Biology
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Why Major in Biology at Allegheny College
Study the astonishing variety, and complexity, of living things on Earth. As an Allegheny biology student, you’ll prepare for your future by applying scientific methods learned in the classroom to research in the lab and the field.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Biology with:
See how our Biology faculty mentor and empower students to become leaders in the health professions, research, education, sustainability, and other fields.
Division
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Program Type
- Major
- Minor
Number of Credits
58 for major28 for minorWhere Biology Alumni Work Today
Aquatic Biologist and Principal
Bear Creek Environmental
Mary K. Nealson ’84
Senior Clinical Affairs Specialist
SPR Therapeutics, LLC
Tina Patitucci Lechman ’92
Research Associate
Ohio State Agricultural Research and Development Center
Laura Gutierrez Chapin ’02
Plastic Surgeon and Assistant Professor
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas
Alexander F. Mericli, M.D. ’05
Physical Therapist
Encompass Health
Sarah Kuhn ’06
Physician Assistant
ERMI
Jessica Lepore ’09
Senior Health Policy Advisor
U.S. Senate
Garrett Devenney ’16
Physician Assistant & Public Health Graduate Student
Arcadia University
Brittany Imel ’19
Ph.D. Student
Virginia Tech
Grace O’Malley ’18
The faculty was incredible … a group of thoughtful and supportive people who cared very deeply about teaching and student development. I saw that the unknown path was not something to be scared of and actually might lead to something very interesting.
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
Your first year may include foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, or math. Introductory biology courses explore organismal physiology, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology, and emphasize the ability to interpret experiments and data that have led biologists to greater understanding of the diversity and complexity of living organisms.
Year 2: New Approaches
In your second year, you will complete any remaining foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, or math and may begin more advanced biology coursework. You’ll also take Investigative Approaches in Biology, a course with an emphasis on independent and cooperative laboratory or field work and on writing and speaking for a biologically-focused audience.
Featured courses:
Year 3: Delving Deeper
Your third year is when you will take your Junior Seminar, which explores in-depth a specialized topic in biology, as well as experimental design and engaging with the scientific literature. You will take advanced courses that can include cell and molecular biology, genetics, organismal physiology, microbiology, anatomy, ecology, and evolution. You also may take courses in related sciences, such as chemistry, physics, or computer science, that complement your biology training and enhance your ability to apply multiple perspectives.
Year 4: The Comp
It’s your final year – time to prepare and defend a research proposal on a topic interesting to you. With your advisor’s guidance, you’ll then work through the year to complete and present that research. You’ll also finish your advanced biology and related science courses before you graduate.
Featured Courses
Research and Internships
We’ll set the stage for your success through hands-on opportunities. You’ll put the knowledge you gain into practice — and learn to communicate in compelling ways.
Our biology students expand their skills through internships, research with faculty, community engagement, study away, and more.
Allegheny’s Bousson Environmental Research Reserve spans 283 acres of woodlands, ponds, streams, wetlands, and native wildlife — presenting rich opportunities for student-faculty research.
Our students also study in the field at many other spots near campus, including:
- Allegheny National Forest
- Erie National Wildlife Refuge
- Presque Isle and Pymatuning State Parks
- Tamarack Lake
- Woodcock Creek Lake
Allegheny students also have a rich array of opportunities for laboratory-based research in molecular biology, microbiology, plant biology, and neurobiology. Allegheny students are very competitive for placement at highly selective NSF-sponsored summer research programs at research institutions like University of Pittsburgh, University of Wisconsin, University of Nebraska, and Stanford University.
Meadville Medical Center (MMC) is one of 12 hospitals across the country, and the only community hospital to do so, participating in this clinical trial aimed at the prevention of surgical site infections. Student research assistants are responsible for collecting data from patients and their environments from the time they enter the hospital from pre-operative exams, while they are in the operating room, and as they recover post-operatively.
Faculty and Staff
Professor
Ph.D., University of South Florida; M.S., Michigan State University; B.S., University of Illinois
Email: lwhitena@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2888
Email: mvenesky@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2195
Featured News
Chris Brussalis ’87: College President, Gator Dad, Cattle Herder and Liberal Arts Champion
Dr. Chris Brussalis ’87 doesn’t make it to his family farm in southern Allegheny County much, but when he does, he’s reminded that in the dirt and among the animals, a person is a person. The nearly hundred head of cattle sure aren’t impressed that he was recently inaugurated as the ninth president of Point Park College and is the former CEO of the highly esteemed Hill Group Inc.
Related Programs
You'll gain insights and abilities to make the world more environmentally sound, equitable, just, and sustainable.
Biochemistry encourages you to engage with science by integrating biology, chemistry, and physics in innovative ways.
Our Chemistry program sets students on a path of mastery of fundamental concepts of matter and provides hands-on lab experience.
Address:
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Contact:
814-332-4351
info@allegheny.edu
admissions@allegheny.edu
