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Biology

At Denison, you’ll apply your biology classwork to the living world.

You can conduct research in our Bio Reserve, greenhouse, or genetics labs. You'll graduate ready for grad school, med school, or careers from conservation to biotech.

Ayana Hinton Ayana Hinton , Associate Professor, Chair of Biology, Associate Provost for Diversity…
Jenny Etz Jenny Etz , Academic Administrative Assistant

Biology

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Location: Talbot Hall of Biological Science - 213
Phone: 740-587-6261

What you’ll study as a biology major

A biology major studies the intricacies of life, big and small: Germs. Oceans. Evolution. Extinction. You’ll learn to rigorously observe the natural world and use scientific methods to reach conclusions anchored by data and supported by evidence. All bio major courses have an associated lab section, so you’ll do a LOT of hands-on science.

The basics

Start with a three-course core of molecular biology and unicellular life, multicellular life, and ecology and evolution. You’ll also take some chemistry.

Going deeper

Study conservation biology or bioinformatics, pathophysiology or plant evolution, or further your understanding of immunology and virology.

Explore through electives

Bio students pursuing a B.S. will take four additional science courses — math, physics, psychology, and anatomy are among many options.

Why is biology better at Denison?

Bio Reserve

Generations of Denisonians have conducted research at our 350-acre Biological Reserve, which includes a field station and walking trails full of native Ohio flora and fauna.

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Three biology concentrations

Tailor your major to include a concentration in computational science, neuroscience, or sustainability and environmental science.

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Share your research

Our monthly seminar series invites faculty, students, and outside speakers to discuss their research projects and connect with members of the biology community.

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Jobs as a biology major

A Denison biology degree will prepare you for medical or graduate school or for jobs in health care, research labs, environmental agencies, advocacy groups, and in the field as foresters or fisheries biologists. See where our grads land.

Career communities

Biology majors often join one or more of our career communities. Discover potential jobs and career paths in one of our career communities, like our Technology, Data, and Science career community.

Career Exploration

Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.

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Beyond the Classroom

Summer Scholars

Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholar program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.

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Study Abroad

Study biology in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and build your career network. Off-campus opportunities might include programs at the Semester at Sea, Arcadia Abroad, the School for Field Studies, and DIS Copenhagen.

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Internships

Recent Denison biology majors have interned at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Center for Integrated Oncology and Survivorship.

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Biological Society

Some students join the Denison University Biological Society (DUBS), taking trips and joining biology-related activities alongside faculty. DUBS also participates in the local community through volunteer events with children to encourage a love of science.

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Spotlights

Professor Eric Liebl and Hannah Swahn '16

Just follow the molecules

“Every piece of data tells us something and points to a new question,” says biologist and geneticist Eric Liebl.
Dr. Bruce Spiess '76
Where We Go

Saving Lives

For years Dr. Bruce Spiess ‘76 has been helping to save lives as an open-heart anesthesiology specialist. Today, he’s poised to save thousands.
Hanada Al-Masri, Mohamed El-Sayed, Hannah Bennet

Building Public Speaking Skills

Hannah Bennet ’21 and Mohamed El-Sayed ’20 get great public speaking experience after a course that features a lot of listening.
Amanda Walsh, Jeff Thompson, Rachel Reardon
How We Learn

Mentorship Matters

Senior biology students gain valuable experience during four years of guidance by Biology Professor Jeff Thompson.
Bee hotel sculpture
How We Learn

Buzz on Campus

Entomology, literature, and design are fed by imagination in this cross-disciplinary student project.
SarahKoslingPeaceCorpsNepal
Where We Go

Life in Nepal

A Peace Corps volunteer shares insights from her time in Nepal.

What's Happening

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