Biology
A Unique Educational Experience
Our students are immersed in a challenging academic experience that combines theory and practice. You begin in the classroom learning the foundations of biology, but quickly find yourself discovering antibiotic-producing bacteria, wading through wetlands, exploring behavioral neuroscience, analyzing real-time physiological data collected on classmates, or studying patterns of evolution in fruit flies.
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98%
of graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees
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46%
of graduates attend health professional school or graduate school
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100%
of students meet regularly with their biology faculty advisor
A High-Quality Education
There are countless opportunities for students to participate in the application of biology and it begins by choosing their career path. Biology majors can choose between a biomedical track or an environmental/ecology track.
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.
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.
Accelerated Learning:
Earn both your bachelor's degree and master's degree at the University of Dayton through one streamlined program.
The 5-year “Bachelor's Plus Master's” (BPM) degree option allows bachelor of science students majoring in biology to obtain both a bachelor of science and a master of science in five years. The undergraduate degree is earned in the first four years, with the master's degree being earned in the fifth year.
BPM students are charged at the regular undergraduate tuition rate for their first four years, and are offered an ~30% discounted rate (the graduate tuition rate) for the 24 semester hours of graduate coursework they must complete in their fifth year. To help support their M.S. degree completion, several paid teaching opportunities in the chemistry department are available for BPM students.
We invite you to contact the Department of Biology to learn more about coursework, research and other requirements.
Contact the Department of Biology
Explore
Visit Campus
Interested in learning more about biology? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by calling our department at 937-229-2521. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.
Undergraduate Research
Department of Biology faculty pursue a wide spectrum of research interests. Undergraduate students can work alongside faculty and graduate students in faculty research labs, conducting research projects. Biology undergraduates have co-authored 149 scientific posters and publications in the past five years.
University of Dayton Emergency Medical Services
Students interested in pursuing a career in health care may find UD EMS is a perfect hands-on learning experience. As a member of the 100% student-run volunteer emergency medical services organization, our undergraduate students provide pre-hospital care and transportation for all medical and trauma emergencies on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the academic year.
Honors Program
Qualifying incoming students are automatically designated as honors students. Program benefits and opportunities include: honors diploma, honors thesis research, scholarships and fellowship support, and priority course registration.
Stander Symposium
An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment. In the past five years over 225 biology students presented their research at Stander Symposium.
Biology Alumni Network
UD's large, national alumni network allows students to engage with and learn from professionals across the country who are working in various fields. Biology alumni are making a broad impact toward advancing the common good.
Funding Opportunities for Undergraduate Research
UD has strong support for undergraduate research including the Honors program, College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Summer Fellowships, Integrated Science and Engineering Summer CoRPs program, Berry Summer Thesis Institute and biology donor-funded awards.
Experiential Learning
Real-World Experience
Through practical learning opportunities like internships and co-ops, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.
Next Steps
$4 million
in sponsored faculty research
22
average class size of upper-level biology courses