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Biology (B.S.)

Combining Theory and Practice

Launch a career in medicine, research, or biotechnology with a hands-on biology degree that puts you in the lab and the field from day one. Offered by the Department of Biology, the University of Dayton's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology immerses you in a challenging academic experience that combines rigorous theory with hands-on practice. You'll begin with the foundations of life, but quickly move into the field and the lab — discovering antibiotic-producing bacteria, wading through wetlands, exploring behavioral neuroscience or studying patterns of evolution in fruit flies. You'll graduate with the practical skills, critical thinking and research credentials required to excel in medical schools, graduate programs or STEM careers.

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Fast Facts

100% of students

meet regularly with their advisor

Five Years

to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in biology
About the Biology (B.S.) Program

Why study biology at the University of Dayton?

Participate in Hands-On Research

Undergraduates have the opportunity to work alongside faculty and graduate students as teams to conduct world-class research. 100% of our students participate in multiple hands-on activities through lab coursework. Students explore research, service, leadership, shadowing and community-engaged learning opportunities through a myriad of on-campus and community organizations.

Graduate Prepared

Our graduates find a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including the medical professions, academic and industrial research, teaching positions and government positions. We also offer a minor in biology, for students of any major, as well as minors in neuroscience and research in biological sciences.

Students learn about the vast number of career options and advanced degrees they can pursue after graduation through our seminar series. Invited professionals come to campus to discuss education and training opportunities, job requirements, future job prospects, salaries and job descriptions in various biology-related careers.

Add a Neuroscience Co-Major

Customize your degree with a neuroscience co-major. Designed to be completed in four years alongside your primary major, this co-major pairs seamlessly with biology.

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about biology at UD. You can also explore the Department of Biology and learn more about our faculty and staff.

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How do I apply to the biology program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your tuition and costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Biology (B.S.) Degree Requirements
Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

Upon completion of a B.S. program, you'll possess a professional resume, oral presentation skills, hands-on experience and analytical and computer skills valued by employers, graduate schools and professional schools.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • BIO 151 and 151L – 151: Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology; 151L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    4
  • CHM 123 and 123L – 123: General Chemistry I; 123L: General Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 148 – Introductory Calculus I
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 2
  • BIO 152 and 152L – 152: Concepts of Biology II: Evolution and Ecology; 152L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory II: Evolution & Ecology
    4
  • CHM 124 and 124L – 124: General Chemistry II; 124L: General Chemistry II Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 149 or 207 – 149: Introductory Calculus II; 207: Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 3
  • BIO 299 – Biology Seminar
    1
  • BIO 312 – General Genetics
    3
  • CHM 313 and 313L – 313: Organic Chemistry; 313L: Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • PHY 201 and 201L – 201: College Physics I; 201L: College Physics Laboratory I
    4
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • BIO 310 – Ecology
    3
  • CHM 314 and 314L – 314: Organic Chemistry; 314L: Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Social Science Elective
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • BIO Elective Biomed
    3
  • BIO Elective Env/Eco with Lab
    4
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • BIO Elective Env/Eco
    3
  • BIO Elective Biomed with Lab
    4
  • CAP Advanced Philosophy Studies
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 7
  • BIO Elective with Lab
    4
  • BIO Elective
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • BIO Elective with Lab
    4
  • BIO 420 – Biology Capstone Seminar
    1
  • General Electives
    7
  • Total Credit Hours 12

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all UD majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Biology Experience

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students can work alongside faculty and graduate students in faculty research labs conducting research projects. Biology undergraduates have co-authored 140+ scientific posters and publications in the past five years.

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Enhanced Education

From student organizations to field study to seminars, UD biology majors have many exciting and rewarding opportunities to use and expand upon what they learn in the classroom.

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Bachelor’s Plus Master’s Program

The BPM degree option allows undergraduate students majoring in biology to obtain both a bachelor of science and a master of science in five years.

Learn More About BPM

Apply to Graduate School a Year Early

UD students who want to pursue physician assistant or physical therapy graduate programs can join the competitive Flyer Commitment Pathway for Health Professions to get a head start on graduate school.

Learn About the Pathway
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support
Community
Experiential Learning
Outcomes
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Ready to Study Biology?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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