2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Biology - Bachelor of Arts (47-48 credits + 6 credits internship)

(41-42 credits for Education majors)

The Biology major at Lesley prepares students for entry into a wide variety of graduate-level programs in the life sciences. It also prepares students for direct employment in a number of areas, including the rapidly growing biotech, pharmaceutical, clinical medical and health research industries, as well as for careers in teaching, natural resources, and in relevant government agencies. The many linkages with a solid liberal arts education open the door for Biology majors to explore and pursue a wide variety of non-science careers that benefit from a deep scientific perspective. As in all Lesley programs, the emphasis of the Biology major is on student-centered and student-engaged learning and on making connections among disciplines and to the pressing topics of the times. The Biology major includes a required capstone research course and an off-campus internship. Laboratory and fieldwork are integral to the major. Honors students also have the opportunity to do a literature-based or research-based senior honors thesis project.   

Degree Requirements

CBIOL 1101, CPHYS 1308 and CPHYS 1250: waived w/ AP score ≥4

I. Required Core (21 Credits)

CBIOL 1101Biology 1 with Lab

4

CBIOL 2101Biology II with Lab

4

CBIOL 2202Genetics and Ethics

3

CBIOL 2211Cell and Molecular Biology

3

CBIOL 2505Ecology with Lab

4

CNSCI 4550Directed Research Capstone: Science

3

 

Required Core Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics (19 credits)

Can include maximum  of 3 credits of Marine Studies Consortium courses unless pre-approved by the Associate Provost in consultation with the Department Chair
CPHYS 1250Physics I with Lab: Forces, Sound, Momentum & Energy

4

CPHYS 1308General Chemistry I with Lab

4

CPHYS 2102General Chemistry II with Lab

4

CPHYS 2308Organic Chemistry I with Lab

4

CMATH 3522Inferential Statistics

3

Marine Studies Consortium Courses max 3 credits

CBIOL 2100Introduction to Marine Mammals (Marine Studies Consortium course)

3

CBIOL 4100Biology of Whales (Marine Studies Consortium course)

3

CBIOL 4110Biology of Fishes (Marine Studies Consortium Course)

3

II. Choose TWO Electives (7-8 Credits).

 
CBIOL 2205Botany with Lab

4

CBIOL 3100Animal Behavior with Lab

4

CBIOL 3300Infectious Diseases

3

IV. Internship (6 Credits)

NOT required of Education Majors, or students who move from an education licensure program into an education minor.
CINTD 3100Interdisciplinary Internship & Seminar

3-6

CINTD 4100Interdisciplinary Internship & Seminar II

3-6