What courses will you take?

Research Opportunities: Start working in a biology research lab as early as your first year.

The B.S. in Biological Sciences offers several degree options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • General Biology Option — Gain a broad foundation in the biological sciences, and customize your curriculum by selecting advanced course electives that match your interests and career goals. This option provides all the requirements for students pursuing health professions. Courses for the General Biology Option
  • Bioinformatics Option — Take basic biology and computer science courses, along with advanced courses in bioinformatics and biology electives. You will graduate prepared for professional or academic careers in bioinformatics, comparative genomics, proteomics, molecular modeling, and biological database analysis and management. Learn more about the Bioinformatics Option and courses
  • Biotechnology Option — Take a set of advanced courses designed to provide the conceptual background and practical training needed for a career in biotechnology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, industrial microbiology, cell culture technology, and the manufacture and purification of diagnostics and other biologically relevant materials. Learn more about the Biotechnology Option and courses
  • Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Option — Gain a strong foundation in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as advanced courses in ecology, evolutionary biology and environmental biology, functional comparative biology and biomechanics. You will be ready to launch a career or graduate study in such fields as ecology and evolution, environmental biotechnology, conservation biology, public health, toxicology, bioremediation and biological assessment of environmental quality. Learn more about the Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Option and courses
  • Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Option — Take all the necessary prerequisite courses to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, pharmacy and podiatry schools, as well as physician assistant programs. The program offers a strong foundation, with basic courses in biology alongside a variety of health-related biology electives. Learn more about the Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Option and courses

In the senior year, you can choose to conduct a research capstone project. Many research projects lead to student-authored publications in professional journals and presentations at scientific meetings.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Biology minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Start working in a biology research lab as early as your first year.

Why study biology at UMass Lowell?

Two students wearing lab coats and goggles work with lab equipment

Technical Training

Gain hands-on technical training with specialized techniques, including: 

  • Electron microscopy
  • Recombinant DNA technology
  • Cell culture
  • Computer applications
  • Tools widely used in biochemistry
Student in a canoe that is filled with plants in containers

Research Opportunities

Participate in our faculty’s cutting-edge research, including such areas as:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cancer biology
  • Environmental microbiology
  • Virology
  • Climate change biology
  • Biology education
Two male biology students in a UMass Lowell lab, experimenting on a red substance.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Professional Training

Our programs satisfy entrance requirements for schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, optometry, podiatry, and chiropractic. Learn more about our Pre-Health Professionals Advising.

Biology student writes a formula on a whiteboard

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

What can you do with a degree in biology?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's Biology program are equipped to launch careers in biotechnology, medicine, ecology and other life science fields. Our students are also prepared for admission to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.

Biology research female putting liquid in test tube

Alumni of our program have worked at:

  • Pfizer
  • Millipore
  • Broad Institute
  • UMass Medical
  • Novartis
  • Mass Eye & Ear
  • MIT
  • Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries

Meet Our Faculty & Students

Deepshikha Ananthaswamy presents with a screen behind her showing a diagram of chromatin remodeling, which controls gene expression, and the words Ananthaswamy et al (in prep).
Deepshikha Ananthaswamy '22, '24
Biological Sciences, Biotechnology Option

Research experience and an internship solidified Deepshikha Ananthaswamy’s interest in biotechnology.

I love the atmosphere at UMass Lowell.
Read More About Deepshikha Ananthaswamy 
Grace Hansen headshot
Grace Hansen '23
Biology, UTeach

Grace Hansen is researching sports nutrition and brain injuries.

I’ve always wanted to find a way to combine sports and science.
Read More About Grace Hansen 
Emmanuelle Oliveira poses outdoors holding hands with her husband and four children.
Emmanuelle Oliveira ’10, ’12
Biological Sciences/Biotechnology

Despite multiple roadblocks, biological sciences alum Emmanuelle Oliveira ’10, ’12 is on her way to becoming a doctor.

UMass Lowell offered scholarships that allowed me to go to college.
Read More About Emmanuelle Oliveira 
Sara is standing against the north campus sign at UMass Lowell
Sara Aldahabi '23
Biological Sciences

Between UML’s rigorous coursework and vast extracurricular activities, Sara Aldahabi feels ready to take on dental school.

UMass Lowell is more than a school. It’s a home.
Read More About Sara Aldahabi 
Sunilda Frias writes in a notebook at a table outside the library on North Campus
Sunilda Frias '21
Biology

Honors College Student Fellow Sunilda Frias is studying biology to help subsistence farmers improve their soil.

I like UMass Lowell because of the diversity. You can get out of your comfort zone ... but still feel like you’re at home.
Read More About Sunilda Frias