Program overview
From microscopic molecules to entire ecosystems, if your passion lies with living things, UNE’s Biological Sciences program may be just what you’re looking for. Emphasizing breadth of knowledge and great flexibility in course selection, our program presents foundational courses along with the opportunity to freely choose among topics of interest. You may choose to focus your studies more narrowly with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology or Ecology and Evolution, or you may choose to keep your studies more expansive. Either way, with a strong focus on undergraduate research and a robust internship program, this major will set you apart in the eyes of employers and graduate schools alike.
Optional Concentrations
While not required, you may choose to concentrate in one of two specific areas of study:
Cellular and Molecular Biology focuses on the cellular process that allow organisms to live, grow and adapt as well as the molecular mechanisms of disease and disease resistance.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology focuses on relationships between organisms and their environment as well as selective pressures that have shaped organisms’ adaptations and the diversity on Earth.
Why UNE for Biological Sciences
While situated within our College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), UNE’s Biological Sciences program benefits from the expertise of our faculty in an array of diverse fields of study, including other CAS schools, such as the School of Marine Programs, and our colleges of osteopathic medicine, health professions, which includes our School of Pharmacy, and dental medicine. As a Biological Sciences major at UNE, you have access to a wealth of faculty expertise no matter what area of biology interests you.
- Wide range of courses to choose from in biology and other fields
- Uncommon breadth of student research opportunities
- Internships for on-the-job experience
- State-of-the-art Marine Science Center
- University-owned research island
- Full array of health professions faculty and resources
- Beautiful seaside campus
Biology Research at UNE: Fruit Flies and Chronic Pain
Look closer at the research that Biology professor Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., performs with the help of UNE students. Ganter’s lab focuses on studying fruit flies to understand the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms of chronic pain.
Careers
Through coursework, labs, research, and internships, your degree in Biological Sciences will either set a sturdy foundation for graduate study or prepare you for a variety of exciting professions. Our graduates have pursued many successful careers including:
- Pharmaceutical Development/Sales Professional
- Veterinarian
- Medical Technologist
- Wildlife Management Administrator
- Field Ecologist
- Natural Resource Manager
- Computational Biologist
- Public Health Official
- Biotechnologist
- Agricultural Scientist
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Scientist
Career Advising
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
of graduates employed or enrolled in grad school within one year of graduation
(per 2016-2020 graduate surveys)
in Maine for getting a job
(Zippia, 2021)
Student Financial Services
One of the most important considerations when committing to a college or university is cost. We work with you and your family to help make your education affordable by pricing our tuition competitively and offering financial assistance.
Academics
As a Biological Sciences major, you have the option, but are not required, to concentrate in either Cellular and Molecular Biology or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Examples of Available Courses
The following are some examples of the courses you might take, depending on if, or on what, you choose to concentrate:
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Nociception
- Developmental Neurobiology
- Human Reproduction and Development
- Cancer Biology
- Autoimmune Disease
- Global Change Ecology
- Human Evolution
- Medicinal Plant Biology
- Chemical Ecology
- Conservation Genetics
- Mammology
- Ecology/Evolution
- Cellular/Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Parasitology
- Ornithology
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- Biology of Fishes
- Virology
- Invertebrate Zoology
Graduate Program Pathways
UNE’s B.S. in Biological Sciences provides an ideal stepping stone to a graduate degree if you choose to pursue one, laying a solid foundation for our traditional two-year M.S. program as well as UNE’s graduate programs in medicine, dental medicine, physical therapy, and physician assistant – all of which you may apply for through our GradVantage program.
We also offer a 4+1 B.S./M.S. track that lets you complete your undergraduate and master’s degrees in just five years.
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
To learn more about the Biological Sciences program, see Curriculum or visit the Catalog.
Secondary education
If your goal is to be a high school or middle school science teacher, you may enroll in secondary education courses at UNE to meet the standards for State of Maine certification (grades 7-12) upon graduation.
MEET OUR FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Apply Now or Request Information
Apply online for admission to one of our bachelor of science programs or request more information on a program.
Experiential Learning
Research
- Conduct research as early as freshman year
- Perform paid research over the summer
- Engage in cross-disciplinary research with faculty from other programs, such as Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences, and the Center for Excellence for Neurosciences
- Present at conferences and publish your findings
Internships
Our students have completed internships at many exciting sites, including:
- Animal Medical Associates
- RadonCheck
- Center for Wildlife
- BBI Pharmaceutical
- Partners for World Health
- Mainely Kidz Physical Therapy
For more information, contact the College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office Biology contact Cynthia Simon at csimon@une.edu.
Global Education
See the world
Study Biological Sciences on the other side of the world by taking part in our Global Education Programs.
Experience firsthand the earth’s biodiversity by participating in faculty-led travel courses to places such as Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Italy, Kenya, and the Galapagos Islands. Or if you would prefer a longer cultural immersion, you may spend an entire semester in one of our programs in Spain, France, Iceland, and Morocco.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
