Biology is the scientific study of life: the diversity and organization of organisms, from single-celled bacteria to multi-cellular plants and animals, including humans. These different levels of biological organization range from the molecules and cells that compose an organism, to the interacting organisms that make up an ecosystem. Hands-on experiences, from designing and conducting lab experiments to making field observations, using many different procedures and instruments, play an important role in gaining biological knowledge.
Skills for the Real World
The B.S. in Biology at Penn State Berks is designed to educate students about the world of living things through a broad biology curriculum. All students in the major will take courses in introductory biology, ecology, cell and molecular biology and animal/plant physiology. Faculty in the Department of Biology at Penn State are exploring ways to cure neurological diseases, to conserve coral populations in tropical oceans, to discover more efficient ways to use plants for food and bioenergy, to develop vaccines for infectious diseases, and investigating many other facets of biology, all with the goal of positively impacting humans and the environment.
Concentrations or Academic Tracks
View the Suggested Academic Plans.
- General Biology
- Genetics and Developmental Biology
Internship Opportunities
Students may choose to participate in one or more of the various internship opportunities. These professional work experiences allow students to apply their education in a real-world setting and perform research in their field of interest. Many students attain internships with local zoos or wildlife programs, while others pursue internships either outside the local area or abroad.
Graduates from this degree program have completed internships at:
- Berks Conservation Owl Internship
- Disney
- Philadelphia Zoo
- NSF-REU Programs
Research Opportunities
Graduates from this degree program have conducted research in:
- field experimentation in water birds
- biochemical and genetic experiments in the fruit fly
- cell culture
- microbiological systems
- food microbiology
- theoretical chemistry
- analytical chemistry
Double Majors
Students can pair the following programs with this degree program for a double major:
- Chemistry
Minors
Students can pair the following minors with this degree program:
- Applied Psychology
- Business
- Communication
After Graduation
The Biology major prepares students for work in a variety of fields including park and recreation, laboratory technicians, and pharmaceutical work. The degree provides the prerequisite coursework for a variety of professional schools including medical and veterinary. The degree also prepares students for graduate study in a variety of biological disciplines.
Graduates from this degree program have gotten jobs at:
- Merck
- Eurofins
Graduates from this degree program have gone on to graduate school at:
- Harvard University
- Cornell University
- Hershey Medical School
- Thomas Jefferson University
