Biology Degree Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at ACPHS offers students the opportunity to develop extensive knowledge of biology by studying the fundamental processes of life. Students enrolled in the program will gain a deeper insight into a range of biological fields, such as molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology. By working closely with faculty in the classroom and in the laboratory, students will learn how to apply their knowledge to address real-world biological problems. The Biology program prepares students to pursue graduate study in biomedical sciences, or health professions including medicine, veterinary medicine, podiatry, pharmacy, physician assistant, and physical therapy. The major also prepares students to enter careers in environmental science, biopharmaceutical industry, human services, business and education.
Our faculty are dedicated to ensuring the success of our students. They teach in both classrooms and labs, providing students with valuable time with their professors and mentors. Our location in Albany, the state capital, provides easy access to major research facilities, including New York State Department of Health laboratories, as well as major biomedical research and pharmaceutical companies.
Our faculty are dedicated to ensuring the success of our students. They teach in both classrooms and labs, providing students with valuable time with their professors and mentors. Our location in Albany, the state capital, provides easy access to major research facilities, including New York State Department of Health laboratories, as well as major biomedical research and pharmaceutical companies.
Research and Hands-on Learning in the Biology Program
Graduates of the program are expected to fully integrate theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills of the broad discipline of biology with scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students will be encouraged to conduct hands-on research with the faculty on projects such as isolating bacteriophages against soil bacteria, designing therapeutic strategies for breast cancer and understanding cell death mechanisms. Students will also be encouraged to pursue internship opportunities to gain real-world experience in the field and the lab, and network with peers and professionals.
The program's top strengths include its focus on human biology, research opportunities in on-campus laboratories equipped with modern tools and technology, internship opportunities, and strong relationships with health professions schools and the biopharmaceutical industry.
The program's top strengths include its focus on human biology, research opportunities in on-campus laboratories equipped with modern tools and technology, internship opportunities, and strong relationships with health professions schools and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Jobs Requiring a Bachelor's Degree in Biology
The biology program at ACPHS provides the scientific background, enabling you to prepare for careers and graduate programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, the pharmaceutical industry, environmental science and public health.
72% of biology graduates in the U.S. worked in one of these occupational groups:
• Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
• Management occupations
• Life, physical and social science occupations
• Education instruction and library occupations
• Business and financial operations occupations
Biology fields with the strongest projected job growth:
• Medical scientists – 10%
• Registered nurses – 6%
• Dentists – 4 %
• Postsecondary teachers – 4%
• Managers – 3%
• Pharmacists – 3%
• Physicians – 3%
• Elementary school teachers, except special education – 1%
• Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education – 1%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2022-32
72% of biology graduates in the U.S. worked in one of these occupational groups:
• Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
• Management occupations
• Life, physical and social science occupations
• Education instruction and library occupations
• Business and financial operations occupations
Biology fields with the strongest projected job growth:
• Medical scientists – 10%
• Registered nurses – 6%
• Dentists – 4 %
• Postsecondary teachers – 4%
• Managers – 3%
• Pharmacists – 3%
• Physicians – 3%
• Elementary school teachers, except special education – 1%
• Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education – 1%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2022-32
Biology Degree Coursework
Students are expected to develop scientific reasoning, critical thinking and communication skills in addition to integrating theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills in the broad discipline of biology.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of traditional and emerging biology disciplines.
• Students will develop the ability to gather, analyze and use information related to biological sciences from scientific literature. They will be able to apply their knowledge to solve complex scientific problems and effectively communicate scientific information using different media forms such as textual, oral, visual and digital media to various audiences.
• Students must demonstrate both intra- and interpersonal skills, such as communication, professionalism, creative thinking, leadership, and teamwork.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of traditional and emerging biology disciplines.
• Students will develop the ability to gather, analyze and use information related to biological sciences from scientific literature. They will be able to apply their knowledge to solve complex scientific problems and effectively communicate scientific information using different media forms such as textual, oral, visual and digital media to various audiences.
• Students must demonstrate both intra- and interpersonal skills, such as communication, professionalism, creative thinking, leadership, and teamwork.
Contact Program Director
David Clarke, PhD
Department Chair
Associate Professor
518-694-7252
david.clarke@acphs.edu
Department Chair
Associate Professor
518-694-7252
david.clarke@acphs.edu
Contact the Admissions Office
106 New Scotland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
admissions@acphs.edu
518-694-7221
Albany, NY 12208
admissions@acphs.edu
518-694-7221