics, Proteonics and Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIO 351/L | Computational Biology/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 375 | Math Modeling in Biology | 3 |
| BIO 389-90 | Special Topics in Biology | 3-4 |
| BIO 403 | Comparative Animal Physiology | 3 |
| BIO 407-410 | Research | 1-3 |
| BIO 479-480 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| BIO 659 | Intermediate Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO 660 | Intermediate Physiology II | 3 |
In other academic areas required for the major
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 101/101/L | General Chemistry I/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 102/102/L | General Chemistry II/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 219/219/L | Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 220/220/L | Organic Chemistry II/Lab | 4 |
| MAT 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHY 101/101/L | General Physics | 4 |
| PHY 102/102/L |
General Physics |
4 |
Totals
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major requirements | 70 |
| Other core requirements | 39 |
| Free electives (including core electives) | 11 |
| TOTAL | 120 |
Careers
Careers
A degree in biology opens the door to many careers. It can equip you for graduate school and lead to a teaching or research career at a college or university. It may provide the foundation for a career as a doctor, dentist or veterinarian. It can also lead to a teaching position at a high school or prepare you for related occupations in business, industry and government.
We offer two Biology bachelor's degree programs to suit your specific career goals:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology
- More extensive program that will prepare students for careers in science or medicine or biological research.
- Meets the admissions requirements of graduate programs in biological specialties, as well as medical, dental, veterinary and chiropractic schools.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology
- Prepares you to work immediately in biology or a biomedical field.
- Meets the admissions requirements of some graduate programs, including education.
Internships
Internships
The Department of Biology and Mathematics strongly encourages students to perform research internships as part of the completion of their undergraduate degree. Our friendly and engaging faculty has a diverse set of research interests, ranging from bioinformatics and analytics to animal behavior and human anatomy, so finding the research project that sparks your curiosity couldn’t be easier.
Research projects engage students in new and exciting scientific discoveries that allow them to gain knowledge and experience that is beneficial in applying to graduate programs.
Involvement in research as an undergraduate doesn’t just end at the bench – students from Department of Biology and Mathematics have presented their data in local, national, and international meetings. These experiences help to broaden the horizons of our students and to develop contacts and relationships with researchers from around the globe.
Alumni Successes
Alumni Successes
Many of our graduates continue their academic studies after they earn their bachelor's degree in biology. Some even conduct research as PhD candidates in doctoral programs around the country.
- Jamal Williams '15 has degrees in Math and Biology and is now in graduate school at Buffalo State College.
- Robert Kubiak '15 has degrees in Biology and Chemistry and is now working on a PhD at Emory University.
- Scott Heller '14 has a degree in Biology and is now in medical school at the University at Buffalo.
- David Truong '14 has a Biology degree and is now studying to be a Physician Assistant.
- Cecelia Lignos '14 has a Biology degree and is now an Account Executive at Cumulus Media.
- Ashley Adamo '13 has a bachelor's degree in Biology. Her research experience as a student helped her become the Clinical Research Coordinator at DENT Neurological Institute.
- Dr. O'Dane Brady '12 has degrees in Biology, Chiropractic, and Health Services Administration from D'Youville. He is currently treating patients in South Africa through the World Spine Care Organization.
- Krista Pundt '11 is working on a PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
- Sister Patricia Kunene '11 is teaching Biology and Physical Science to grades 10-12 in South Africa.
- Dr. Caitlin Pietrosanto '11 has a bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from D'Youville. She has a chiropractic practice in New York City.
- Kristin Smith '10 is continuing her education at D'Youville and is close to finishing a doctorate in Physical Therapy.
- Benjamin Binga '10 has accepted a position as a Biotech Production Specialist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
- Zack Wintrob '09 is pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at University at Buffalo.
- Melissa Hurwitz '08 is completing postgraduate work at the New York College of Podiatry.
- Dr. Remona Rhooms '07 attended Royal Veterinary College in the UK and now works as a veterinarian at Animal Care and Control in Brooklyn.
- Kwadwo Bediako '07 was accepted into Pharmacy school and admitted into the Master's program in Biochemistry at Johns Hopkins University.
- Lamin Trawally '07 was accepted into the doctoral program in Biochemistry at the University at Buffalo.
- Dr. Kathleen Over '06 has a Biology degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from D'Youville. She is currently practicing in Williamsville, NY.
- Karen Grinnen '06 was accepted into four Pharm D programs after completing her bachelor's Degree in Biology.
- Dawn Snyder '05 graduated with a BA in Biology and a Master's Degree in Education from D'Youville.
- Tracy Travis '05 graduated with a BS in Biology and also earned a master's Degree in Education in 2006.
- Lindsay Olsen '05 graduated with a BS in Biology and earned her Physician Assistant degree in 2007.
- Michael Cole '05 started with a BS in Biology and went on to earn a master's Degree in Physical Therapy at D'Youville in 2008.
- Dr. Anna Vuori '05 graduated with a BS in Biology at D'Youville and went on to obtain her Medical Doctorate at the Brighton-Sussex Medical College in the UK. She currently practices in Finland.
- Hoang Nguyen '05 graduated with a BS in Biology and obtained his Medical Doctorate at the University of St. Louis Medical School. He did a residency in Internal Medicine at Washington University and is pursuing a specialty in Pediatrics.
- Petra Link '04 is a research associate at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
- Dr. Ryan Maine '04 received his DDS from the Dental School at the University at Buffalo.
- Michael Gannon '04 achieved candidacy for a PhD in Organic Chemistry at SUNY Buffalo in 2007.
- Dr. Tracy Guidard '03 graduated from the Dental School at University at Buffalo in 2007.
- Todd Rhodes '03 pursued his MBA at University at Buffalo after attending D'Youville.
- Dr. Matthew Strom '02 successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Oceanography at the University of Delaware at Lewes and accepted a position in the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C..
- Dr. Joel Sebastian '94 received his MD from University at Buffalo, completed his residency at Westchester, and received a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He currently practices at the Hallifax Health Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. He performs general, laparoscopic, and bariatric surgeries. He was featured on September 22, 2009 in a live webcast by ORLive.com.
- Randy Seitz '94 completed his BA in Biology at D'Youville and MBA at Clarion University. He is now the President/CEO at Penn-Northwest Development Corporation.
- Dr. Kevin Faber '93 was an honors graduate at D'Youville. His thesis centered on the neuroanatomy of vision. He completed his residency in Neurology at the University of Iowa Medical Center. He started his practice at Merit Care in Fargo, ND in July 2007. He specializes in sleep studies.