We are committed to providing you with an enriching and comprehensive education in modern biological sciences. With interdisciplinary studies in chemistry, physics, scientific writing, and statistics, you'll be fully prepared for advanced biology courses and future careers. Engage in hands-on research experiences, develop critical thinking skills, and explore various fields through our Ph.D. program. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you are fully prepared for a successful future career. Whether you plan to pursue graduate school, professional schools (such as medical, dental, or veterinary), or technical positions in laboratories, our program will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Join us and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge in the biological sciences

Learning Outcomes

  • Possess a breadth of knowledge across topic areas representing different levels of biological organization, such as molecular/genetic biology, organismal biology, and ecology/evolution.
  • Communicate scientific concepts and procedures effectively and accurately.
  • Apply modern scientific techniques relevant to biological sciences.
  • Apply the scientific method by designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting scientific results, and drawing conclusions in an appropriate and ethical manner.
  • Develop skills and knowledge that will prepare students for success in biology-related careers.

Biological Sciences Curriculum

Of the credits required for graduation from Duquesne University, majors in biological sciences are required to complete the following: 

  • University Core (28 credits)
  • School of Science and Engineering School Core (23 credits)
  • Biology requirements (42 credits)
  • Math requirements (10-11 credits)
  • Additional requirements (29 credits)

Course objectives are met through lectures, laboratory experiments and exercises, field work, participation in professional organizations, weekly seminars, and research. Students are encouraged to become involved in undergraduate research projects with faculty.

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences - 122 credits

Year 1
  • Chemistry I/Recitation (CHEM 121/R) 4 credits
  • Chemistry I Lab (CHEM 121L) 1 credit
  • Advanced Biology I/ Lab/Recitation (BIOL 115 / 115L) 5 credits
  • Writing and Analysis (BRDG 101) 3 credits
  • Calculus I (MATH 115) 4 credits
  • Biology Major Exploration (BIOL 100) 1 credit
  • Chemistry II/Recitation (CHEM 122/R) 4 credits
  • Chemistry II Lab (CHEM 122L) 1 credit
  • Advanced Biology II/Lab (BIOL 117 / 117L) 5 credits
  • Writing and Literature (BRDG 102) 3 credits
  • General Elective 3 credits
  • Research & Info Skills (BRDG 100) 1 credit
Year 2
  • Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 211) 3 credits
  • Organic Chemistry I Lab (CHEM 211L) 1 credit
  • Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 212) 4 credits
  • Intro to Biostatistics (MATH 225) 3 credits
  • Essential Questions Seminar (EQ XXX) 3 credits
  • Scientific Writing (ENGL 302W) 3 credits
  • Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 212) 3 credits
  • Organic Chemistry II Lab (CHEM 212L) 1 credit
  • Genetics/Mol Bio Topic (BIOL) 3 credits
  • Biostats II - OR - Calculus II (MATH 335 OR MATH 116) 3/4 credits
  • Cultural Fluency (Bridges course) 3 credits
  • Biological Sciences Career Dev (BIOL 105) 1 credit
Year 3
  • Biology Capstone I 4 credits
  • Physics for Life Sciences I/Recitation (PHYS 201/R) 3 credits
  • Physics for Life Sciences I Lab (PHYS 201L) 1 credit
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning (BRDG 105) 3 credits
  • General Elective 3 credits
  • Service Learning (SPRG 108) 0/1 credit
  • Biology Capstone II 4 credits
  • Supra-Organismal Topic 3 credits
  • Physics for Life Sciences II/Recitation (PHYS 202/R) 3 credits
  • Physics for Life Sciences II Lab (PHYS 202L) 1 credit
  • Critical Thinking (Bridges course) 3 credits
  • Biology Seminar (BIOL 490) 1 credit
Year 4
  • Organismal Topic 3 credits
  • Biology Elective 3 credits
  • Biology Elective 3 credits
  • Theology 3 credits
  • Social & Historical Reasoning 3 credits
  • Biology Elective 3 credits
  • Biology Elective 3 credits
  • Ethical Reasoning 3 credits
  • Philosophy 3 credits