Areas of Emphasis

Neuroscience

As one of the fastest growing areas in basic biology research, neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. The scope of neuroscience has broadened to include different approaches used to study the molecular, cellular, developmental, structural, functional, evolutionary, computational, and medical aspects of the nervous system. The techniques used by neuroscientists have also expanded enormously, from molecular and cellular studies of individual nerve cells to imaging of sensory and motor tasks in the brain.

Biology majors pursuing the area of emphasis in neuroscience take two introductory courses to learn about basic features of neurons and the organization of the brain, and then take a further concentration of courses in biology that are related to neuroscience. A neuroscience emphasis is posted on the transcripts of students who complete these requirements.

Both the B.S. and B.A. in biology with an emphasis in neuroscience are geared to provide students with all the preparation necessary for graduate school in neuroscience, as well as medical school and the medical school entrance exam – the MCAT.

Genomics

Are you interested in the future of research and medicine? The study of genomics has produced a fundamental shift in the understanding of biology, including the human genome and its contribution to health and disease.

Genomics is an area within genetics that concerns the sequencing and analysis of an organism's genome. The genome is the entire DNA content that is present within one cell of an organism. Experts in genomics strive to determine complete DNA sequences and perform genetic mapping to help understand disease.

Both the B.S. and B.A. in biology with an emphasis in genomics will provide students with a strong foundation for medical school, graduate school, or a career in forensics, law, and pubic & personal health.

Ecology and Environmental Biology

If you are curious about the environment, want to solve problems, and enjoy being outdoors, then you should consider an area of emphasis in ecology and environmental biology.

Ecology and environmental biology is the scientific analysis and study of interactions among organisms and their environment. This area of emphasis includes the study of interactions organisms have with one another, other organisms, and with abiotic components of their environment. Topics of interest include the diversity, distribution, amount (biomass), and number (population) of particular organisms, as well as cooperation and competition between organisms, both within and among ecosystems.

Both the B.S. and B.A. in biology with an emphasis in ecology and environment biology will provide students with all the preparation necessary to be competitive for graduate school in ecology or for an environment-related career.

Cellular and Molecular Biology

A biology degree with an emphasis in cellular and molecular biology provides you with all the preparation necessary for the health professions, pharmacy and pharmacology, and graduate school in cellular or molecular biology, virology, genetics, immunology and a variety of related fields.  You will first take two introductory courses to learn about the processes within cells and the mechanisms for communication between cells. You will then take a further concentration of courses in biology that are related to cellular and molecular biology.