At Alverno you can work side-by-side with professors on research, gain inter-disciplinary skills, build confidence as a female biologist and explore real-world work opportunities before graduation. That’s important because today’s workplace is not one-dimensional, so biologists are expected to communicate effectively, work with others collaboratively and solve problems creatively.
What sparks your curiosity?
If you love animals and plants, being out in nature, or the excitement of scientific research, you may be a biologist at heart. Everything from DNA in the nucleus of a cell, to medicine, animal behavior or the ways humans affect the environment – it all comes back to biology.
Up close and personal
Other colleges may tell you about life as a biologist, but at Alverno, you’ll experience it firsthand. You’ll work alongside professors who will personally guide you through rigorous coursework, provide opportunities to participate with industry conferences and expose you to meaningful co-curricular activities. Not only that, you’ll graduate with a semester-long internship, meaning you’ll have real-world experience even before your diploma is in-hand.
That’s just the start!
What really sets Alverno’s Biology program apart is a program that’s reflective of the world in which you’ll work. Professionals in the field are required to communicate effectively, think critically and problem-solve easily – all skills students master as a result of Alverno’s world-renowned abilities-based curriculum. And women are often underrepresented in biology: Are you ready to change that? It can be hard for a woman to find her voice in this male-dominated industry, but our curriculum is specifically designed to help you build confidence as a female leader in the field of biology.
Internships for the new biologist
Alverno has partnerships with more than 2,000 worksites, so you’ll have a better chance at connecting with a site that meets your career goals. Your internship enhances everything learned in class, giving you the hands-on experience of a working biologist. Plus, you’ll make important career connections with local professionals. Thanks to the career-ready skills they learn in class, Alverno interns are in high demand and stand out among their peers.
How you can use your degree
Many Alverno biology graduates go on to medical, dental, veterinary and graduate school, while others begin their careers right away in research, industry or teaching. No matter what you choose to pursue after graduation, you’ll be in the perfect position to lead the way.
Molecular Biology Specialization
One of the most exciting challenges of modern science lies in unraveling how genes and their DNA control living organisms. Manipulating DNA has become a vital part of all areas of biology, from laboratory research to practical applications in biotechnology, medicine and agriculture. If you are intrigued by understanding life at its most basic level, you might choose to major in biology with a specialization in molecular biology.
Molecular biology draws on core principles of physical science, informatics, genetics and cellular biology to understand how DNA works and how it can be used in new technologies to serve human needs and to advance our understanding of how living organisms function.
As an Alverno molecular biology student, a select program of biology and physical science courses will introduce you to the variety of theories and techniques that can be applied to DNA. Your beginning courses follow the sequence of the biology major. In the intermediate courses, your studies become more focused on the sciences that gave rise to molecular biology and the disciples that intensively use molecular technology today. In your advanced work, you become increasingly skilled in learning through laboratory experiences and scientific literature. Throughout your studies you will examine the impact of molecular biology in ethical and societal debates.
Major Outcomes for Molecular Biology Specialization
A graduate with a major in biology with a molecular biology specialization will demonstrate the ability:
to communicate about biological and chemical phenomena;
to analyze quantitative and qualitative data;
to apply frameworks;
to solve problems through scientific investigation; and
to apply these abilities in the specialized context of molecular biology.
