Bachelor of Science in Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brandeis University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Brandeis University is an intensive biology degree designed for students seeking a strong foundation across modern biological sciences, particularly those interested in research and science-related careers. Students study genetics and genomics, cell and organism biology, evolution and biodiversity, chemistry, physics, quantitative methods, and advanced biology electives while developing laboratory and research skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through BIOL 14a Genetics and Genomics and BIOL 15b Cells and Organisms, alongside CHEM 11a/11b General Chemistry and the associated chemistry laboratories. The courses introduce genetic principles, cellular organization and function, biomolecules, and the chemical concepts that underpin modern biology.

Year 2: Students move into hands-on biological experimentation through BIOL 18b and BIOL 18a General Biology Laboratory, while completing CHEM 25a/25b Organic Chemistry and CHEM 29a/29b Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Quantitative coursework is also introduced, strengthening students’ ability to work with scientific data and analytical methods.

Year 3: The curriculum expands into physics through PHYS 10a/10b with PHYS 18a/18b Physics Laboratory, while students begin their biology and science electives. This stage gives students greater flexibility to explore specialized areas of biology alongside the quantitative and physical sciences supporting biological research.

Year 4: Students complete BIOL 16a Evolution and Biodiversity, additional biology electives, general science or biology electives, and the second quantitative elective required for the BS. This final stage allows students to deepen their interests through advanced coursework and prepare for research, graduate study, healthcare professions, or other science-related pathways.

Focus areas: Genetics and genomics, cell biology, molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, physiology, neurobiology, ecology, quantitative biology, and related areas of modern life science.

Learning outcomes: Students develop knowledge of biological structure and function across molecules, cells, tissues, organs, populations, and ecosystems; quantitative reasoning and data-analysis skills; scientific communication; the ability to apply biological concepts beyond the classroom; and an understanding of research ethics and the interdisciplinary nature of life sciences.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Brandeis University is a university-level accredited institution; no separate professional accreditation for the BS in Biology is stated on the official biology program pages.

Reputation (employability rankings): Brandeis University is ranked #751–760 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university also reports that approximately 50% of biology alumni pursue graduate study, with about 30% of biology alumni typically going on to MD or other health-professional doctoral degrees and approximately 10% entering science PhD programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Brandeis University combines classroom learning with substantial laboratory and research experience, giving students opportunities to develop practical skills in genetics, cell biology, evolution, biochemistry, and quantitative biology. The BS includes required biology laboratories as well as research pathways where students can work directly with Brandeis faculty, design individual projects, conduct laboratory research, and present their findings. Brandeis also provides access to specialized life-science research infrastructure, creating opportunities to experience techniques and facilities used in contemporary biological research.

Students can build practical experience through the following Brandeis-specific opportunities:

Biology laboratories: The BS curriculum includes General Biology Laboratory I and II, alongside required chemistry and physics laboratories, providing structured hands-on experience across the natural sciences.
Independent research internship: BIOL 93 allows juniors and seniors to work with a Brandeis faculty sponsor, design and conduct an individual biological research project, and complete written and oral presentations of their work.
Summer research: Students can undertake a minimum 10-week full-time summer research internship in a Brandeis Biology faculty laboratory and receive academic credit through BIOL 93a, subject to departmental approval.
Research participation: Students may also enroll in BIOL 91g to work in a faculty member’s laboratory for at least three hours per week during a semester.
Senior research: Biology majors can complete a two-semester senior research sequence involving an extended research project and, for the honors pathway, a senior thesis and defense.
Research facilities: Brandeis provides access to specialized facilities including the Confocal Imaging Lab, Louise Mashal Gabbay Cellular Visualization Center, High Performance Computer Cluster, Microfluidics Fabrication Facility, and NMR facilities.
Life-science instrumentation: The university’s life-science research infrastructure includes mass spectrometry, cell sorting, computational, light microscopy, electron microscopy, genomics/proteomics, microfluidics, transgenic mouse and viral transfection, and X-ray structure determination facilities.
Research centers: Students benefit from the research environment surrounding the Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Swartz Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, and Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory.
Research presentation: Undergraduate research can culminate in Summer SciFest, where students present their research through a poster session to peers, graduate students, and faculty. Brandeis reports that approximately 100–120 undergraduates conduct research on campus during the summer.
Research support: The Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Office helps students identify research topics and mentors and find funding for undergraduate research projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biology at Brandeis University provides intensive preparation for biological research and also supports pathways into healthcare, biotechnology, public health, and other life-science fields. Brandeis reports that about half of its biology alumni pursue graduate study, with approximately 30% earning MD or other health-professional degrees, around 10% entering science Ph.D. programs, and another 10% pursuing graduate degrees such as JD, MBA, public health, or genetic counseling.

Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as biological research assistant, laboratory technician, clinical research coordinator, and biotechnology professional, depending on their experience and further qualifications.

Career support: The Hiatt Career Center provides career advising, internship and job opportunities, alumni networking, faculty mentorship, and resources for building professional experience. Students can also use career tools and employer connections to explore opportunities beyond Brandeis.
Employment outcomes: 98% of the Brandeis Class of 2025 were employed, attending graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. This is an institutional outcome for the graduating class rather than a biology-specific employment rate.
Salary figures: Brandeis' official Biology pages do not state a specific employment salary range or median salary for B.S. Biology graduates.
Research and industry preparation: Biology students can gain professional research experience in Brandeis laboratories, including paid or volunteer laboratory positions. In recent years, 35–40% of graduating biology majors had worked in a faculty member's laboratory during their time at Brandeis.
Research connections: Brandeis undergraduates can work alongside faculty researchers and contribute to peer-reviewed research. The university reports that undergraduates have co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific articles, creating experience relevant to careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Graduation outcomes: Biology graduates move into scientific and clinical research, healthcare, business, data science, teaching, publishing, law, environmental conservation, and other fields. Brandeis also reports that approximately 30% of biology alumni pursue MD or other health-professional degrees and about 10% enter science Ph.D. programs.
Accreditation value: Brandeis University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and undergoes a comprehensive review every 10 years. This institutional accreditation provides an established quality framework for the university's degree programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biology, students can continue into medical, dental, veterinary, public health, genetic counseling, master's, or Ph.D. programs, depending on their prerequisites and career goals. Brandeis specifically identifies biology as preparation for graduate study and careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, allied health, and biological research; the university also reports that around 10% of biology alumni continue into science Ph.D. programs and another 10% pursue other graduate degrees.