Bachelor of Science in Biology

HomeAcademicsCollege of Arts and SciencesBiological and Behavioral Sciences DepartmentBachelor of Science in Biology

Connecting you to success

Focusing your studies in science and biology provides a solid foundation for success in a number of fields. Our dedicated faculty has wide ranging experience and can help you explore your specific interests while providing a well rounded education.

The biology major at Fontbonne equips you with a strong foundation in biological science and a solid understanding of chemistry and physics. You’ll learn tools and techniques that will help you become an effective scientist and have opportunities to put those skills into practice. A biology degree is flexible: You might go on to a job in human or plant disease research, drug discovery, or pursue a medical, dental, veterinary or other graduate biology degree.

Program Highlights

Well-rounded curriculum: biology core with classes in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, genetics, biostatistics, modelling, professional skills and more.
Participation in a capstone senior seminar on a research project that culminates with the authorship of a peer-reviewed publication
The opportunity to participate in faculty-led research
Faculty that care about your growth as a scientist
Renovated biology, chemistry and physics laboratories
State-of-the-art greenhouse
Excellent preparation for admission into a medical, veterinary, pharmacy, dental or graduate program
Fontbonne’s Center for One Health: One Health, the idea that human, environmental and animal health are intertwined, is available as a separate minor, but the influence of the One Health way of thinking influences the biology major too. Fontbonne faculty experts in One Health have recently written a One Health textbook in collaboration with colleagues at the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine.

View Program Requirements

Career Opportunities

Physician
Nurse
Dentist
Pharmacist
Veterinarian
Research Scientist
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Agricultural Scientist
Biomedical Industry Specialist
Biology Teacher
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Environmental Scientist
Exercise Scientist

In-Field Learning Experiences

Internship at the Washington University Genome Institute
Six research presentations at the Missouri Academy of Sciences
Five presentations at the Research Across Disciplines Conference, hosted by a consortium of local undergraduate institutions
Diverse undergraduate research projects related to fish genetics, butterfly development and raccoon landscape genetics and infectious disease

Alumni in the Workforce

Many of our alumni have been accepted into graduate programs in human medicine (including nursing), veterinary medicine, allied health or biology programs.
Other alumni have found industry jobs in the research, pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, including with companies such as Washington University Medical School, Danforth Plant Science Center, Dynalab and Monsanto.
Some graduates have become elementary or high school teachers
Others have used their background in science as a foundation to pursue other interests, including training in the seminary, writing and more.

Student and Graduate Successes

Biology Program Success Stories

Internship at the Washington University Genome Institute
Six research presentations at the Missouri Academy of Sciences
Five presentations at the Research Across Disciplines Conference, hosted by consortium of local undergraduate institutions
Summer undergraduate research projects on fish genetics and palate formation, including training at the Washington University Fish Facility, and raccoon landscape genetics and infectious disease

Biology Graduate Successes

Of the known biology alums from the last ten years:

Over 40% have been accepted into graduate programs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, allied health or biology programs.
30% have found industry jobs in the research, pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, including with companies such as Washington University Medical School, Danforth Plant Science Center, Dynalab and Monsanto.
6% have become elementary or high school teachers
Others have used their background in science as a foundation to pursue other interests, including training in the seminary, writing and more.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Fontbonne faculty provide students with numerous opportunities to participate in active and exciting research programs that investigate cutting-edge science, address social justice issues, teach experiential learning, and so much more.

Read more

Center for One Health

The Center for One Health at Fontbonne University is an interdisciplinary group with an interest in planetary health — the science, ethics, policy, economics, education and advocacy of One Health.