What courses will you take?

Research Opportunities: Start working in a biology research lab as early as your first year.

The B.S. in Biological Sciences offers several degree options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • General Biology Option — Gain a broad foundation in the biological sciences, and customize your curriculum by selecting advanced course electives that match your interests and career goals. This option provides all the requirements for students pursuing health professions. Courses for the General Biology Option
  • Bioinformatics Option — Take basic biology and computer science courses, along with advanced courses in bioinformatics and biology electives. You will graduate prepared for professional or academic careers in bioinformatics, comparative genomics, proteomics, molecular modeling, and biological database analysis and management. Learn more about the Bioinformatics Option and courses
  • Biotechnology Option — Take a set of advanced courses designed to provide the conceptual background and practical training needed for a career in biotechnology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, industrial microbiology, cell culture technology, and the manufacture and purification of diagnostics and other biologically relevant materials. Learn more about the Biotechnology Option and courses
  • Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Option — Gain a strong foundation in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as advanced courses in ecology, evolutionary biology and environmental biology, functional comparative biology and biomechanics. You will be ready to launch a career or graduate study in such fields as ecology and evolution, environmental biotechnology, conservation biology, public health, toxicology, bioremediation and biological assessment of environmental quality. Learn more about the Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Option and courses
  • Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Option — Take all the necessary prerequisite courses to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, pharmacy and podiatry schools, as well as physician assistant programs. The program offers a strong foundation, with basic courses in biology alongside a variety of health-related biology electives. Learn more about the Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Option and courses

In the senior year, you can choose to conduct a research capstone project. Many research projects lead to student-authored publications in professional journals and presentations at scientific meetings.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Biology minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Start working in a biology research lab as early as your first year.

Why study biology at UMass Lowell?

Two students wearing lab coats and goggles work with lab equipment

Technical Training

Gain hands-on technical training with specialized techniques, including: 

  • Electron microscopy
  • Recombinant DNA technology
  • Cell culture
  • Computer applications
  • Tools widely used in biochemistry
Student in a canoe that is filled with plants in containers

Research Opportunities

Participate in our faculty’s cutting-edge research, including such areas as:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cancer biology
  • Environmental microbiology
  • Virology
  • Climate change biology
  • Biology education
Two male biology students in a UMass Lowell lab, experimenting on a red substance.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Professional Training

Our programs satisfy entrance requirements for schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, optometry, podiatry, and chiropractic. Learn more about our Pre-Health Professionals Advising.

Biology student writes a formula on a whiteboard

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

What can you do with a degree in biology?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's Biology program are equipped to launch careers in biotechnology, medicine, ecology and other life science fields. Our students are also prepared for admission to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.

Biology research female putting liquid in test tube

Alumni of our program have worked at:

  • Pfizer
  • Millipore
  • Broad Institute
  • UMass Medical
  • Novartis
  • Mass Eye & Ear
  • MIT
  • Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries

Meet Our Faculty & Students

Caryn McCowan at the beach.
Caryn McCowan '11
Biology

An interest in genomics took Caryn McCowan ’11 from researching spiders to working at a canine genetics company.

Everything that I’ve worked on has turned out to be steppingstones for the role I’m in now.
Read More About Caryn McCowan 
Sonakshi Chaudhary types on a laptop while interviewing a person
Sonakshi Chaudhary '25
Biological Sciences

Sonakshi Chaudhary came to UML planning to transfer. She stayed after falling in love with everything the campus has to offer.

My freshman year was amazing. I love all the people that I’m meeting, because everyone is so culturally diverse.
Read More About Sonakshi Chaudhary 
Alex Eden teaches biology to a group of students in his classroom at Greater Lowell Technical High School
Alexander Eden '18, '21
Biology

UTeach graduate Alexander Eden won the Exemplary New Teacher Award for science education in his first year of teaching.

I want to teach high school students, because I think I can help them and serve as a role model.
Read More About Alexander Eden 
Kristin Kahla seated on a rock outdoors with a lake behind her
Kristin Kahla ’19
Biology

Perseverance and support from UMass Lowell helped Kristin Kahla ’19 reach her goal of getting accepted into medical school.

The fact that UMass Lowell offers pre-health advising to students and alumni is very important.
Read More About Kristin Kahla 
Megan Salsinha playing field hockey at UMass Lowell
Megan Salsinha '23
Biological Sciences

Student-athlete Megan Salsinha credits her honors research project and academic coursework for preparing her for medical school.

UMass Lowell is setting me up to be successful in medical school.
Read More About Megan Salsinha