Biology

Biology: Major 

Developing an informed understanding of the living world is an important aspect of a liberal arts education. The department offers a diverse array of courses that cover the major sub-disciplines of biology — the study of life and living organisms. These courses also explore the implications of modern biology for various social and ethical issues.

Biology at Holy Cross has an exceptional tradition. A high percentage of department graduates each year go on to receive advanced degrees in various areas of biology and the biomedical sciences. Classes are small and students receive individual attention from faculty members who are dedicated teachers and active scholars. Teaching approaches span from traditional lecture to discovery-oriented learning, and expose students to the use of state-of-the-art equipment in teaching and research labs. Students have opportunities to supplement coursework with research positions on campus, throughout the U.S. or overseas. They frequently co-author papers with faculty mentors and participate in presentations at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.

Program Highlights

The biology department is supported by faculty members with broad research interests, who are active scholars, and who guide students in the development of their academic plan of study. Fields of study include:

  • Cellular and molecular biology
  • Ecological, evolutionary and organismal biology
  • Geology
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Research

Numerous opportunities exist that expose students to the ideas, methods and ethics of scientific research.

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Off-Campus Study

Explore study abroad and study away options, including opportunities to study at sea and in the tropics.

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Opportunities

Connect with other majors and engage the broader campus community on aspects of biology.

Biology News

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Photo Gallery: Sculpture Stands as Symbol of Community and Dialogue at Holy Cross
The temporality and whimsy of Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork sculptures have graced more than 250 sites around the world — from the open fields of the Scottish Highlands to the Riniyo-in Temple in Chiba, Japan. This fall, the College of the …
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Photos: Students Showcase Their Study Abroad Experiences in Sixth Annual Photo Contest
The sixth annual study abroad photo contest gave returning study abroad students the opportunity to share scenes from their rich experiences with the campus community through photography. Photos were submitted showcasing scenes from all over the world — from the …
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Holy Cross Magazine Publishes Fall 2016 Food-Themed Issue
The Fall 2016 issue of Holy Cross Magazine — dubbed “The Food Issue”— delves in to what we eat, where it comes from, and who we eat with and why. “Food is something each of us experiences every day, multiple times …