Biological Sciences

Develop a broad background in biology, while exploring fundamental concepts of the scientific method, laboratory techniques, and the interrelationship between science and human values.

Student working in lab

Biological Sciences is a dynamic, hands-on program that prepares you for a number of health-related professions in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, and physician’s assistant roles, as well as graduate and teacher credential programs, and entry-level careers in government and private organizations.

Through participation in leading-edge research projects, you will gain invaluable experience in research methodology, problem solving and intellectual discovery. The program also provides career-relevant internships that are designed to get you out of the classroom and into a field of interest. Short and long-term study abroad opportunities are also available in this integrated curriculum.

What is unique about this program?

All students enrolled in the Biological Sciences major take seven units of undergraduate research courses during their academic career starting in their first year. This intensive exposure to scientific research is highly valued in graduate and professional school applications.

If you're interested in health-related fields, you will also have the opportunity to participate in our exclusive Kaiser Permanente mentoring program.

What else about this program makes it stand out from other biology programs?

  • Classes are taught by professors not teaching assistants.
  • Our small class size allows for a close interaction between students and professors.
  • Internships are part of the curriculum, allowing you to gain real-life experience in the profession you are interested in while earning academic credit.
  • Study-abroad opportunities are integrated into our curriculum as either short-term courses or long-term programs.

Minor

Four minors are offered: Biological Sciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology and Organismal Biology.

Career Paths

Students with a degree in Biological Science are prepared for a wide range of careers, including environmental work, biotechnology, and secondary school teaching. This degree is also important for students pursuing further training in medical, pharmacy and graduate school. 

Concentrations

This concentration allows students to select courses from three major disciplines in biological sciences: ecology and environmental sciences, organismal, and molecular cell biology.

Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Integrative Biology.

Designed for students interested in environmental careers, such as a research assistant, technician or teacher, this concentration is also useful for students who want to pursue graduate school.

Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

This concentration is recommended for students interested in working as a laboratory technician or research assistant scientist, as well as students who plan to apply to graduate school or a professional school in the health sector. 

Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Molecular Cell Biology.

This concentration is recommended for students interested in jobs requiring fieldwork or research assistant scientist positions, as well as students who plan to apply to graduate school or a professional school in the health sector. 

Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Organismal Biology.

Degrees Offered

BA, BS, Minor

Course Catalog

Learning Outcomes

Office Hours

Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admissions and Aid

A degree from a top-ranked, private University like Dominican is deliberately affordable and accessible! More than 99 percent of our first-year incoming students receive significant financial aid through merit- and need-based scholarships as well as state and federal aid. Additionally, for most students, there is no application fee, and we don't ask for test scores. Get in touch with a counselor to learn more about your path to an exceptional college experience at Dominican!

Learn More About Admissions and Aid
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Accelerated Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Start the OTD program in your senior year and earn both your Bachelor’s and an OTD within 6 years!

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Faculty and Staff

Diara Spain headshot

Diara Spain, PhD

Professor of Biology, Department Chair
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Roland Cooper, PhD

Professor
Doreen Gurrola headshot

Doreen Gurrola, MS

Assistant Professor
Chris Endicott headshot

Chris Endicott, PhD

Laboratory Manager
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Lynne Marie LoPresto

Adjunct Professor
Meredith Protas headshot

Meredith Protas, PhD

Associate Professor MS Biological Sciences Director
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Kiowa Bower, PhD

Assistant Professor
Victoria Worch headshot

Victoria Estrella Worch, MEd

Student Services Administrator
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Joshua Manio

Adjunct Instructor

Biological Sciences in the News