Biology
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Biology Overview
At Chatham University, the study of biology spans the spectrum from unlocking the secrets of the gene at the molecular level to providing the knowledge to help understand the causes and spread of diseases.
Chatham offers tracks tailored to different fields of interest. The cell and molecular biology concentration is appropriate for a career in research or medicine. The human biology concentration includes all of the prerequisite courses for our Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, and is well suited to careers in a variety of health professions. Students interested in the role of biology and ecosystems are encouraged to consider a major in environmental science at Chatham.
Chatham offers tracks tailored to different fields of interest. The cell and molecular biology concentration is appropriate for a career in research or medicine. The human biology concentration includes all of the prerequisite courses for our Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, and is well suited to careers in a variety of health professions. Students interested in the role of biology and ecosystems are encouraged to consider a major in environmental science at Chatham.
Over the years, we’ve found that many students change or modify their career plans as they discover new fields within science. For example, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and healthcare analytics are some careers our graduates have entered, but which they had never thought about in high school. For this reason, we keep our first year or two very flexible to allow students to switch majors or tracks to pursue new interests.
— LISA LAMBERT, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Learning
Maggie McGoveny, '17
The relationships and opportunities Chatham undergraduates create with fellow students and faculty members make the four years here as productive as possible.
Explore the Biology Degree:
Biology includes the study of the structure, function, and interactions of living organisms at multiple levels; it is a field that is evolving rapidly. This major provides students with a broad interdisciplinary base in scientific knowledge combined with an in-depth exploration of a preferred area of interest. The BA degree is appropriate for students who want to demonstrate their capability in biology, but also want to explore related areas like teaching.
Our Faculty
Full Faculty
The Science Complex
The Science Complex is Chatham’s 10,000 square-foot laboratory building, which features a three-story glass atrium and a modern greenhouse, in addition to individual, specialized research spaces; laboratories and classrooms; a range of modern analytical equipment including cell and tissue culture facilities; spectrometers (nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-VIS, IR); and one of the few drift tube mass spectrometers in the country.
Funding Opportunities
In addition to giving students experience in laboratory research prior to their capstone research project, Chatham uses other sources of funding, such as the Hulme Award and the Theo Colburn and Lorin Maazel Awards, to provide money for biology students to travel to professional conferences and to fund their summer travel and research.
Pre-Med Advising Program
Chatham has a robust pre-med advising program to support and mentor students interested in applying to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy and optometry programs.
Pre-Med Advising Program : Checkerboard 3 - Pre-Med Advising Program
Research Opportunities
By engaging in guided research projects, students have opportunities to learn cutting edge theoretical and practical skills, while exploring interests in human physiology, evolution, microbiology, environmental chemistry, computational modeling, and more.
Explore Research Opportunities : Checkerboard 4 - Research Opportunities
Biology Club
Students majoring in Biology may join the Biology Club and apply for membership in the Beta Beta Beta national honor society.
Nucleate Pittsburgh
Nucleate is a student-led organization representing the largest global community of bio-innovators and empowering future biotech leaders. Chatham is a part of the Pittsburgh chapter, which is the region’s largest student-led biotech initiative.
Explore Nucleate Pittsburgh : Checkerboard 6 - Nucleate Pittsburgh
Integrated Degree Program
Qualified students from the biology program can be admitted early to Chatham's Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies or Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, saving money and speeding time towards graduation with two degrees.
Integrated Degree Program Info : Checkerboard 7 - Integrated Degree Program
Outcomes & Graduate Studies
Biology students have been accepted to graduate programs, including those found at the Boston University School of Medicine, Rochester University School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, University of Stirling (Scotland), University of Michigan Medical School, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Graduates have gone on to work for UPMC Montefiore, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and Ohio University.
Biology
