Biology is a dynamic science aimed at gaining a better understanding of living organisms and how they interact with the environment. Biological research seeks to answer a broad range of questions, from factors that affect human health to ecological issues.

Saint Louis University's biology program offers courses that emphasize concepts over facts and aim to provide a foundation for careers in the life sciences, health professions, K-12 education and advanced post-graduate study in various disciplines. Five B.S. degree concentrations allow students to focus on specific disciplinary areas. SLU also offers a B.A. in Biology.

The program is enriched by interactions with the School of Medicine, Missouri Botanical Garden, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo and many St. Louis-based life science companies. Research experiences and internships provide students with opportunities to study biology beyond the classroom.
SLU's Department of Biology has a field station that provides unique opportunities for students to explore ecology, conservation and environmental science in an Ozark forest ecosystem. The field station offers students opportunities to take a summer class, conduct undergraduate research and participate in a semester-long program of field biology coursework.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to effectively apply core biological concepts to solve problems.
Graduates will be able to critically evaluate scientific information from multiple sources, including that from the primary literature.
Graduates will be able to apply biological principles to global societal issues.
Graduates will be able to draw valid conclusions from quantitative data.
Graduates will be able to formulate hypotheses that address research questions.
Graduates will be able to correctly perform common laboratory and/or field techniques.
Graduates will be able to effectively apply the scientific method to test hypotheses.

Careers

The biology major develops strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills that provide excellent preparation for professional schools, such as:

Medical school
Veterinary science school
Dental school
Optometry school
Graduate school in a broad range of disciplines

The skills biology majors gain also open the door to a wide variety of career options in health care, biotechnology, environmental management, conservation, education and the pharmaceutical industry.

• Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology and Physiology
• Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Biological Science
Plant Science