Bachelor of Science in Biology

Students in Duke’s Biology B.S. gain practical experience through laboratory courses, independent research, field-based learning, and direct work with faculty researchers. The department gives students opportunities to explore research across areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology, with access to specialized facilities including the Phytotron, Research Greenhouses, Botany Plot, and Field Station.

Students can build their practical experience through:

• Independent Research: Students can work with faculty mentors on laboratory, field, or theoretical research projects and pursue independent study for academic credit.

• Research Laboratories: Students can explore research groups working in areas such as Biophysics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology & Population Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Neuroscience, and Organismal Biology & Behavior.

• Laboratory Learning: The B.S. Biology curriculum includes upper-level laboratory courses, giving students opportunities to develop experimental, analytical, and scientific research skills.

• Duke Phytotron: Students involved in relevant research can work with controlled-environment facilities designed to support research in plant biology and other areas requiring carefully regulated growing conditions.

• Research Greenhouses: Duke Biology's research greenhouses provide dedicated environments for biological research and plant-based experiments.

• Field Research: Students can gain experience beyond the laboratory through resources such as the Duke Forest, Field Station, Botany Plot, and other field-based research environments.

• Neuroscience Research: Students interested in neuroscience can connect their Biology studies with Duke research in areas ranging from nervous-system development to behavior and biological mechanisms.

• Study Away and Independent Research: Duke Biology provides opportunities for students to combine study-away experiences with independent research, allowing them to explore biological questions in different environments.

• Summer Research Opportunities: Students can pursue summer research and other research experiences through opportunities available within Duke Biology and across the university.

• Graduation with Distinction: Students seeking an intensive research experience can complete an independent research project and honors thesis under faculty supervision, providing valuable preparation for graduate study and research careers.

The Biology B.S. at Duke University gives graduates a strong foundation for careers in biological research, healthcare, biotechnology, education, and other science-related fields. Duke Biology reports that around 40% of Biology majors continue to medical school and approximately 30% enter biological or biomedical graduate programs, while other graduates move into areas such as research, business, law, education, and the private sector.

Typical career directions include: Biological Researcher, Biomedical Researcher, Biotechnology Professional, Science Educator.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

• Career Support: Students can use Duke's career resources to explore employment, internships, research positions, and other professional opportunities. The Biology Department also shares relevant job and research opportunities with its undergraduate students.

• Research Opportunities: Students can gain professional research experience by working with Biology faculty and research groups. They can take part in laboratory, field, or theoretical research and may receive academic credit for independent study.

• Paid Research Experience: Duke Biology provides information about research positions available across the university, including opportunities within laboratories connected to the Duke Medical Center.

• Industry and Private-Sector Careers: Biology graduates can pursue opportunities in biomedical companies, biotechnology, science communication, medical writing, museums, education, outreach, and other private- and public-sector areas.

• Employment and Graduate Outcomes: Duke reports that approximately 40% of Biology majors continue to medical school, while approximately 30% enter biological or biomedical graduate programs. The department also reports that Duke Biology graduates have a medical-school acceptance rate approximately twice the national average.

• Research and Distinction: Students can strengthen their academic and professional profile through independent research and Graduation with Distinction, which can include completing an honors thesis under faculty supervision.

• Accreditation Value: The Biology B.S. is an academic science degree rather than a professionally accredited program. Its value comes from Duke's rigorous biology curriculum, research opportunities, specialized concentrations, and preparation for professional and graduate education.

• Graduation Outcomes: Duke Biology graduates move into a range of areas including biological and biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, business, law, education, science communication, museums, outreach, science journalism, and medical writing.

• Salary Information: Duke Biology does not publish a specific average starting salary for graduates of the Biology B.S. on its official undergraduate career information, so a program-specific salary figure should not be assumed.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biology B.S., students can continue into medical school, biological or biomedical graduate programs, or other professional programs. Students interested in research can also pursue graduate study at Duke, including the Ph.D. in Biology, with research opportunities across areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.