Biological Sciences
TWO MAJORS: Biological Sciences (biology), Human Biology Biology (biological sciences) lives at the leading edge of science, using the latest technology to explore molecular medicine, ecology and the environment, genetic regulation of plant and animal development, microbial physiology and cell dynamics and motility.
THE MARQUETTE ADVANTAGE
DO SOMETHING RARE. All Marquette biological sciences majors take at least three courses taught entirely in the lab by a professor, not teaching assistants - an opportunity few national research universities provide their undergraduates.
So you're a freshman

We've got you covered:
Preview
Orientation
First-year reading
Your RA, GDL and friends along the way
CONDUCT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. You have the opportunity to work as an undergraduate in a research lab - where you work on your own projects - under the guidance of your faculty mentor. And you can also present your findings at regional or national conferences.
TAILOR ELECTIVES TO YOUR GOALS. One of the strengths of this major is its flexibility. Concentrate on the body by taking courses from molecular biology to system physiology, or take a different approach by studying ecology, plant biology and microbiology.
HUMAN BIOLOGY. Designed just for Marquette's physical therapy students, the human biology major focuses primarily on human physiological systems.
HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER VACATION? How about a research experience for undergraduates? Marquette offers a 10-week summer program where you can do exciting research - in areas such as microbiology, developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, plant biology, neurobiology and vertebrate physiology - and get paid handsomely for it.
Visit the department that offers this major.
Please expand to view Suggested Curriculum and What You Can Do With It
Suggested curriculum
Your major courses blue.
Freshman
- General Biology I & II
- Chemistry I & II
- Other classes to satisfy your core requirements
Sophomore
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Organic Chemistry I & II
- Biology Laboratory Course
- Other classes to satisfy your core requirements
Junior and Senior courses
- Biological Sciences major:
- Two laboratory classes
(or one lab course plus independent study course) - Four biochemistry science electives
Physiological Sciences:
Human Physiology
Neurobiology
Experimental Physiology
Experimental Neurobiology
Human Anatomy
Three lecture or laboratory elective classes
(which could include an independent study course)
Junior and Senior courses (Cont'd)
- Biology for the Professions:
Introductory lab
One additional lab course
Three biological sciences electives
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major:
Biochemistry and the Molecular Basis of Biology - Experimental Molecular Biology
Quantitative Analysis
Physical Chemistry
Laboratory course or independent study course
Three biochemistry or molecular biology electives
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT
Of our graduates who pursue further education, about 20 percent go to medical school (page 130) and some pursue careers as dentists and physician assistants. Others go on to earn master’s or doctoral degrees in biological research. Those who work typically join firms engaged in food and drug research, biotechnology, environmental protection and forensic medicine.
Recent employers and schools for our graduates include:
- Abbott Laboratories
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- MIT
- Northwestern
- University of Chicago
- University of Minnesota
- University of Wisconsin Medical School
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory
- Washington University (St. Louis)




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