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Biology, Bachelor of Science

Biologists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment.

Careers in the biological sciences are challenging and intensely rewarding, and there are a wealth of opportunities available to those with a hunger to understand how living things work and interact with the natural world.

You can prepare for these opportunities by earning your Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology at St. John's University. Offered by St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the 120-credit program is your ticket to success in this demanding field. Biologists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. Most specialize in fields such as microbiology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, botany, and ecology.

As a biology major at St. John’s, you benefit from an internationally known faculty and outstanding academic resources. Through coursework and research opportunities, you develop a broad vocabulary in biology and master the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in writing, speech and visual representations.

Graduates have confidence in their understanding of the foundational principles of biology, proficiency in the techniques and practical applications of modern field and laboratory biology, and the ability to conduct scientific studies of biological systems and present findings in scientific formats.

As a Biology major, you may be eligible to pursue pathways to graduate programs in the School of Education.

Contact

Dr. Rachel Zuffery
Coordinator B.S. Biology
[email protected]

 

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Degree Type
BS
Area of Interest
Science & Mathematics
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Department Contact

Dianella G. Howarth, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Biological Sciences

718-990-6288

Admission

For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission

Courses

To earn the B.S. in Biology, you complete 120 credits including core, major sequence, and elective requirements. The major sequence and elective requirements are outlined below. For more information about courses, please see the St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of our Undergraduate Bulletin.

CourseNumberTitleCredits
BIO1000Fundamentals of Biology I3
BIO1001LLab corequisite with BIO 10001
BIO2000Fundamentals of Biology II3
BIO2000LLab corequisite with BIO 20001
BIO3000Fundamentals of Biology III3
BIO3000LLab corequisite with BIO 30001
BIO Choose 5 BIO elective courses for at least 17 credits. 
CourseNumberTitleCredits
CHE1210General Chemistry I5
CHE1220General Chemistry II5
CHE2230Organic Chemistry5
CHE2240Organic Chemistry5
MTH1210Bio-Statistics4
MTH1220Calculus, Biological Applications4
PHY1610, 1620College Physics I and II8
  OR 
PHY1930, 1940University Physics I and II8

* BIO 1050, 1060, 1360 and 1600 are not applicable to the major sequence.

We encourage you to take advantage of research opportunities: BIO 4953 and 4954.

Success Beyond the Classroom

Students majoring in Biology at St. John's gain a solid foundation in the theory and application of biological and other scientific concepts and principles.

They learn and are mentored by an enormously gifted, internationally known faculty of scholar-teachers who care about each student's progress. Faculty encourage students to conduct their own research and to serve as partners in faculty research in the University's recently upgraded biology laboratories.

Students develop a strong academic and professional edge by joining any of St. John's more than 180 student clubs and organizations.

Clubs and honor societies of particular interest to Biology majors include these:

  • Roger Bacon Scientific Honors Society: Honor society for biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology or environmental studies
  • Watson Pre-Health Honor Society
  • Omicron Delta Epsilon:  International honor society for economics

The Skull and Circle Honor Society and the Lambda Kappa Phi Honor Society annually select students from St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who combine scholarship, integrity, and dedicated service to the St. John's community.

Other facilities include high-tech classrooms, laboratories and our 1.7 million-volume University Library. Our D’Angelo Center is a five-story, 127,000-square-foot University and Student Center with classrooms, lecture halls, a Starbucks Café and a full-service food court.

All students take advantage of St. John’s location in dynamic New York City. Our faculty and Career Services have strong ties to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area.

Interested in Science & Mathematics, but not sure if Biology, Bachelor of Science is right for you?

Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.