Biology, BS

Central to Exploring the Natural World.

CCSU’s BS in Biology prepares students to understand and interpret the living world to achieve success in careers in biological sciences, including the health sciences. Students pursue one of six fields of study that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career or further their education.

Graduates are required to conduct a student-centered research project with a Biology faculty member or to participate in an internship with an appropriate off-campus organization, many students do both.

CCSU graduates with a BS in Biology enter careers in occupations like biologist, botanist, dentist, ecologist, forester, high school biology teacher, marine biologist, medical doctor, pharmacologist, physician assistant, research associate, veterinarian, and more.

Program Features

  • Attend full- or part-time
  • Small class sizes with hands-on, student-centered learning
  • State-of-the-art laboratories using modern equipment in areas ranging from molecular biology, epigenetics, neurobiology, plant & algal culture, microscopy, water quality measurement, and wildlife management & conservation biology
  • Classes taught by Biology faculty, not teaching assistants
  • Excellent preparation for further study in medical, dental, veterinarian, and physicians’ assistant programs
  • Student-centered research results presented at local, regional, or national conferences
  • Research results may be published with mentoring faculty member
  • Financial aid and scholarships available
  • Free on-campus child care available
 

Program Options

Guides students through the complete study of life, from molecules to ecosystems. Students acquire a deeper understanding of basic biological concepts, which fosters an appreciation of the diversity of life and the processes by which life has evolved.

Allows students to focus their studies on the human body. This includes human anatomy and physiology, human reproduction and development, human nutrition and metabolism, human disease, and various areas of human systems biology such as neurology and endocrinology. The requirement for related science courses (math, chemistry, and physics) is appropriate for those preparing to apply to professional healthcare programs such as medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs.

Takes a multidisciplinary approach to environmental science based on a strong core in the biological sciences. The program provides students with a foundation in organismal biology, ecology, environmental chemistry, earth science, and environmental management. With strengths in freshwater and marine ecology, water pollution, and plant and animal organismal biology, the program prepares students for careers in environmental science and natural resource management with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the environmental management industry, and for graduate studies in these areas.

Students develop an understanding of the processes that influence relationships among organisms and their interactions with their environments through regular coursework and individual research projects. Students prepare for careers with government agencies, such as conservation, fisheries, wildlife management, and forestry departments, as well as non-governmental organizations, environmental education groups, and the environmental industry. In addition, students are prepared for graduate studies in fields like ecology, evolution, animal behavior, natural resource management, or marine and aquatic biology.

Guides students through the complete study of life, from molecules to ecosystems. Students acquire a deeper understanding of basic biological concepts,
which fosters an appreciation of the diversity of life and the processes by which life has evolved.

Develops graduates who wish to teach biology at the secondary level. The program includes consideration of all major concepts and areas of biology. Within some of the areas, students may select different courses to build on knowledge gained in their first and second years of study. Students are continuously encouraged to see connections in biological events from the standpoint of all sciences. The specialization also includes a professional education component. Because of the breadth of required courses, it is also possible for students in secondary education to enter a variety of other careers in research, health, and industry, as well as graduate study.

Biology, BS

Admissions Contact

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions
(860) 832-2278
admissions@ccsu.edu

Academic Department

Biology

Did You Know?

CCSU has the largest Science Department in the CSCU system. Because of this we can offer a wider variety of courses, degree programs, and research opportunities to fit the interests and aspirations of students wanting to become professional biologists.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students should demonstrate a broad-based and integrative understanding of basic biological concepts that fosters an appreciation of the diversity of life and the processes by which life has evolved.
  2. Students should demonstrate an ability to effectively convey, both orally and in writing, a knowledge of biological content, methods, and issues.
  3. Students should demonstrate an ability to locate, critically analyze, interpret, and discuss primary research literature within the biological sciences.
  4. Students should demonstrate knowledge of up-to-date scientific tools and techniques.
  5. Students should demonstrate an awareness of contemporary scientific issues including ethics and the impact of science on society.