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Biology, B.S.


Gain a strong foundation in science and hands-on research that prepares you for medical school, graduate study or careers in biology.

As a biology major, the program has high expectations for you that are rewarded with the successes that come to those willing to work hard and commit to their education.

With a degree in biology from LR, you can work in the sciences, health care, education, government, non-profit, research, communications, attend graduate school and much more.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. or B.S. in Biology degree at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology degree at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ.

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The Bachelor of Science in Biology major acquaints students with information and methods pertinent to a variety of biological areas, as well as selected areas of chemistry, physics and mathematics. Some of the courses include study of genetics, cellular biology, ecology, plant anatomy and physiology, and independent research.

This major prepares qualified students to enter graduate school in the biological sciences as well as medical school, dental school, veterinarian or other professional schools. In addition, biology in conjunction with other academic programs offers a dual-degree program in pre-forestry and pre-environmental management.

Jillian Peterson '21

I went into general biology because I didn’t know I wanted to be a veterinarian. I knew science was my thing, but this let me tailor my education to my interests.

Jillian Peterson '21

Learning Outside the Classroom


In addition to extensive laboratory experience through all of your biology courses, there are many opportunities for students to learn and develop skills outside of the classroom. Outdoor classroom activities and field experiences are planned throughout each academic year. Students perform ecological studies at lakes, streams and in the mountains. You can also take an active role in science outreach and in nature preservation on campus.

Student Research

Biology students are required to complete an independent research project — performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation — and present your findings to faculty and peers.

Internships

You may choose to participate in an internship available through area hospitals, laboratories, physician and dental offices, veterinarian clinics, as well as science centers. Work study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can gain valuable experience serving as lab and/or faculty assistant.

Biology Events

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.

Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.

Major Requirements

The Biology major offers a comprehensive foundation in the life sciences, integrating key concepts and methodologies from biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students gain broad exposure to the biological sciences while developing critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory skills. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology is ideal for students planning to pursue advanced study in graduate, medical, dental, or other professional health programs. This rigorous degree includes coursework in physics and requires participation in undergraduate research, providing strong preparation for competitive postgraduate opportunities.

Honors

Students majoring in Biology judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate ''With Honors in Biology,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must complete Ìý²¹²Ô»å Ìýin the junior year and ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å ÌýÌýin the senior year with a minimum grade of ''B'' in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. , , Ìý, and ÌýÌýmay count for Ìý²¹²Ô»å 4hrs of general elective for the B.S. degree.Ìý

News & Events

Colette Romp analyzing bacteria

Lenoir-Rhyne students have the unique opportunity to choose and control their own research projects with the help of dedicated faculty members.

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An LR student studying elephants at the North Carolina Zoo

Throneburg is tasked with collecting observational data on Louie the elephant to develop the NC Zoo's understanding of his daily behaviors. She is also tasked with recording interactions between Louie and the zoo's four females — Rafiki, Nekhanda, Tonga and Batir — as they integrate into a herd.

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