Concentrations

The Department of Biology recognizes and embraces advancements in the field and has created a number of concentrations to best prepare students for careers and graduate study. Within each concentration students may also select a focus area to further refine their field of study. Upon graduation, students will receive a degree reflecting their specific concentration.

In addition to the core requirements, students select one of six concentrations:

Cell/Molecular/Genetics/Biochemistry

The Cell/Molecular/Genetics/Biochemistry concentration exposes students to several vital disciplines that are among the many research strengths of our faculty. Students in this concentration develop a strong foundation in the basic tenets of modern biology, and investigate the underlying theory behind advances in these disciplines in relation to basic science and medicine.

Organismal Biology/Physiology

The Organismal Biology/Physiology concentration focuses on the biology of organisms, including the diversity of life on Earth and the function of organisms at the physiological level. The four required organismal/physiology courses provide students with a foundation in the cellular or biochemical basis of physiologic events and the diversity of organismal forms, as well as an in-depth study of physiology. Students with interests in pre-health can specialize in human physiology and its application to health and disease.

Ecology/Evolution/Genomics

The Ecology/Evolution/Genomics (EEG) concentration focuses on the study of genes and genomes to elucidate the histories of organismal adaptation, diversification, and species interactions. Students should pursue this concentration if they’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of ecology or evolution and how molecular and computational tools are utilized within these disciplines. Required EEG courses cover important principles in ecology and evolution, techniques in molecular biology and genomics, and computational approaches for the analysis of DNA sequence data.

Pathobiology

The Pathobiology concentration focuses on the underlying mechanisms of disease and provides students with the unique option to gain in-depth training in pathogenesis. The four required courses provide students with a foundation in immunology and microbiology, as well as an understanding of how microorganisms contribute to disease and how the body works to prevent disease and infection.

General Biology

The General Biology concentration encompasses all areas of biology and is intended for students interested in gaining diverse undergraduate biology training. Students can choose from a variety of electives in three of the other concentrations –Cell/Molecular/Genetics/Biochemistry; Organismal/Physiology; and Ecology/Evolution/Genomics– to fulfill the 24 required credits. Students have maximum flexibility to develop their own unique path of study.

Students considering a career path in education should also explore opportunities with DragonsTeach. DragonsTeach is a collaboration between the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, and School of Education, designed to provide opportunities to students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degree programs to explore a career in education. Through a unique combination of skills development and utilization in classroom experiences, DragonsTeach students can earn a Minor in STEM Education and may become eligible for teaching credentials while completing their major degree program and co-ops.

Cell and Gene Therapy

Cell and gene therapy is a growing field focused on the use of cells or genes as treatments for diseases. Work in this field often involves knowledge of both biological and biomedical engineering concepts. This interdisciplinary undergraduate minor is designed for students who want to gain knowledge of cell and gene therapy concepts from a biological and biomedical engineering perspective.

Co-op for Biology Majors

Through Drexel Co-op, biological sciences majors gain up to 18 months of on-the-job experience — exploring their career options, strengthening their résumés and building a professional network in the process. This experience is crucial for biology majors interested in pursuing advanced degrees and careers in academia. It also gives graduates a competitive edge for careers in industry. Recent biological sciences majors have completed co-ops at:

• Hospitals and health care companies like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Pediatria and MossRehab.
• Pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, ViroPharma and AstraZeneca.
• Faculty research labs at Drexel, the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, Tufts and the Academy of Natural Sciences.
• Government agencies, private research labs, non-profit organizations and many more!

Learn More About Co-op for Biology Majors

Careers

Drexel Biology alums go on to have careers in medicine, veterinary sciences, dentistry and other allied health professions, including careers as physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists. Many hold research positions in the private sector; become technicians in government and academic labs; or work as research scientists and professors in diverse fields such as cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology and forensic biology.

Other career paths include genetic counseling, clinical trials coordination, bioinformatics, genomics, clinical lab medicine, public health, policy, science journalism, teaching and law. Biologists may also be employed in “green” jobs in biotechnology, field research, evolutionary biology, biodiversity and conservation. The opportunities are numerous and varied.