Study location	United States, NEW YORK
Type	Bachelor, full-time
Nominal duration	4 years
Study language	English
Awards	BS\BA (BS\BA Biology)

Entry qualification

High school / secondary education (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university. You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.

Language requirements	English The minimum desired score is at least an 80 on the TOEFL Internet-Based Test, a 6 on the IELTS exam, and a PTE Score of 60 or 100 on Duolingo.

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) should be provided.

Overview

Why choose Biology?
Biology is not merely a collection of facts, but a process of discovery. You’ll participate actively in this process in the classroom, laboratory, and field. Each course provides a framework for examining the scientific process as a means to master current knowledge and to address the complex problems of the future. Starting in your first-year courses, you will learn approaches to science and develop your own research projects.

What Biology Will Teach You
The Biology core curriculum explores the major disciplines and examines both the diversity of life and the functional aspects of living systems. The core courses encompass a wide spectrum of biological sciences, from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems using evolutionary adaptation as a recurrent theme. Advanced courses and specialized concentrations allow you to pursue areas of special interest. We stress independence and initiative and many students participate in internships and in research with faculty mentors.

Where Biology Can Take You
Our Elmira College Biology major graduates have continued on to work in biomedical research, academics, fisheries, marine ecology, private industry, medical school, veterinary school, physical therapy, as physician assistants, in K-12 education, as well as state and federal government. Alumni frequently return to campus to talk with our current students about potential career paths.

Programme structure

The Biology program includes a core set of required courses that all Biology majors complete, including coursework in chemistry, genetics, statistics, and evolution.
The major is further organized into concentrations that students can follow with elective courses chosen to meet their specific goals including General Biology; Molecular Biology; Medical Biology; and Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior.

Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior Concentration:
This concentration is well-suited for you if you plan to work in areas of plant and animal conservation biology, wildlife and fisheries biology, ecology, evolution, marine ecology, or animal behavior.
You’ll gain valuable experience working in a wide variety of habitats during field courses featuring local ecosystems as well as travel courses to Alaska, Hawaii, or the Bahamas.

Molecular Concentration:
This concentration is ideal if you have career aspirations to conduct research in industry, academia, public health, or medicine.
You’ll gain important skills in cell culture, biochemistry, genetic analysis, microscopy, and modern molecular research techniques.

Medical Concentration:
The Medical Biology concentration is for anyone planning to study medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other health professions.
The coursework contains many common prerequisites for professional schools in these fields. You’ll be prepared for entrance exams and the problem-solving skills needed in your future career. You could also choose this concentration if you are considering a career in medical research.

General Concentration:
This concentration is an effective way to customize the Biology major to meet individual career and graduate school goals because it lets you keep all of your options open while giving you the opportunity to investigate a broad mix of elective courses.
You’ll customize your upper-level coursework to prepare broadly for teaching, research, industry, and other employment in biological sciences.

Career opportunities

Elmira College Biology major alumni work in industry, laboratories, aquariums, museums, nature centers, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, clinics, and hospitals across the country and around the world.

Possible career paths include Medical School for M.D. and D.O., physician’s assistant, physical and occupational therapist, veterinarian, dentist, graduate programs for Ph.D. and MS programs in Biology, biomedical research, and many positions at governmental and non-governmental (NGO) organizations.

Internships
Elmira College students all complete an internship as part of their general degree requirements for graduation. Biology majors have completed internships at the Arnot hospital, Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, Elite Physical Therapy, the Smithsonian Institution, the Shedd Aquarium, Corning Incorporated, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and many college and university research centers. These experiences have helped shape and guide students along their career paths in biological sciences.

Travel Courses
The Marine and Island Ecology course offered each year by the Biology faculty offers an incredible opportunity for our students to explore a tropical ecosystem including coral reefs, intertidal communities, and many terrestrial habitats.

Field Biology takes place in the beautiful gorges and forests of upstate New York, and also travels to the big island of Hawaii to study successful communities.

Students hike, kayak, and learn environmental science during the Alaskan Ecology course on the Kenai Peninsula.