Biology

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degrees are available.
• AMU faculty members have expertise in a wide range of fields, including molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, marine biology, physiology, ecology, and anatomy.
• AMU faculty members maintain active research laboratories and offer opportunities for undergraduate research. Undergraduate researchers  regularly present their work at academic meetings and some have published in academic journals.
• AMU faculty members teach all lab sections, allowing students more personal attention and expert guidance. Most labs have fewer than 24 students.
• AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter, which exceptional students have the opportunity to join.
• Student-led organizations include the Biology club, Science Club, and pre-professional societies like the Ave Maria Pre-Dental Society.
• The Department of Biology also offers degrees in Environmental Science (B.A.), Health Science (B.A.), Exercise Science (B.A.) and Health Science Administration (B.A.), with minors in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Health Science and Exercise Science.

• Biology students at AMU have research opportunities with departmental faculty and have participated in national summer research programs. In addition, students have received internships at local companies, such as Arthrex.
• A degree in Biology is ideal for students who wish to attend post-baccalaureate studies in fields of Research, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Marine Science, or other Biological related professions. In addition, Biology majors often pursue careers in health care, academia, museums and zoos, education, governmental agencies, environmental conservation, forensic science, industry, and public policy.

The study of science is born from the conviction of the fundamental intelligibility of the world. Science at Ave Maria University testifies to the Catholic Church’s confidence in human reason’s ability to know the truth about God’s creation even apart from the illuminating power of grace. The natural sciences are not simply technological disciplines, but are truly liberal arts education in which we seek to know truth for its own sake. By enabling us to enter the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of physical reality, science instills within the students a deep sense of wonder at the natural universe. All students take at least two semesters of natural science as part of their Core Curriculum in the liberal arts education. These courses train their minds to think critically and allow them to understand more of the world that is a dim reflection of its Creator.

The Biology major provides a comprehensive study in multiple areas of modern biology. This major will serve as excellent preparation for graduate school, medical school, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or for employment in research laboratories, clinical laboratories or science education. If course prerequisites are required, they are identified within the course description. In addition to the general Core Curriculum requirements, the courses listed below are required.

Students with an interest in biology as a potential major are strongly encouraged to speak with a biology faculty advisor before beginning their freshman year.