Academic Program in Biology
Research is integral to the biology major. Apart from classroom instruction, students can actively participate in collaboration in research with faculty.
Program Requirements
Much of this research takes place in the Oberlin College Science Center. This comprehensive state-of-the-art building has classroom and instructional research facilities for up to 45 student researchers in biology, 30 in chemistry, and 15 in neuroscience. The space is ideal for our faculty whose research interests range from disease ecology systems modeling and genetics to embryology and cancer immunology, among others.
Biology students may collaborate with faculty on systems and organisms research that investigates bacteria, wasps, crayfish, nematodes, opossums, aquatic plants, and more.
Many off-campus opportunities are available for summer study at marine and inland field stations. Students can vie for assistant positions in university research labs, hospitals, companies, or with the National Institutes of Health.
Those who plan graduate studies should consult with an advisor to ensure selection of appropriate courses in order to prepare for study in such diverse fields as forensic biology, forestry, virology, conservation biology, pharmaceutical law, textbook illustration, or animal behavior.
Graduates of our biology program venture directly into the applied fields of medicine or other health professions, as well as related fields including conservation, agriculture, and environmental science.