Bachelor of Science in Biology

Program Contact: Lise Thomas   203-582-8497

The BS in Biology program provides students with a biological and physical science foundation on which they can build a graduate degree in natural science or education, or use to pursue advanced degrees in the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or other health care professions. Those choosing to end their formal education with the bachelor’s degree will have a sufficient level of sophistication in biological science to assume a variety of positions with research institutions, governmental agencies or industry.

Students choose courses and follow a curriculum determined in consultation with their adviser. 

Independent Study in Biology

1. Students may take a maximum of 4 credits of Independent Study/Research (BIO 498 or BIO 499, not a combination of the two courses) to be counted toward the biology electives (Experiential Learning Component).
2. Students may take an additional 1–4 credits of Independent Study/Research to meet the maximum of 8 credits allowed. The additional 4 credits can be applied only to the “open/free electives.”

Honors in Biology

1. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better is required. A GPA of 3.5 in biology is required.
2. Students should announce in writing their intention to pursue honors in biology to both the department chair and academic adviser, no later than May 1 in the spring term of their junior year.
3. Departmental honors students are required to take BIO 399H (Honors Research in Biological Sciences).
4. Students are each responsible for obtaining a sponsor for their project prior to May 1 of their junior year.
5. Successful completion of a senior research project is required. The project must include:
   1. a written proposal;
   2. the actual completion of an approved research project under the supervision and sponsorship of a full-time faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences;
   3. the presentation of the outcome of the research project in the written format approved by the department; and
   4. a seminar presentation of the outcome of the research project.
6. Evidence of excellence in speaking and writing skills, documented by term papers, written work, oral presentations, and grades, as determined by the committee.
7. The actual granting of honors in biology is determined by all full-time faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences.

A list of the department faculty and their research interests is available in the department office.

BS in Biology Curriculum

Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences

The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.

Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective freshmen are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.

For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.

Pre-Medical Studies Program

Students majoring in Health Science Studies, Biology, Biomedical Sciences or the natural science track of Behavioral Neuroscience may fully participate in the pre-medical studies program. The curriculum in this degree program can fulfill the science prerequisites for most professional schools. Students should refer to Pre-Medical Studies for more information about the pre-medical studies program and contact the Health Professions Advisory Committee for further academic advising.