Biology
BA or BS • Minor
Biology
Students at work in the General Biology 1 Lab.
From the tiniest microorganisms to the most complex ecosystems, it’s the fascinating study of life itself.
It’s everything, everywhere.
It’s the molecular basis of life, disease and immunity, heredity and evolution, and the planet’s ecological balance.
It’s everything…and it’s exciting.
Apply your curiosity and wonder of the diversity and complexity of life to solve the world’s most pressing issues like fighting disease, tackling climate change, and addressing fundamental questions about our very survival.
The thrill of discovery and innovation inherent in biological research stems from the practical impact it has on daily life and its potential impact on people and the planet. It’s relevant and essential.
Real World Preparation
Studying biology at Purchase puts you at the center of the dramatic advances in this rapidly expanding field, conducting original research alongside accomplished faculty.
Put away your preconceptions and get ready to tackle biology from a new, liberal arts perspective. Get your hands dirty as you split your time between the classroom, labs, and serious field work.
Gain knowledge and experience as you prepare for a real career, in a real way.
The Educational Experience
Classes are small and instruction is often on an individual basis. Professionally accomplished and research-oriented, the faculty have a special dedication to undergraduate instruction and often involve students in their research.
Shape Your Career Path
Built on a foundation of hands-on student involvement, the program offers abundant opportunities for independent laboratory and fieldwork. For the year-long Senior Project, you’ll conduct original research directed by a faculty member and possibly present your results at our annual Student Science Symposium. Consider an internship to see what fits—Westchester County’s Biotech Corridor is just a few miles away and New York City lies 30 miles south.
Excellent Preparation
Our graduates are well prepared for graduate school, medical school, and other health programs, teaching, and careers in high-tech industries. In consultation with your faculty advisor, you’ll shape your program by choosing advanced subjects related to your individual objective.
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Behind the Brick: General Biology 1 Lab
A peek inside the classrooms, labs, and studios at Purchase.
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Closer Look: Biotechnology Concentration
Prepare yourself to join the workforce in the biological sciences.
Premedical Support
Purchase College graduates have an over 80% placement rate in medical schools.
Biology majors are highly prepared for medical, dental, veterinary, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, and other allied health programs. Our Career Development Center and Premedical Advisory Committee help you select programs, assemble applications, prepare for admission interviews, and write evaluation letters.
Choose a Concentration
Not everyone goes to graduate school. Available concentrations focus your coursework and prepare you with a skill set you can put to use right away in your career after Purchase. Concentrations include:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary and Behavioral Biology
- Biotechnology
- Marine Biology and Ecology
- Genetics
- Microscopy and Imaging
- Biochemistry (also open to Chemistry majors)
Facilities
You’ll have access to sophisticated scientific instrumentation. Our facilities for instruction and student/faculty research include:
- electron microscopes
- tissue culture facilities
- cell and molecular biology laboratory
- ultracentrifuges
- analytical instruments
- environmental chambers
- 3D printers
- virtual reality station
Biology at Purchase
“We really want students to understand how to problem solve, and how to be self-sufficient in the laboratory setting… skills that companies and biotech professionals are going to want to see.”
—Stephen Harris, Assistant Professor of Biology
Hear about the power of hands-on learning in Biology.
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