Biology

Biology: Major 

Developing an informed understanding of the living world is an important aspect of a liberal arts education. The department offers a diverse array of courses that cover the major sub-disciplines of biology — the study of life and living organisms. These courses also explore the implications of modern biology for various social and ethical issues.

Biology at Holy Cross has an exceptional tradition. A high percentage of department graduates each year go on to receive advanced degrees in various areas of biology and the biomedical sciences. Classes are small and students receive individual attention from faculty members who are dedicated teachers and active scholars. Teaching approaches span from traditional lecture to discovery-oriented learning, and expose students to the use of state-of-the-art equipment in teaching and research labs. Students have opportunities to supplement coursework with research positions on campus, throughout the U.S. or overseas. They frequently co-author papers with faculty mentors and participate in presentations at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.

Program Highlights

The biology department is supported by faculty members with broad research interests, who are active scholars, and who guide students in the development of their academic plan of study. Fields of study include:

  • Cellular and molecular biology
  • Ecological, evolutionary and organismal biology
  • Geology
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Research

Numerous opportunities exist that expose students to the ideas, methods and ethics of scientific research.

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Off-Campus Study

Explore study abroad and study away options, including opportunities to study at sea and in the tropics.

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Opportunities

Connect with other majors and engage the broader campus community on aspects of biology.

Biology News

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Students Conduct Cutting-Edge Research Across Disciplines Over the Summer
For 106 students, the summer was spent pushing intellectual boundaries and creativity while conducting leading research across a range of disciplines: 61 students engaged in research in the sciences; 38 in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts; and seven …
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Holy Cross Alumnus Researching Protein that can ‘Swallow Up and Quarantine’ Zika Virus
George Savidis ’12, who is conducting research on the Zika virus, was recently the first author on a study that is shedding light on a breakthrough in treating the virus, Science Daily reports. Savidis, a biology major with a concentration …
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Holy Cross Students Attribute Liberal Arts Education to Their Win at the International Business Ethics Case Competition
Holy Cross students James Barone ’17, Daniel Apadula ’17, James O’Connor ‘18, and Abigeal Lynch ’19 placed first in their division for the 25-minute presentation portion at the 20th International Business Ethics Case Competition (IBECC) held from April 20 to …