Biology
Make your own discoveries.
A degree in Biology opens up career possibilities in a wide range of industries: laboratory research, healthcare, environmental conservation, and more. At York College, our bachelor of science in Biology serves as an opportunity for you to explore your options with guidance from faculty experts—whether you come in knowing exactly which branch of biology interests you, or need some time to figure it out.
YCP Biology classes go beyond the textbook. Every class in the major includes hands-on research, with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities right here on campus. Our students tackle real-world issues and make real contributions to science. Many have presented their findings at regional and national conferences.
Through a series of major-specific and elective courses, student in this program build a broad foundation in biology. From there, they may choose to either continue pursuing the general study of biology or specialize in one of the following concentrations:
- Biotechnology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Ecology and Conservation
- Pre-Professional Medicine
Biology majors who are interested in healthcare and related fields also have the opportunity to take courses through WellSpan York Hospital, located just around the corner from campus.
About the Biology Major
Biology Courses
As a York College Biology major, you’ll take both required classes and electives to provide you with the well-rounded background desired by employers in the field.
You’ll work with state-of-the-art equipment and modern lab spaces as you gain a foundational knowledge of biology. You’ll also have opportunities to focus your interests through a dedicated concentration in Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Conservation, or Pre-Health Professions.
Examples of Biology major requirements and electives include:
- BIO 142: Molecules, Genes and Cells
- BIO 240: Genetics
- BIO 306: Animal Behavior
- BIO 324: Marine Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay
- BIO 332: Developmental Biology
- BIO 350: Biochemistry
- BIO 360: Neurobiology
- BIO 364: Virology
- BIO 404: Ecological Action
Premedical Sciences Program for a Career in Medicine
York College offers a major in Premedical Sciences for students interested in pursuing medical school or other careers related to the field of medicine: physical therapy, dentistry, veterinary care, optometry, etc. The BS in Premedical Sciences is designed to meet the core scientific requirements of most professional schools, providing students with a well-rounded education and invaluable clinical experience.
Faculty in both the Premedical Sciences degree program and the Biology major are available to provide guidance as you prepare for exams like the MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE.
Careers with a Degree in Biology
A bachelor’s degree in Biology opens up a wide range of possibilities for your future career, research opportunities, and/or graduate studies. Popular career paths for Biology majors include:
- Research Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Biotechnologist
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Environmental Educator
- Natural Resource Manager
- Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing
- Field Biologist
Some students also choose to pursue graduate education after completing their Biology degree. A bachelor’s in Biology can prepare you for med school, veterinary school, physical therapy school, optometry school, or a variety of other graduate programs.
Biology Degree Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Biological Scientists exceeds $90,000 per year. Wages will vary depending on your location, experience, and individual area of specialization.
Benefits of a Biology Degree
Biology is a field with many opportunities and competitive entry-level salaries. With a variety of workplaces and industries to choose from, you can select a career path that allows for a dynamic, engaging work environment—whether that means a laboratory setting, a national park, a classroom, or an office building.
While pursuing a B.S. in Biology from York College, you’ll have a supportive community of faculty and professional advisors in your corner to help you discover what success looks like for you. Contact the Career Development Center or your academic advisor to get started.
Internships & Work Experience
Undergraduate Biology Research
At York College, Biology majors get real-world experience long before senior year. All students are required to complete a two-semester research course where they ask novel questions and carry out research to advance knowledge in cutting areas of research like cancer treatments, antibiotic development, and microplastics in stream ecosystems. Many students also work directly with faculty mentors on independent research projects. Past student research projects have focused on:
- The CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene editing cancer treatments
- Disease prevalence in amphibian and reptile populations
- Migratory patterns of owls
- Molecular mechanisms of retinal development
- Viral entry into host cells
First-semester Biology majors in BIO 142 participate in the “Small World Initiative,” a global research team in which students address the worldwide health threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In other courses, students have completed ecological action projects involving study of the Tyler Run stream that runs through campus, as well as conservation biology projects with York County Parks. YCP’s Biology program also collaborates with WellSpan Health, offering students opportunities to work with clinical researchers in the area.
Biology Internships and Assistantships
To complement their coursework, many students pursue optional internships over the summer, working with local organizations like West Shore Wildlife Center, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, and York County Parks.
York College also partners with WellSpan’s Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program (SURIP) to offer opportunities for paid work experiences in their research facilities. Students must apply for this selective program, and if accepted, will conduct summer research alongside WellSpan investigators and clinical research staff. Student researchers receive a stipend for their work.
For those in search of on-campus employment, paid lab assistant job opportunities are open to students after completion of their first biology lab course.
Mentorship & Community
Thanks to collaborative, hands-on research projects starting during their first semester, students in the YCP Biology program soon become part of a tight-knit community within the major. Faculty get to know their students, culminating in advising sessions that focus on completing your degree in a timely manner, as well as setting you up for personal and professional success.
A number of student-run clubs and organizations are available to those interested in building connections across campus, including:
- Tribeta (Beta Beta Beta) National Biological Honors Society
- Pre-Med and Allied Health Society (PMAHS)
- Biology Club
- Women in STEM
Biology Degree Skills and Requirements
Some of the most valuable skills you’ll gain through your coursework in the Biology degree program include:
- Proficiency in laboratory and field techniques, including PCR, cell culture, ethical animal research, and bioinformatics
- Experimental design and data collection
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting in a research setting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective written communication and presentation
Best Minors for Biology Majors
If you’d like to complement your Biology degree with a secondary skill set, you may consider declaring a minor. Some of the most popular minors for Biology majors are:
Biology Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Molecules, Genes and Cells | BIO 142 | 4 Credits |
| Genetics | BIO 240 | 4 Credits |
| Biochemistry | BIO 350 | 4 Credits |
| Neurobiology | BIO 360 | 4 Credits |
Careers in Biology
A bachelor’s degree in Biology opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Research Scientist
Microbiologist
Natural Resource Manager
Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing
Field Biologist
Biotechnologist
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