SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Biology Major (BIOBD)
Coordinator:
Dr. Michael A.
Campbell
814-898-6474. mac17@psu.edu
Chair of Major:
Dr. Paul E. Barney,
Jr.
814-898-7133; peb3@psu.edu
Biology is a versatile major that prepares you for a broad range of careers in the life sciences. Penn State Behrend's Bachelor of Science degree in Biology provides six options to maximize flexibility and make it possible for you to tailor the major to your interests and career goals.
The General Biology Option allows you to choose a broad background in contemporary biology.
The Ecology Option includes coursework such as advanced ecological principles, field biology, and animal behavior. You'll prepare for graduate study or a career in areas such as environmental protection agencies, environmental regulatory agencies, ecological research, zoo science, environmental consulting or management, and environmental education.
The focus of the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Option is cellular and molecular biology, including metabolism, DNA technology, bioinformatics, and genomics. This option is solid preparation for graduate school as well as a career in biotechnology or research in industry, government, and universities.
In the Genetics and Developmental Biology Option, you'll study transmission, medical, population, and molecular genetics along with organismal, histological, and molecular development. Career paths include genetic counseling, plant or animal breeding, developmental biology, and biotechnology.
A twelve-month clinical rotation at an affiliated hospital is a critical component of the Medical Technology Option. (Penn State Behrend currently has an affiliation with nearby Saint Vincent Health Center.) You will be eligible to take the national examination for certification and registry as a medical technologist.
The Pre-Professional Option is designed for students who are admitted to a "3 + 4" or early acceptance program at an approved professional school such as Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Temple University School of Dentistry, with which Penn State Behrend has affiliations. In this option, 21 credits of professional school are transferred toward a Biology student's degree after successful completion of the first professional academic year.
The Biology program provides students with the strong, competitive background required to succeed in professional school. Our students have pursued careers as a physician, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, pharmacist, podiatrist, veterinarian, physician's assistant, and physical therapist. Strong preparation for these professions can be realized from any of the six options offered. A health professions adviser can assist you in making the right choices.
Biology majors benefit not only from accessible faculty and a strong curriculum, but also from recently renovated laboratories, the college's natural setting, and Erie's maritime environment. Students have the opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of on-site, in-depth research projects.
View the Complete Guide to the Biology Major in PDF format.