Bachelors of Arts in Biology
The Biology Department at Regis College offers a broad and complete education through close interaction with faculty and small class sizes. Meanwhile, an individualized focus of study, including internships and independent research, prepares students for a variety of career paths.
Off-campus internship programs are available. Recent biology students have interned with organizations such as:
- Massachusetts General Hospital, several clinical & basic research, Boston, MA
- High School Biology Laboratories, Lawrence, MA
- Biosciences Research Associates, Inc., Cambridge, MA
- Dental Associates of New England. Waltham, MA
- Genzyme, Inc. Framingham, MA
- Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA
- Tufts University, Molecular Biology, Medford, MA
- Several veterinary clinic, Greater Boston area
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Microbiology Laboratory, Jamaica Plain, MA
- New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
- Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA
Biology students have the opportunity to conduct research on campus in the areas of developmental biology, immunology, ecology, microbiology, physiology, and genetics. Topics have included:
- Investigation of source of bacterial contamination in the Charles River watershed.
- Development of cornea in the chick embryo.
- Development of heart in chick embryo.
- Mechanism of inactivation of bacterial enzymes by germicide.
- Investigation of bacterial plasmids and antibiotic resistance.
- Investigation of parasitic protozoa in water fowl.
Biology graduates may further their education in graduate school or pursue a career in such fields as medicine and allied health, basic science research, education, biotechnology, epidemiology, pharmaceutical sales and laboratory management.
The following courses are required for the biology major
- BI 103, BI 104 Introductory Biology/Lab
- BI 209 Introductory Microbiology/Lab
- BI 210 Cell Biology/Lab
- BI 302 Seminar: History of Biology
- BI 307 Genetics/Lab
- BI 322 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology
- BI 401 Seminar: Ethical Issues in Biology
- CH 103, CH 104 Chemical Structure and Reactions/Lab
- CH 305 Organic Chemistry/Lab
-
Four upper-level electives in Biology, chosen from
• BI 305 Ecology
• BI 306 Neurobiology
• BI 308 Developmental Biology
• BI 312 Animal Physiology
• BI 315 Virology
• BI 316 Immunology
A student earns a BA in Biology, with available Concentrations in:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Environmental Biology
Finally, depending on the student’s career pathway, these courses may be recommended:
- CH 306 Organic Chemistry/Lab
- MA 101, MA 102 Introductory Calculus
- PY 213, PY 214 General Physics/Lab
Biology Major Curriculum: Four Years
The following is a sample four-year curriculum schedule for the biology major. You also have the option to participate in the College Honors Program.
First Year
| Semester I | Credits | Semester II | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI 103 Introductory Biology/Lab | 4 | BI 104 Introductory Biology/Lab | 4 |
| Math requirement* | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| First Year Seminar | 3 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
| EN 105 Writing Seminar | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| CH 103 Chemical Structure and Reactions/Lab** | 4 | CH 104 Chemical Structure and Reactions/Lab** | 4 |
Second Year
| Semester I | Credits | Semester II | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI 209 Introductory Microbiology/Lab | 4 | BI 210 Cell Biology/Lab | 4 |
| CH 305 Organic Chemistry/Lab** | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
Third Year
| Semester I | Credits | Semester II | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI 307 Genetics/Lab | 4 | BI 302 Seminar: History of Biology | 3 |
| Biology Elective | 3 | BI 322 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Biology Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective |
Fourth Year
| Semester I | Credits | Semester II | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI 401 Seminar: Ethical Issues in Biology | 3 | Biology elective | 3 |
| Biology elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
* One course beyond MA 100, or achieving a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement calculus test. Students who do not achieve a math SAT score of 440 will complete MA 100 prior to a higher-level math course. MA 100 may be waived by passing a competency exam prepared by the Math Department.
** Since a student may begin the chemistry sequence only after meeting the MA 100 requirement, some students may begin the chemistry sequence in the second year.
Biology Minor
Knowledge of biology is highly desirable as an adjunct to many other majors and professional fields. Combining the Biology minor with another area gives you valuable cross-disciplinary expertise as well as the opportunity to make your academic preparation distinctive.
With a comprehensive, well-rounded education, you may attain a wider and deeper knowledge of your field—and become more competitive in the job market.
Required Courses
BI 103, BI 104 Introductory Biology/Lab or BI 105, BI 106 Anatomy and Physiology/Lab.
Seminar course required
BI 302 Seminar: History of Biology or BI 401 Seminar: Ethical Issues in Biology
Elective Courses
Select three from:
- BI 108 General Microbiology/Lab or BI 209 Introductory Microbiology/Lab
- BI 210 Cell Biology/Lab
- BI 305 Ecology
- BI 306 Neurobiology
- BI 307 Genetics/Lab
- BI 308 Developmental Biology
- BI 312 Animal Physiology
- BI 315 Virology
- BI 316 Immunology
- BI 322 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology
- BI 326 Environmental Microbiology
