Degrees
Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is home to one of the largest undergraduate student bodies at Drexel University — which speaks to the expertise of our faculty, the quality of our research opportunities and facilities, as well as the academic rigor of our curriculum. We offer a full range of undergraduate academic programs and concentrations in the biological sciences to suit the diverse interests and career goals of our students.
Our dynamic and highly collaborative graduate degree programs strongly support and rely upon the participation, creativity and energy of our students. Graduate students can take classes in a broad number of disciplines, and perform rotations with up to three faculty members in the department. Our students initially have the opportunity to teach at the undergraduate level as teaching assistants, and are often subsequently supported as through fellowships or as research assistants during their graduate training.
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Biological Sciences (BS)
Drexel's Department of Biology is more than just courses; biology majors learn by doing. Undergraduates have the opportunity to experience real-life career options through Drexel’s cooperative education program. Undergraduate students also have access to hands-on experience through numerous research opportunities.
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Biological Sciences — BA/BS + MD Early Assurance Program
The BA/BS + MD Early Assurance program allows students the opportunity to enter the Drexel University College of Medicine after four years of undergraduate study at Drexel. The program was designed to meet the needs of students dedicated to a career in medicine who desire to be relieved of the pressure associated with the traditional application process. The majority of BA/BS + MD students at Drexel are Biology majors. This is a highly accomplished group of students that are committed to pursuing a career in medicine.
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Accelerated BS + MS in Biological Sciences
Qualified students can take graduate courses in their junior and senior years for undergraduate or graduate credit. They can also complete a combined BS/MS in Biological Sciences in five years.
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Accelerated BS + MS in Epidemiology
The accelerated BS Biological Sciences/MS Epidemiology program is designed for academically qualified students who are looking to further prepare for careers in health-related biological science. Drexel’s BS Biological Science program trains students for technical careers in research or commercial laboratories, or for professional schools or graduate study. Discoveries in the biological sciences influence many aspects of our daily lives and have become the foundation of many new developments in biotechnology and medicine. The MS Epidemiology program builds off of the Biological Sciences curriculum to provide a deep dive into epidemiologic principles and methods to solve complex health issues. Epidemiologists play an integral and indispensable role in improving health and reducing illness.
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Biochemistry Minor
This program provides a solid grounding in the principles and applications of biochemistry for students interested in exploring in more depth the chemistry of living organisms. Offered jointly by the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology, the minor in Biochemistry consists of a set of regularly offered courses in the two departments. The program efficiently complements degree requirements for students majoring in the natural sciences, engineering and the health sciences. It is highly recommended to students interested in pursuing a career in biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, material sciences, medicine, pharmaceutics or chemical biology. The minor must accompany another major program.
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Bioinformatics Minor
The Department of Biology offers a multidisciplinary Minor in Bioinformatics that combines coursework in biology, computer science and software engineering. This minor is ideal for students interested in a more computational approach to studying the life sciences. Individual plans of study are developed in consultation with an academic adviser from the Department of Biology. Plans will depend on the student’s major and field of study.
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Biological Sciences Minor
For students who are not majoring in biological sciences but are interested in admission to medical schools or graduate programs, the Minor in Biological Sciences may be an attractive option. Students fulfill the core requirements in the biological sciences curriculum to become acquainted with the life sciences, while pursuing a major in another science-related discipline such as chemistry, engineering, physics or psychology.
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Bioscience and Society Minor
The Minor in Bioscience and Society is for non-science majors who are interested in learning how biology impacts their everyday lives and how it can be applied to real-world problems. The course offerings in this minor take a more topical approach to studying aspects of biology. Electives allow students to tailor the minor to their interests.
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Neuroscience Minor
The Neuroscience minor allows students from a vast array of disciplines the opportunity for formalized study in Neuroscience. This interdisciplinary minor integrates content from cellular, molecular, and systems neurobiology with neuropsychology, providing students with a strong foundation in basic principles of neurobiology and neuropsychology. This minor is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Biology and Psychology, but is open to students in any major with an interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the biological and cognitive principles underlying brain function.
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Biological Sciences (MS)
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences begins with a flexible core curriculum to provide a strong foundation in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. In the second year, students can choose from a range of advanced and specialized elective courses.
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Biological Sciences (PhD)
The PhD in Biological Sciences is the terminal degree for students who wish to eventually pursue a leadership role in academic, governmental or industrial settings. To take on these roles, it is essential that each student have an advanced understanding of subjects related to their specialty. The core curriculum during the first year of study provides a strong background in the advanced concepts of relevant disciplines.
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