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College of Arts & Sciences

Biology

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Why pursue a biology degree at North Central College?

From your very first course, Biology engages you in authentic science! Our curriculum starts by involving you in discovering what influences West Nile virus in mosquitoes in a research course. Open-ended, project-based labs and active-learning classrooms build skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, presentations, problem-solving, synthetic thinking, teamwork, and research ethics. Capstone courses and summer and academic-year research opportunities involve you in real research projects with faculty mentors.

Choose advanced courses in five curriculum tracks to prepare yourself for any life-science career. Biology majors can go straight to the workforce or continue to graduate or professional programs. Diverse career opportunities include research, medicine and health professions, secondary education, pharmaceutical development, environment, veterinary medicine, public health, scientific writing or illustration, medical labs, forensics, and many more.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Using the latest scientific tools to understand how living systems work
  • Understanding living organisms relationship to their existing ecosystem
  • Studying biological, medical, professional or health functions

then a degree in BIOLOGY might be for you.

Why study biology at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Biostatistics
  • Calculus
  • Career-Readiness Seminar
  • Cells & Systems
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology & Evolution
  • Gateway Research
  • Genes & Genomics
  • Physics

Wentz Science Center
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center, home to the biology program classes, labs and faculty offices.

Virtual Tour 

Beyond the Classroom

As a biology major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Apply for our funded summer research program.
  • Take experiential courses at Shedd Aquarium and Morton Arboretum
  • Take your studies abroad to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Africa, Galapagos)
  • Explore our experimental prairie
  • Be inducted into the Biology Honor Society
  • Join one or all of our student clubs like Student Pre-Health Organization or GreenScene environmental club
  • Work closely with faculty on pre-health advising

Student Research

Past biology majors have conducted a variety of research projects, including:

  • A New Method for Counting and Identifying Water Molds in Field Samples
  • Utilization of Spent Coffee Grounds as a Fuel Source
  • Phenotype Testing Mutant Alleles of the Human COX10 Gene Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
  • Multihost Pathogen Creates Ecological Links Between Its Hosts and Thus Influence Host Population Dynamics
  • Complementing Phosphodiesterase Gene BinA in Vibrio fischeri

More Department information

Dual admission bachelor's/master of occupational therapy degree

Biology, Biology Professions Track, B.A.

The B.A. degree in Biology provides the same comprehensive core, research experience and capstone as the B.S. degree, but its two tracks are tailored to be compatible with a second major (Biology Professions track) or with the requirements of professional schools in such allied health areas as nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, or optometry (Health Professions track). Students choosing the Biology Professions track need an additional major in a complementary area such as environmental studies, neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, business, etc. Students preparing for secondary education should complete the B. S. Biology Education track. Students planning to continue to graduate programs in the biological sciences or to medical, dental, or veterinary programs should consider the Biological Sciences or Biomedical Science tracks for a B.S. degree in Biology.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Biology.

Core Courses

Capstone

Research Experience

Students must complete a research experience which is presented in BIOL 490 - Seminar; students take the zero-credit BIOL 290 - Seminar once as participants/evaluators and the two credit BIOL 390 - Careers in Biological Sciences once before presenting. The research experience could be any of the following:

  • Complete the BIOL 400 research course
  • Complete an on- or off-campus summer research program
  • Complete an independent research project with a faculty member
  • Complete a research-based internship or other project approved by the department chair

Biology Professions Track Courses

Two of the following:

Support Courses

Foreign Language

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Second Major

Biology Professions majors must complete a second major in an area outside Biology. Note: Students seeking licensure for secondary education must complete the Secondary Education major.

Biology Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in biology have been accepted at:

  • University of Illinois 
  • University of Iowa
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Texas
  • University of Wisconsin
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • San Diego State University
  • University of Colorado
  • University of Mississippi
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Southern California

Medical and Professional Schools

Schools attended by recent graduates in biology include:

  • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  • University of Illinois College of Medicine
  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry
  • Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Rush University College of Nursing
  • Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Pennsylvania College of Optometry
  • Midwestern University physician assistant program

Careers

Recent graduates in biology include people working at:

  • Edward Hospital
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Loyola University Medical Center
  • Oswego East High School, Oswego, Ill.
  • PharmaPro, Inc.
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Morton Arboretum
  • Therapeutic Proteins International
  • Teach For America
  • Prairie Analytical Systems
  • University of California-San Francisco
  • Midewin Tallgrass Prairie
  • Indiana Department of Natural Resources
  • US Forest Service

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.

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Biology Student Profile

Nathaniel Fukutake '24

Dive into Nathaniel Fukutake's transformative experience as a first-generation college student at North Central College. Immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Wentz Science Center, Fukutake discovers more than just scientific knowledge—he uncovers his passion for research and personal growth as a biology and biomedical science major. Join him as he navigates the intricacies of lab work, gaining invaluable skills and insights that shape his future in healthcare. Explore the boundless opportunities for undergraduate research at North Central College through Fukutake's inspiring story.