Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life. From molecular levels to global ecosystems, it is the ongoing journey to understand the nature of life by exploring its diverse forms, fundamental properties and interactions.

In addition to required courses in cell biology, laboratory methods, evolutionary processes, cellular communications, molecular genetics and a seminar series, the biology major allows you to choose from a variety of courses investigating plants, animals and molecular biology.

Choose Your Focus 

Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences – Biology
Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences – Biology

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Evolution, Organismal Biology
• General Biology

Biology Minor

Teacher Licensure in Biology

Licensure to teach biology may be obtained by completing the requirements for either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees, in addition to the professional education requirements for secondary school certification. Students should consult the Director of Teacher Education for specific requirements.

Research That Matters

At UVA Wise, you will jump straight into meaningful, high-level scientific research as an undergraduate, working alongside of faculty who are experts in their fields. Advance real-world scientific understanding while building skills employers value across every sector, from critical thinking and problem solving to data analysis and project management. 

Opportunities include our FINS (Fellowship in the Natural Sciences) program, which provides  stipends, research support and chances to present and publish your work, as well as semester-based research-for-credit courses that offer similar hands-on experiences while earning academic credit.

Science in Action

Apply what you are learning in the classroom to real-world, meaningful problems. From exploring the biodiversity of our campus’s reclaimed lands to monitoring wildlife health internationally and studying rare species through external conservation programs, you can gain hands-on experience that builds critical skills and makes a tangible impact on science and the environment.

In Our Own Backyard

You don’t have to go far from campus to participate in critical field-based research. Our campus sits on a former surface mine, giving students a one-of-a-kind laboratory. The College is located just minutes from the Clinch River, which is home to over 50 species of mussels and is one of the most biodiverse waterways in the temperate world, as well as the Jefferson National Forest and other nearby state parks, providing excellent opportunities to study plants, animals and ecosystems up close.

Alumni and Careers

Our biology majors consistently move into meaningful careers or advanced study, with over 90% of graduates pursuing professional or graduate programs or launching into their career field. Many continue on to professional schools such as medical, dental, veterinary, physician’s assistant, physical therapy and optometry programs, including prestigious institutions like the University of Virginia, Rutgers University, and the Virginia College of Medicine. 

Graduates also move directly into meaningful careers, working with companies such as Eastman Chemical Company or joining state and federal agencies, including the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Energy and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Many also choose to pursue a teaching licensure, stepping into impactful roles in local schools.

Career Pathways:

• Healthcare and Medicine
• Research and Laboratory Science 
• Environmental Science
• Education
• Industry, Policy and Business
• Other Applied Sciences