Biology

Biology Fundamentals

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Biology is the fastest-growing field of science today — its impact is carried to many fronts — medicine and health care; the environment and climate changes; global population and food sources. 

  • Core courses provide the fundamentals of modern biology (e.g., principles of biology, evolution, ecology, cell and molecular biology, genetics)
  • You can earn a bachelor's of science degree with a major in Biomedical Science or Biology, and within these programs you will be able to choose such courses as:
    • pre-med track
    • human anatomy
    • neurobiology
    • biomimicry
    • microbiology
    • ecology and evolution
    • molecular biology
    • field ecology
    • genetics
    • biology of behavior
    • comparative biomechanics
    • animal physiology
    • aquatic biology
  • Your work within the Department of Biology can also serve as a cornerstone for our B.S./M.S. degree or our new Early Assurance Pathway with Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Professional Preparation

Coursework will prepare you for professional schools, such as medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy. We have several partnerships with local medical, pharmacy and osteopathy programs that can be found on our Partnerships web page. In collaboration with our LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education, our department can also prepare you to teach high school biology.

    Integrated Approach to Experimentation

    We cross boundaries between traditional disciplines, from the cellular to the ecosystem level, and our Integrated Bioscience and Biomimicry programs underscore our broad approach to the study of biology. Through these programs, our students examine bio-based problems using techniques and ideas drawn from chemistry, engineering, geosciences, computer science and more. This cutting-edge approach to research also forms the basis for much of our teaching, as many courses offer hands-on training and a multidisciplinary methodology.

    Our Faculty 

    • are innovative and interactive in both the classroom and laboratory environment
    • have been recognized with numerous teaching awards
    • use multimedia technology, inquiry-based teaching and research experiences to enhance classroom learning

    Akron Advantage

    Hands-on Research

    The Department of Biology offers an array of research experiences.

    Recent Placements Include:

    Biology Student Organizations

    Interact with other biology students and professionals in the field through such organizations as:

    • Minority Association of Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Students
    • Phi Delta Epsilon (Pre-med Fraternity)
    • Pre-Dental Club
    • Neuroscience Club
    • Pre-Optometry Club
    • Pre-Pharmacy Society
    • Pre-Vet Club

    For more information on biology clubs and organizations, see our Biology Clubs web page.

    Sample Curriculum

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    For More Information:

    Department of Biology

    Contact: Dr. Jordan Renna

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    Career Opportunities

    Degrees and Preparation

    A degree in biomedical science or biology paves the way to many careers in research and development, especially in such areas as medicine, health care and biotechnology. Entry-level positions in biology require at least a bachelor’s degree; research positions typically require an M.S. or Ph.D. degree.

    Possible positions with a bachelor's degree:

    • technical sales and service people, research assistants, laboratory technicians, or medical laboratory staff members
    • administrative and managerial positions with duties ranging from overseeing food and drug programs to directing activities at zoos
    • high school teaching

    Graduates with advanced degrees pursue careers as:

    • Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, or university professors and researchers

    Career Outlook

    • Opportunities are expected to grow for biologists, especially in drug research, development, testing and
      manufacturing industries.
    • Graduates with experience in industry through academic laboratories, internships, fellowships or
      co-ops stand out among job seekers.

    Career Services

    Career Services is located in Student Union 211, with another office in College of Arts and Sciences Building 126. Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.