Bachelor of Science in Biology

The BS in Biology at the University of Oregon is designed as a hands-on, research-driven program, giving students opportunities to develop practical skills through laboratory work, fieldwork, computational analysis, and undergraduate research. Students can explore areas ranging from molecular and cellular biology to ecology, evolution, marine biology, neuroscience, and bioinformatics while working with active research faculty and specialized research facilities. The curriculum specifically requires upper-division laboratory or fieldwork and coursework in modeling, analysis, programming, and statistics, giving students a combination of experimental and quantitative experience.

Students can build this practical experience through several program-specific opportunities:

• Laboratory and fieldwork: The BS requires at least one 300- or 400-level biology course with significant laboratory or fieldwork. Options include Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory, Developmental Biology, Animal Physiology, Marine Biology, General Ecology, Mycology, Systematic Botany, Field Botany, Estuarine Biology, Biological Oceanography, and Marine Ecology.
• Field trips: BI 371 General Ecology Lab includes required fieldwork, laboratory activities, and field trips, allowing students to study ecological interactions using contemporary field methods.
• Undergraduate research: Students can participate in hands-on research in University of Oregon bioscience laboratories, gaining training in experimental methods and scientific reasoning while developing transferable skills such as teamwork, organization, communication, and problem-solving. BI 401 Research can also count toward the BS requirements.
• Summer research: The UO Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) provides fellowship opportunities for undergraduates to participate in life-science laboratory research during the summer and prepare for research careers.
• Research institutes: Biology students can engage with the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Molecular Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, and Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, providing exposure to different areas of biological research.
• Specialized facilities: Students have access to facilities including CamCor/Lokey Lab, the Genomics and Cell Characterization Core Facility (GC3F), and the Zebrafish Facility.
• Genomics and imaging tools: GC3F supports life-science research with DNA sequencers, flow cytometers, and advanced light microscopes, providing access to instrumentation used in contemporary biological research.
• Computational skills: The BS requires at least one course in modeling, analysis, programming, and statistics (MAPS), integrating quantitative and computational approaches into the biology degree.
• Research areas: Students can work with faculty researching cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology and evolution, human biology, marine biology, neuroscience and behavior, and bioinformatics, with the department listing 46 research faculty and dedicated research laboratories. 

 The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Oregon prepares students for careers across biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, government, and laboratory-based industries. Biology graduates have secured positions with biotechnology companies, clinics and hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, government agencies, universities, zoos, and aquariums. Typical career paths include biological researcher, environmental scientist, laboratory technician, and biotechnology professional.

Career progression and opportunities: The University of Oregon provides several resources and experiences to help biology students turn their scientific training into employment or further study:

• Career support: The University Career Center provides one-to-one career coaching, resume and cover-letter reviews, interview preparation, job and internship-search guidance, LinkedIn support, and networking opportunities with alumni and employers. Students can also use Handshake to find full-time positions, internships, undergraduate research, employer events, and opportunities available to international students.
• Employment outcomes: The Department of Biology reports that 85% of graduates secure a job within six months of graduation. The university does not publish a biology-specific salary figure on the official undergraduate biology pages; for the broader College of Arts and Sciences alumni population, the estimated wage is $53,000 within one year and $118,000 at 15+ years. These figures are for CAS alumni overall, not specifically Biology graduates.
• Research and industry preparation: Biology students can participate in more than 45 research labs across the department and gain practical experience in areas including genetics and genomics, molecular biology and biochemistry, cellular and developmental biology, ecology and evolution, neuroscience, and human physiology.
• Industry and professional connections: UO biology graduates have entered biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, clinics and hospitals, private research institutions, public-health departments, state and federal agencies, and other laboratories. The university also connects students with employers and alumni through career events, workshops, networking, and Handshake.
• Experiential learning: UO reports that 56% of the Class of 2025 completed paid or unpaid internships, while undergraduate research is also widely available. Biology students can undertake research, internships, field experiences, presentations, and scientific publications that strengthen their professional profile.
• Graduation outcomes: Biology graduates can move directly into scientific, laboratory, environmental, healthcare, biotechnology, government, or education-related careers, while others continue into medical, veterinary, allied-health, master's, or doctoral programs. UO specifically lists pathways including MD, DVM, DDS, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, MS, and PhD programs.
• Long-term academic value: The biology degree is offered by a research university that is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the department emphasizes nationally and internationally recognized graduates progressing into MD, PhD, MD-PhD, MS programs, and internships worldwide.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Biology, students can continue into master's or PhD study in areas such as molecular biology, neuroscience, ecology and evolution, or marine biology. The degree also provides a foundation for professional programs including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and physician assistant programs, subject to each program's prerequisites and admission requirements.