B.A. in Biological sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Delaware

Program Overview

The B.A. in Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware gives students a broad foundation in biology, from cellular and molecular processes to physiology, ecology and genetics, making it a strong choice for students considering healthcare, research, teaching or graduate and professional study. The program combines biology, chemistry, physics and quantitative coursework with laboratory experience, while allowing students to explore their interests through electives, research and study abroad opportunities.

Curriculum Structure

Freshman: Students begin with the fundamentals through BISC 207/217 – Introductory Biology I and BISC 208/218 – Introductory Biology II, both combining lectures with laboratory work. They also build their chemistry foundation through CHEM 103/133 – General Chemistry and CHEM 104/134 – General Chemistry, alongside Pre-Calculus, writing and first-year courses.

Sophomore: Students move into broader biological systems through BISC 302 – General Ecology and BISC 306 – General Physiology, while CHEM 321/325 – Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 322/326 – Organic Chemistry II develop their understanding of the chemistry underlying biological processes. The B.A. curriculum also includes language and university breadth requirements, giving students room to develop a wider academic perspective.

Junior: The curriculum becomes more focused on the cellular and genetic foundations of life through BISC 305 – Cell Biology and BISC 303 – Concepts in Genetics and Molecular Biology. Students also complete PHYS 201/221 – General Physics I, PHYS 202/222 – General Physics II and STAT 200 – Basic Statistical Practice, strengthening the quantitative and scientific skills needed for biological study.

Senior: In the final year, students deepen their interests through a BISC elective, an Experimental BISC Laboratory Course serving as the capstone, and a BISC 4XX or 6XX literature-based course. This final stage brings together laboratory investigation, scientific reading and independent academic interests while students complete remaining breadth, writing and elective requirements.

Focus areas

Physiology, Cellular Biology, Ecology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Microbiology.

Learning outcomes

Students develop an understanding of biological processes across multiple levels, strengthen experimental and laboratory skills, build scientific reasoning and data-analysis abilities, and gain the foundation needed for advanced study or careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology and education.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The B.A. in Biological Sciences is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences within the University of Delaware's College of Arts and Sciences. The official program information does not identify a separate specialized professional accreditation for the B.A.; the program is designed primarily as preparation for graduate and professional programs as well as entry-level scientific employment.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Delaware reports that 100% of students with a bachelor's degree in biology are employed or pursuing further education, while the Department of Biological Sciences has 900+ undergraduate majors. The department also highlights research, laboratory and faculty-mentored opportunities as important parts of the student experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Delaware gives Biological Sciences students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning into laboratory investigation and faculty-led research. Students work with experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis and interpretation in both large and small laboratory classes, and they can apply for research with a faculty member as early as their first year. The department's research environment includes specialized facilities for DNA sequencing, microscopy, molecular imaging, whole-animal imaging and cellular proteomics.

Students can build practical experience through several university resources:

Faculty-led undergraduate research: Students can join research laboratories and work alongside faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, developing technical and scientific communication skills.
Integrated Biology and Chemistry laboratories: BISC 207/CHEM 107 integrates introductory biology and chemistry with laboratory work, including collaborative laboratory activities in the Patrick T. Harker Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory.
Experimental BISC Laboratory: The senior-year experimental laboratory course serves as the program's capstone, giving students an opportunity to apply biological investigation skills.
DNA sequencing: Departmental and affiliated facilities provide access to DNA sequencing resources supporting biological research.
Advanced imaging: Students benefit from research infrastructure involving microscopy, advanced molecular imaging and whole-animal imaging.
Cellular proteomics: Cellular proteomics facilities support research into biological systems at the molecular and cellular level.
Delaware Biotechnology Institute: The department's research facilities and affiliated institutions include the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, providing an interdisciplinary research environment connected to biotechnology.
Research presentation: Students undertaking research can present their original work at scientific meetings and may pursue a thesis leading to a Degree with Distinction or Honors Degree with Distinction.
Study abroad: The Biological Sciences major is eligible for University of Delaware study-abroad opportunities, adding an international dimension to the undergraduate experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Biological Sciences is designed to keep several pathways open, from professional healthcare programs to graduate research and entry-level positions in scientific industries. University of Delaware specifically identifies medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, genetic counseling, optometry, research, teaching, laboratory work and biotechnology-related careers as possible directions for biology graduates.

Typical career roles include: Research Scientist, Bioanalyst, Laboratory Technician, Biology Teacher

Career preparation: The B.A. provides a foundation for advanced study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physical therapy, physician assistant programs, optometry and other health-related fields.
Research opportunities: Students can gain faculty-mentored research experience, develop laboratory and scientific communication skills, attend scientific conferences and potentially graduate with research publications or distinction.
Industry opportunities: The department states that bachelor's graduates can enter research laboratories, federal and state agencies, and chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, with potential directions including research, product development, quality control, sales, marketing and management.
Employment outcomes: The University of Delaware reports that 100% of students with a bachelor's of science in biology are employed or pursuing further education. This is an official biology outcome statistic, but it is specifically reported for the B.S., so it should not be presented as a B.A.-specific employment rate.
Career services and outcomes tracking: UD's Career Outcomes system follows graduates' employment and continuing-education activities within six months of graduation using the NACE First-Destination Survey model and reports employment, continuing education, employers and salary information where sufficient data are available.
University and research partnerships: Biological Sciences students benefit from research connections involving the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Nemours Research Foundation at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, and the Center for Translational Cancer Research.
Professional preparation: The program's broad biological foundation can support progression into healthcare and professional programs, while laboratory and research experience strengthens preparation for scientific careers.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, genetic counseling, optometry, research and other professional or graduate programs. University of Delaware also offers 4+1 pathways, including Biological Sciences/Biology 4+1 (BS/MS), allowing eligible students to combine undergraduate and master's-level study in an accelerated structure.