Biology
Biology students at Hollins develop a broad understanding of life – both plant and animal. You’ll explore the organization and processes of each, from cells through organ systems to species and evolution to populations and ecosystems.
All along the way, our faculty, who offer expertise in fields ranging from genetics, ecology, and human physiology to microbiology, zoology, and ornithology, will help you grow broad scientific and technical skills. You’ll seamlessly integrate challenging classwork, experiential learning, and research/fieldwork.
Tracks
Major
B.S.
If you are interested in going on to medical school, vet school, or graduate programs in the health sciences or biology, the bachelor of science degree includes the necessary courses required of most programs.
B.A.
Complete a bachelor of arts in biology and you can pursue a variety of careers in the biological sciences. You can become a research assistant, environmental consultant, or a teacher at the elementary or secondary level.
Internships are required and guaranteed for biology majors.
Minor
Requirements for a minor in biology include two core courses in biology and their accompanying laboratories and three 200-level or above elective courses in biology.
Research and Mentoring Opportunities
Hollins and Virginia Tech’s Global Change Center
This partnership offers undergraduates summer research experience in Virginia Tech labs and features a broad array of interdisciplinary fields. Learn more >
Caribbean Ecology
Since 2011, Hollins students and faculty have spent the month of January studying marine biodiversity in the waters surrounding the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more >
Research Opportunities
Hollins students have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors to conduct meaningful research. Whether it’s a several week summer research project in Hollins’ Summer Fellows research program or a yearlong senior honors thesis, students at all stages and of all interests are able to gain valuable research experience right here at Hollins. Learn more >
Sigma Xi
Sigma Xi is a scientific research honor society created to distinguish exceptional scientists who want to be at the forefront of impacting world change through research. As a university that promotes scientific research and advancements, it is no surprise that Hollins was awarded a chapter from one of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world. Learn more about Sigma Xi >
What You'll Learn
Launching a Biological Research Career
I enjoyed the fact that [Hollins] was small and you matter more here as a student than at big colleges. You could make connections with your professors. I just really enjoy learning about the intricacies of the physical world [and] I believe I am ahead of the curve because I have been exposed to so many different lab techniques.
Geneva Waynick, who interned at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and was a Hollins summer research fellowOn Track for M.D./Ph.D. Program
As an undergrad, Sunny Greene ’19 spent two summers as part of a research team in the Undiagnosed Diseases Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the world’s largest medical research hospitals. Now, she’s a post-baccalaureate fellow at NIH and preparing to apply to M.D./Ph.D. programs in the U.S. and abroad. Sunny’s story >
Professor Renee Godard talks about Biology at Hollins
To Make a Difference
Roshaye Graham ’18 experienced the loss of her grandmother in Jamaica. “I witnessed firsthand the critical need for healthcare providers to not only devote time and care to their patients, but to also adequately and accurately inform caregivers of their loved one’s condition,” she recalls. She will enroll at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine where she plans to become an OB-GYN. “I want to make a difference in Jamaica’s healthcare system, and my determination, commitment, and passion will enable me to be successful.” Her story >
