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Bachelor of Science
Biology
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Biology

Biology is the study of life. Deeply rooted in the human spirit, biology is a discipline for unusually inquisitive minds. With such a broad range of study, biology relies on an understanding of many other disciplines in the natural sciences. The study of biology is enjoying its most exciting era with the recent advent of recombinant DNA technology, cloning, molecular-based therapeutics, stem cell therapy, and  gene editing and replacement. The Biology major serves as the leading program for students in the natural sciences interested in successful application and admission into to Schools of Allopathic and Osteopathic Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Sciences, Podiatric Medicine and Physical Therapy.

Why Study Biology at CHC?

The science faculty at Chestnut Hill College have expertise in critical sub-disciplines in Biology including Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. The upper-level class sizes are usually small, typically 8-14 students, providing individualized and close interaction with the faculty members of the Department. 

Highly qualified and experienced professors not only provide your classroom instruction but most often also conduct the course-associated laboratory sessions. Additionally, an Honors Program in Biology provides even greater levels of challenge for exceptional students.

Many graduates of Chestnut Hill College's Department of Biology incoming as biology majors are placed in reputable graduate and pre-professional schools pursuing their higher education in Biology, Molecular Biology, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Optometry, Nursing, and Emergency Medicine. Recent students have earned M.D., D.D.S., V.M.D., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at several of the nation's top universities including the University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University, Yale University, Temple University and the University of Maryland. Acceptances into schools of medicine include Thomas Jefferson University, Lake Erie School of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine, UMDNJ, Temple University School of Medicine and George Washington University School of Medicine. 

Biomedical Seminar Series:
The Center sponsors a very successful annual Biomedical Seminar Series, inviting prominent speakers in cutting-edge fields of basic and medical research and treatment. These lectures provide a forum for students to review and discuss recent advances in the biomedical sciences with the invited speakers. The series also fosters meaningful interactions with our neighboring research and medical Centers, most notably UPenn, Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University and Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Biomedical Seminar Series, initiated in 1994, boasts the three Nobel Prize recipients as guest lecturers as well as a number of other nationally and internationally recognized scientists and medical professionals.  

Secondary Education Certification:
The Secondary Education Certification Program in Biology (Grades 7 -12) is available to Biology Majors seeking to co-major in biology and receive Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Certification. 

The Program integrates educational theory and practice with field experiences that include practicum and student teaching, as well as opportunities to develop teaching competence through innovative and effective approaches to the educational process with focus on students at the Secondary Level.

This program offers:

  • Major: Biology (B.S. and B.A)
  • Major: Biology with Secondary Education Co-Major
    • Concentration: Sports Medicine 
  • Minor: Biology
  • Associate Degree: Life Sciences

Career Outlook

Career opportunities for those in in receipt of the Biology major are broad and diverse. Graduates find employment opportunities in basic or medical research, as health technologists, technicians at major pharmaceutical or biotech companies but may also choose to be educators in elementary or high schools. Those who go on to pursue a Master’s or Doctorate degree can obtain faculty appointments at private and public colleges and universities. Obtaining a degree in Biology is also the most favorable and chosen track for entry into pre-professional schools to study medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and other related allied health care professions.

Internships:

Our programs provide Biology majors with diverse opportunities to integrate rigorous academic study with practical experience. Internships or Independent Studies place students under the direction of a department member or qualified scientist/mentor or physician at external graduate/medical schools and major research centers including Fox Chase Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University and Cooper Medical Center. It is not uncommon for an internship to lead to full-time employment after graduation. 

Contact info

If you are interested in becoming a Biology major at Chestnut Hill College, please email the Natural and Behavioral Sciences Center at sciences@chc.edu