Biology
A biology major or minor involves undergraduate students in scientific research through investigative laboratory activities and independent research projects as a part of courses, a faculty member’s research laboratory, or senior honors thesis projects. Biology majors learn and practice hypothesis development, experimental design, and data presentation and analysis. They also learn to use the primary literature to place research and results into context. After Wheaton, many graduates enroll in Masters or Ph.D. programs or go to medical, dental, optometry, or veterinary school. Graduates pursue careers in such fields as biotechnology, conservation biology, environmental education, and medicine.
Related majors
Students interested in the biological sciences may consider declaring a major in Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science or Neuroscience, and should meet with the designated program coordinators to discuss the program of interest.
Health professions
Students planning a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary or other health professions should consult a health professions advisor early in the first year in order to plan a suitable program. Medical schools require a minimum of two semesters of biology, two semesters of physics, two semesters of mathematics, four semesters of chemistry and two semesters of English. The MCATs include material from physiology, microbiology, genetics, cell biology and biochemistry as well as other biological topics. Therefore, some 200-level course preparation is recommended.
Also see information on Wheaton’s pre-med advising. For more information on pre-med advising contact Dean Steve Viveiros in the Filene Center for Academic Advising and Career Services.
Programs
