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Biology

B.A., B.S., Minor

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Biology students at Hollins develop a broad understanding of life – both plant and animal. You’ll explore the organization and processes of each, from cells through organ systems to species and evolution to populations and ecosystems.

All along the way, our faculty, who offer expertise in fields ranging from genetics, ecology, and human physiology to microbiology, zoology, and ornithology, will help you grow broad scientific and technical skills. You’ll seamlessly integrate challenging classwork, experiential learning, and research/fieldwork.

Tracks

Major

B.S.
If you are interested in going on to medical school, vet school, or graduate programs in the health sciences or biology, the bachelor of science degree includes the necessary courses required of most programs.

B.A.
Complete a bachelor of arts in biology and you can pursue a variety of careers in the biological sciences. You can become a research assistant, environmental consultant, or a teacher at the elementary or secondary level.

Internships are required and guaranteed for biology majors

Minor

Requirements for a minor in biology include two core courses in biology and their accompanying laboratories and three 200-level or above elective courses in biology.

Research and Abroad Opportunities

Research Opportunities
Hollins students have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors to conduct meaningful research. Whether it’s a several week summer research project in Hollins’ Summer Fellows research program or a yearlong senior honors thesis, students at all stages and of all interests are able to gain valuable research experience right here at Hollins. Learn more

Abroad Opportunities
Hollins has formal partnerships with the University of Limerick in Ireland and the School for Field Studies (SFS), which allows students to go abroad during the regular semester and take courses that will count toward their biology major. SFS is particularly well-suited for students interested in field biology as they have programs all over the world that focus on different topics relevant to that particular ecosystem and/or place-based conservation issue. Meanwhile, the University of Limerick offers a wide variety of courses in the sciences; their equine studies program is often of particular interest to pre-vet students.

Ecuador! A Bio-Cultural Journey on the Equator
In this January Short Term course, students immerse themselves in one of the most biologically and culturally rich countries on the planet. Over the course of 17 days in the Andean highlands and the Amazon jungle, participants work at an ecological field station, engage in home stays with Indigenous communities, volunteer with environmental organizations, and take part in several ongoing research projects related to biodiversity and beyond.

Ecuador Short Term trip

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Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi is a scientific research honor society created to distinguish exceptional scientists who want to be at the forefront of impacting world change through research. As a university that promotes scientific research and advancements, it is no surprise that Hollins was awarded a chapter from one of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world. Learn more about Sigma Xi >

I enjoyed the fact that [Hollins] was small and you matter more here as a student than at big colleges. You could make connections with your professors. I just really enjoy learning about the intricacies of the physical world [and] I believe I am ahead of the curve because I have been exposed to so many different lab techniques.

As an undergrad, Sunny Greene ’19 spent two summers as part of a research team in the Undiagnosed Diseases Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the world’s largest medical research hospitals. Now, she’s a post-baccalaureate fellow at NIH and preparing to apply to M.D./Ph.D. programs in the U.S. and abroad.

Roshaye Graham ’18 experienced the loss of her grandmother in Jamaica. “I witnessed firsthand the critical need for healthcare providers to not only devote time and care to their patients, but to also adequately and accurately inform caregivers of their loved one’s condition,” she recalls. She will enroll at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine where she plans to become an OB-GYN. “I want to make a difference in Jamaica’s healthcare system, and my determination, commitment, and passion will enable me to be successful.”