Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Build Your Knowledge of Living Things

From unraveling molecular pathways to studying entire ecosystems, if your passion lies with living things UNE’s Biological Sciences program may be just what you’re looking for.

Our program offers three options to tailor your studies. You can major in Biological Sciences for a broad-based education or focus your studies with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology or Ecology and Evolution. Regardless of the path you choose, with a strong focus on undergraduate research and a robust internship program, our Biological Sciences degree will set you apart in the eyes of employers and graduate schools alike.

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Concentrations

Cellular and Molecular Biology focuses on the cellular processes that allow organisms to live, grow and adapt as well as the molecular mechanisms of disease and disease resistance.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology focuses on relationships between organisms and their environment as well as selective pressures that have shaped organisms’ adaptations and the diversity on Earth.

A student in a white lab coat marks a petri dish with a permanent marker

Why UNE for Your B.S. in Biological Sciences

As a Biological Sciences major at UNE, you have access to a wealth of faculty expertise from across our science and health programs. No matter what area of biology interests you, you'll experience:

A wide range of courses to choose from in biology and other fields
A breadth of student opportunities in research programs focused on Microbiology, Drosophila Neurogenetics, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Ecology, Chemical Ecology, Global Change Ecology, and Herpetology
Internships for on-the-job experience
Two optional concentrations: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Olivia Scott ’20

Biological Sciences, Environmental Science

Experiential Learning

At UNE, you get a lot of different opportunities to do research, work in labs, and gain experience that you need for after you graduate and move on to the real world.

In [Sustainability and Ecological Restoration], we were growing chestnut trees from seeds because we're trying to restore the American chestnut population, which was decimated by a foreign blight. This process was cool because we got to watch over the plants. We started them from seeds and watched them grow. Then we ended up being able to transfer them to the ground outside and continue to care for them. It made me feel like I can make change — like I am part of a much bigger purpose.

Aside from science, I love art. Any free moment that I have, I'm doing pottery. I've been involved with ceramics in the art department since I got to UNE. I love it. Ceramics is my passion. As much as I love science, I may love ceramics even more. This semester, I'm a Teaching Assistant for the throwing class. Throwing is using the pottery wheel.

Ceramics is part of who I am. It’s not what I’m majoring in, but it helps me with school because it helps me relax. People need to have outlets, and ceramics is mine. I can go to the art studio, get into the flow, and lose track of time and worries.

Why UNE

UNE’s size is not too big and not too small. The professors are able to gain a close relationship to students, so as a student, I feel listened to. My questions are answered. In a larger university, you may not have that as much because the class sizes are too large to really be able to connect to the professor or to feel comfortable seeing a professor outside of class and asking questions.

I’d say definitely check UNE out. If you're in love with the sciences, it’s the place to be, and we also have a great art department. If you love the sciences, you like the ocean, and you want to be in a smaller school, I think UNE is the perfect fit.

[The research I participated in] made me feel like I can make change — like I am part of a much bigger purpose.

What Will You Study? Biological Sciences Degree Curriculum Overview

As a Biological Sciences major, you have the option, but are not required, to concentrate in either Cellular and Molecular Biology or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

B.S. in Biological Sciences Courses

The following are some examples of the courses you might take, depending on if, or on what, you choose to concentrate:

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

General Biological Sciences (no concentration)

Curriculum

CAS Core Requirements	Total Credits
Credits	42–46

CAS Core Requirements	Credits
Total Credits	42–46

Program Required Courses	BIO 105 – Biology I: Ecology/Evolution
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	BIO 106 – Biology II: Cellular/Molecular
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	BIO 214 – Genetics
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	BIO 400-level or higher capstone course chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor (not satisfied by internship/research**)
Credits	3–4

Program Required Courses	CHE 110 – General Chemistry I or CHE 150 – University General Chemistry I
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	CHE 111 – General Chemistry II or CHE 151 – University General Chemistry II
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	CHE 210 – Organic Chemistry I or CHE 250 – University Organic Chemistry I
Credits	5

Program Required Courses	CHE 211 – Organic Chemistry II or CHE 251 – University Organic Chemistry II or CHE 310 – Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Credits	4–5

Program Required Courses	MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences (Biological Sciences Core Program and Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration) or MAT 151 – Statistics for Environmental Sciences (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration)
Credits	3

Program Required Courses	MAT 190 – Calculus I
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	PHY 110 – Physics I or PHY 210 – University Physics I
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	PHY 111 – Physics II or PHY 211 – University Physics II
Credits	4

Program Required Courses	Cellular & Molecular Area Course*
Credits	3–4

Program Required Courses	Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Area Course*
Credits	3–4

Program Required Courses	Organismal Biology Area Course*
Credits	3–4

Program Required Courses	Total Credits
Credits	56–61

Program Required Courses	Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)
Credits	Variable

Program Required Courses	Credits
BIO 105 – Biology I: Ecology/Evolution	4
BIO 106 – Biology II: Cellular/Molecular	4
BIO 214 – Genetics	4
BIO 400-level or higher capstone course chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor (not satisfied by internship/research**)	3–4
CHE 110 – General Chemistry I or CHE 150 – University General Chemistry I	4
CHE 111 – General Chemistry II or CHE 151 – University General Chemistry II	4
CHE 210 – Organic Chemistry I or CHE 250 – University Organic Chemistry I	5
CHE 211 – Organic Chemistry II or CHE 251 – University Organic Chemistry II or CHE 310 – Fundamentals of Biochemistry	4–5
MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences (Biological Sciences Core Program and Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration) or MAT 151 – Statistics for Environmental Sciences (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration)	3
MAT 190 – Calculus I	4
PHY 110 – Physics I or PHY 210 – University Physics I	4
PHY 111 – Physics II or PHY 211 – University Physics II	4
Cellular & Molecular Area Course*	3–4
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Area Course*	3–4
Organismal Biology Area Course*	3–4
Total Credits	56–61
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)	Variable

Minimum Total Required Credits	120

*Topic Area courses are to be selected in consultation with your advisor.
**Any BIO 400+ level course excluding BIO 404, 410, 495.

Topic Area Courses

Cellular and Molecular Area	BIO 203 – Histology
Credits	4

Cellular and Molecular Area	BIO 365 – Immunology
Credits	3

Cellular and Molecular Area	BIO 370 – Cell and Molecular Biology
Credits	3

Cellular and Molecular Area	Credits
BIO 203 – Histology	4
BIO 365 – Immunology	3
BIO 370 – Cell and Molecular Biology	3

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area	BIO 307 – Conservation Genetics
Credits	3

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area	BIO 328 – Human Evolution
Credits	3

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area	BIO 333 – Evolution
Credits	3

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area	BIO 350 – Ecology
Credits	4

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area	MAR 335 – Animal/Behavioral Ecology
Credits	4

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area	Credits
BIO 307 – Conservation Genetics	3
BIO 328 – Human Evolution	3
BIO 333 – Evolution	3
BIO 350 – Ecology	4
MAR 335 – Animal/Behavioral Ecology	4

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 204 – Parasitology
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 232 – Microbiology or BIO 234 – Environmental Microbiology
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 235 – Winter Natural History
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 254 – Medicinal Plant Biology
Credits	3

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 305 – Mammalogy
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 306 – Virology
Credits	3

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 319 – Ornithology
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	BIO 330 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	MAR 320 – Invertebrate Zoology
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	MAR 331 – Biology of Fishes
Credits	4

Organismal Biology Area	Credits
BIO 204 – Parasitology	4
BIO 232 – Microbiology or BIO 234 – Environmental Microbiology	4
BIO 235 – Winter Natural History	4
BIO 254 – Medicinal Plant Biology	3
BIO 305 – Mammalogy	4
BIO 306 – Virology	3
BIO 319 – Ornithology	4
BIO 330 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy	4
MAR 320 – Invertebrate Zoology	4
MAR 331 – Biology of Fishes	4

BIO 290 may fulfill biology area requirements depending on the subject matter and advisor permission.

Additional Guidelines

Students wishing to pursue teacher certification in Life Science can complete a double major with Biological Sciences and Middle and Secondary Education or a major in Middle and Secondary Education and a concentration in Biological Sciences. For more information, see the Middle and Secondary Education catalog page.

The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee

The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (PHPAC) consists of professional staff and faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences. The major function of this committee is to draft letters of evaluation for students applying to health professions programs such as Medical, Dental, and Veterinary schools. Interested students should view our web page for information regarding the protocol for obtaining a PHPAC letter of evaluation.

Graduation Requirements

A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in any of the programs in the Department of Biology. A 2.00 cumulative average in sciences is a requirement for graduation in any of the programs in the Department of Biology.

Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.

To learn more about the Biological Sciences program visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduate Program Pathways

UNE’s B.S. in Biological Sciences provides an ideal stepping stone to a graduate degree if you choose to pursue one, laying a solid foundation for our traditional two-year M.S. program as well as UNE’s graduate programs in medicine, dental medicine, physical therapy, and physician assistant – all of which you may apply for through our GradVantage program.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Secondary Education

If your goal is to be a high school or middle school science teacher, you may enroll in secondary education courses at UNE to meet the standards for State of Maine certification (grades 7-12) upon graduation.

Meet our faculty and professional staff

Academic Advising

First and Second Year Advising

Faculty Advisors

Pre-Health Advising

Biology Research at UNE: Fruit Flies and Chronic Pain

Look closer at the research that Biology professor Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., performs with the help of UNE students. Ganter’s lab focuses on studying fruit flies to understand the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms of chronic pain.

Watch more videos about biological sciences at UNE

Biological Sciences Careers and Graduate Study

Through coursework, labs, research, and internships, your degree in Biological Sciences will either set a sturdy foundation for graduate study or prepare you for a variety of exciting professions.

Our students have gone on to graduate programs such as:

Cornell University Ph.D. program in Plant Science
University of Arkansas Ph.D. program in Entomology
University of Maryland Ph.D. program in Neuroscience
UNE M.S. program in Biological Sciences
UNE D.M.D. program in Dental Medicine
UNE D.O. program in Osteopathic Medicine

And pursued many successful careers including:

Bioengineering Research Assistant
Environmental Manager
Environmental Specialist
Microscopy Research Associate
Pharmaceutical Research Associate
Public Health Research Assistant

B.S. in Biological Sciences Degree Facilities

Our oceanside campus in Biddeford provides you with some of the best research and classroom facilities in the nation for the study of biology.

Two students testing technology in the biology lab

Campus Resources

In addition to the typical resources found on a college campus, we also offer extensive computer resources, laboratories, and classroom facilities.

Harold Alfond Center for the Health Sciences

Peter and Cécile Morgane Hall

Diverse Habitats

Within a short walk or drive from our Biddeford Campus, you may explore a variety of unique habitats, including UNE’s 350 acres of contiguous forest. The State of Maine’s Natural Areas Program has labeled the land a habitat of significant value due to its high density of pocket swamps and vernal pools. The area is comprised of both uplands and wetlands and is home to many species, including wild turkeys, deer, coyotes, and moose.

A bit farther afield, you may study some of Northern New England’s most intriguing ecosystems.

Local Habitats

Regional Habitats

Interested in our Biological Sciences program?

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Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences Program

Research for Biological Sciences Majors

Conduct research as early as freshman year
Perform paid research over the summer
Engage in cross-disciplinary research with faculty from other programs, such as Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences, and the Center for Excellence for Neurosciences
Present at conferences and publish your findings

Research Opportunities

As a Biological Sciences major, you can work with faculty on research devoted to cellular and molecular biology or ecology and evolutionary biology.

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Learn more about student research opportunities in the School of Biological Sciences

Internships for Biological Sciences Majors

Our students have completed internships at many exciting sites, including:

Animal Medical Associates
RadonCheck
Center for Wildlife
BBI Pharmaceutical
Partners for World Health
Mainely Kidz Physical Therapy

For more information visit the Academic and Career Advising Center.

A student takes notes while holding up a small bottle of clear liquid

Five students prepare to do fieldwork in a forest off the Biddeford campus

Travel Courses in the Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences

UNE's travel courses allow you to stay on track with your lab sciences and College of Arts and Sciences core curriculum while gaining enriching international experience.

The below travel courses are taught by Biology faculty.

Costa Rica

Italy

To enroll in these courses, you must submit an application to the Global Education Program. You can also apply for a Global Education scholarship when applying to these courses.

Apply Today

Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.S. in Biological Sciences degree program?