Collaborative Research
Opportunities to do research as an undergraduate are scarce at many colleges and universities. But not here! In fact, we encourage you to collaborate with faculty on impactful research.
Biology BA and BS
It is more than studying cells in the human body. Biology at the 91ÖÆƬ³§. Thomas explores a range of topics within the discipline such as genetics, global health and sustainability. You will gain an in-depth knowledge and versatile skills needed for numerous professional fields throughout your undergraduate career in our degree program.
Why Study Biology at St. Thomas?
We are a professionally engaged community that will equip you to find your passion, embark on a meaningful career and become a scientifically literate citizen through authentic experiences. You will complete courses at all levels emphasizing two fundamental concepts: mastering essential material of each discipline and developing intellectual skills needed to do science. You will leave St. Thomas ready for careers in academia, agriculture, bioinformatics, biotechnology, conservation biology, environmental science, medicine, dentistry and more.
A Different Approach to Biology
Course Requirements
Your degree requirements will vary depending on whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. No matter what path you choose, you will complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics throughout your four years, gaining versatile knowledge and practical skills. If you pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, you will complete additional credits in areas such as psychology, computer science and engineering.
Four-Year Plan
We divide our program into three levels while increasing emphasis on independent work as you progress in your undergraduate career. You start by completing 24 credits of foundational biology and chemistry courses during your first two years, proceeding to advanced courses in biology during your junior and senior years. Your college career culminates with a capstone course involving independent research during your senior year.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology
- Minor in Biology
Outside the Classroom
“All for the common good.” We live the university’s mission in our program with a variety of courses with service learning components. We also encourage students to pursue other opportunities outside of the classroom like collaborative research with professors.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Your degree requirements will vary depending on whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. No matter what path you choose, you will complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics throughout your four years, gaining versatile knowledge and practical skills. If you pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, you will complete additional credits in areas such as psychology, computer science and engineering.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
We divide our program into three levels while increasing emphasis on independent work as you progress in your undergraduate career. You start by completing 24 credits of foundational biology and chemistry courses during your first two years, proceeding to advanced courses in biology during your junior and senior years. Your college career culminates with a capstone course involving independent research during your senior year.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology
- Minor in Biology
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
“All for the common good.” We live the university’s mission in our program with a variety of courses with service learning components. We also encourage students to pursue other opportunities outside of the classroom like collaborative research with professors.
Changing the World
Faculty will teach and mentor you. Alumni will help you connect with the world outside of St. Thomas. Your peers? They will push you to make a difference in the world in your classes and research.
Dr. Chip Small
Dr. Small teaches a variety of courses with topics ranging from environmental problem solving to urban ecosystem ecology. His research interests include how humans alter biogeochemical cycles, the fate of anthropogenic nutrients in aquatic ecosystems, applying ecosystem ecology to sustainability science and communicating scientific information to the public.
Cassie Clark
Cassie is pursuing her PhD in environmental health sciences at the Yale University School of Public Health. She had extensive research experience while at St. Thomas which ultimately led to her pursuing an advanced degree in the field. She is interested in the environmental, socio-behavioral and human health effects of unconventional oil and gas development in rural communities. Her work primarily focuses on assessing potential health effects of contaminated drinking water on humans.
Robel Ponds
Robel founded Praxis, an organization committed to powering neighborhood communities in Eritrea with solar solutions involving local, recycled and non-recycled metals. He established Praxis as a means for bringing solar panel lighting for communities living in the dark. He plans to have Praxis partner with Akon, a company with a similar vision.
Career Paths
Our innovative curriculum will give you the academic knowledge and practical skills you need to be successful in multiple fields.
- Zoologist
- Medical doctor
- Doctor of pharmacy
- Conservation biologist
- Bioinformatics specialist
- Natural resource manager
Scholarships
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship
St. Thomas offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship
James Jagodzinski ’53 graduated with his degree in biology and started a successful scientific instrument business. He created this scholarship fund for students pursuing a biology major with hopes of attending graduate school for a career in the life sciences. We award a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition at St. Thomas.
Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship
Germann was a long-time faculty member and chair of the biology program at St. Thomas. We award this scholarship in his honor to sophomore or junior biology majors who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding participation in biology. We award up to six scholarships each year with the amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
Healthcare Fund
We award this scholarship to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative 3.1 GPA or higher are eligible. They will demonstrate financial need, a commitment to community service and be of the Catholic faith.
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship
St. Thomas offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship
James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship
James Jagodzinski ’53 graduated with his degree in biology and started a successful scientific instrument business. He created this scholarship fund for students pursuing a biology major with hopes of attending graduate school for a career in the life sciences. We award a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition at St. Thomas.
Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship
Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship
Germann was a long-time faculty member and chair of the biology program at St. Thomas. We award this scholarship in his honor to sophomore or junior biology majors who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding participation in biology. We award up to six scholarships each year with the amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
Healthcare Fund
Healthcare Fund
We award this scholarship to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative 3.1 GPA or higher are eligible. They will demonstrate financial need, a commitment to community service and be of the Catholic faith.
Schoenecker Center
The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new Biology spaces, including research & teaching laboratories.
Make an Impact
Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills to prepare you for life after St. Thomas in a diverse array of industries.
Study Abroad
We offer a variety of study abroad courses discussing numerous topics like environmental sustainability.
Array of Courses
We have over 40 biology courses to choose from at St. Thomas.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Afshan Ismat
Dr. Ismat researches developmental and cancer biology in human.
Dr. Jerry Husak
Dr. Husak focuses his research on the study of evolution and ecophysiology.
Dr. Kerri Carlson
Dr. Carlson explores genetics and disease in her courses and research.
See the World
We encourage you to get out of the classroom and explore the world around you. Whether you stay in the Twin Cities and conduct powerful research or expand your horizons with a study abroad program, we have the resources you need for success.
Collaborate on Impactful Research
Do you want to make an impact? Pair up with a professor and conduct research focusing on a diverse array of areas within the biological sciences. Faculty are always eager to connect with students about their research interests.
Broaden Your Horizons
We want you to get out and explore during your undergraduate career at St. Thomas. We offer study abroad courses in the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Croatia, New Zealand and Botswana.
Make a Difference
Make a difference locally through our program. You can collaborate with community leaders to address issues like food insecurity in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Address Global Issues
Conduct research abroad, like Lily Ward who traveled to Croatia to participate in a joint environmental science project between St. Thomas and the University of Zagreb.
A Broad Experience
Biology students at St. Thomas explore a wide range of topics within the discipline throughout their undergraduate careers. With opportunities to study abroad, conduct research and collaborate with community leaders, they build a valuable skill set applicable to multiple industries.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.