Biology

Biology majors investigate life on earth. If you choose this major, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the biological and physical sciences; plus, you’ll prepare for a meaningful career in the health sciences, field or laboratory research, public service or teaching.

A diverse biology curriculum

In small classes, you’ll examine living organisms and the systems and processes that support life. You’ll study physiology, ecology, cell dynamics, the genetic regulation of plant and animal development, and much more. Our internships draw on Chicago’s world-class research, cultural and medical resources. You may study marine ecology at the Shedd Aquarium or advanced botany at the Morton Arboretum.

This fascinating, demanding major will prepare you for success in a variety of rewarding professional fields including health care, education and research. You can align your coursework with one of three optional concentrations: health science, molecular-cellular biology or  ecology-organismal biology.

Amazing opportunities—on campus and beyond

Find a  home in Parmer Hall, the campus’s newest and largest building. It has 16 laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, including a human cadaver lab, a digital cadaver table and robotic “patients” for simulated learning. Students can conduct research on campus or at research centers including  Rush University Medical Center, the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, the Field Museum or Brookfield Zoo.

Combine academic study with compassionate service to people in need, or immerse yourself in a different society and culture through our outstanding study abroad programs.

Prepare to Teach

Biology students whose career goal is to become high school teachers can combine their major with the Secondary and K-12 Education program. Offered by our excellent School of Education, the program includes a semester of student teaching.

Mosam Amin

Biology Graduate

“The faculty and students at Dominican inspired me to be a better person. My goal is to become a dentist. When my career is underway, I want to give back to the university and help future students achieve their goals.”

Discover something new

You won’t have to wait until graduate school to collaborate with a brilliant faculty scholar; undergraduate research is a Dominican trademark. You can even apply for special funding from the university to support your original research. Our annual research expo each April gives students a chance to practice their  presentation skills and demonstrate their scholarship. Topics of recent student projects include:

  • Yeast and Bacterial Genetics
  • Behavior Genetics
  • Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Become a leader in this rewarding field

A strong foundation in the biological sciences is great preparation for the professional world, graduate school or both. Whether you plan a career in teaching, research, medicine or public service, Dominican will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to achieve your goals. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for lifelong service and achievement.

Our graduates are thoughtful, knowledgeable, open to new ideas, skilled in the laboratory and proficient with the latest technologies. These skills prepare them to be leaders.

Michele Carvajal

Biology Graduate

“The faculty at Dominican were amazing. I really valued my relationships with them. They believed in me, were passionate about their subjects and shared their deep knowledge with their students.”