Derived from the Greek words bios, meaning life, and logos, meaning study, biology is at the heart of new ways of understanding ourselves as human beings in relation to other living things. Biology at Wesleyan is fully committed to and engaged in active research and learning, offering a broad range of courses that emphasize the process of scientific inquiry and current experimental approaches while also considering real-world implications of biological issues: the ethics of embryonic stem cell research, gender issues and reproductive technologies, the AIDS epidemic, and the impact of human activity on natural communities. B.A./M.A. and PhD programs are also offered.
Students who major in biology often pursue careers in research, medicine, conservation, public health, bioethics and sustainable resource use.
What You'll Study
- Biology research areas at Wesleyan include evolution and ecology, neurobiology and behavior, and cell and developmental genetics.
- As a biology major, you'll be required to take Biology I and II and labs plus six advanced biology electives, two semesters of general chemistry, and three semesters of specific physics, organic chemistry, math, statistics or computer science courses. You'll have the chance to participate in intensive scientific engagement through hands-on laboratory or field courses, participation in lab research (typically begun prior to senior year) or enrollment in an advanced seminar or class.
- Biology majors are encouraged to begin their major in the first year so that they can take maximum advantage of upper-level biology courses and research opportunities in later years.
