Skip to main content

Department of Biology

Biology is a broad field that branches into many different disciplines and a range of career paths. We deliver high-quality academic programs that reflect the latest advancements and technologies in the life sciences, provide you with meaningful, hands-on research experience, and help you develop the knowledge, skills, and experience you need for a lifetime of leadership and career success. At Marian, we prepare students for a variety of career paths, including environmental sciences, healthcare, or research. 

What will you study?

As a student pursuing a degree in Biology, you will first complete the Principles of Biology sequence— a two semester sequence designed to provide you with early foundational knowledge. Then, to allow students to explore the many different facets of Biology, students are required to select one course each from three different fundamental levels of Biology : Molecular Level, Organismal Level, and Ecosystem Level. During your third and fourth years, you’ll build upon this foundation by selecting electives of your choice for a deeper learning experience. Additionally, you will develop a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, and physics through required course work.

Biology Core

  • BIO210/211L: Principles of Biology I, emphasizing Ecology & Evolution
  • BIO212/213L: Principles of Biology II, emphasizing Genetics and Cell Biology
  • BIO220: Data Skills for Biologists

Molecular Level Electives

  • BIO307: Cellular & Molecular Biology
  • BIO315: Genomics and Advanced Genetics
  • BIO340: Advanced Microbiology

Organismal Level Electives

  • BIO323: Organismal Biology
  • BIO329: Plant Biology
  • BIO350: Developmental Biology
  • BIO373: Zoology
  • BIO444: Human Medical Physiology

Ecosystem Level Electives

  • BIO320: Advanced Ecology
  • BIO321: Conservation Biology
  • BIO327: Behavioral Ecology
  • BIO363: Restoration Ecology

Why Choose Biology at Marian?

The Department of Biology at Marian is committed to advancing the understanding of the living world through excellence in education, research, and mentoring. Through a rigorous curriculum, bolstered by innovated research and internship opportunities, we empower students to be leaders within the field.  

  • Our expert faculty care about you, your career goals, and your success, both in and out of the classroom. We will advise you academically and help you build a career path leading to a meaningful, rewarding profession in any aspect of biology. 
  • Small class and lab sizes enable us to provide you with individual, one-on-one attention. You’ll engage in high-impact, hands-on learning and develop lifelong relationships with your peers and professors. 
  • With faculty expertise encompassing diverse fields, including cancer biology, bioinformatics, plant biology, molecular biology, and ecology, students have a range of independent research opportunities to explore. 
  • Through embedding inquiry-based projects into our labs, students learn the scientific process of discovery and develop their skills as researchers, including communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. 
  • With access to our 75-acre Nina Mason Pulliam Ecolab, students studying environmental sciences have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience exploring restoration biology in native wetlands, prairies, and forests of Indiana. 

Blue SalamanderOur students have the opportunity to present their research projects at conferences nationally. 

Catching Wildlife

Students work collaboratively in the field or at the bench to advance their understanding of science.

Creek SamplingCentrally located in Indiana, we have many natural resources to allow students to explore their interests. 

Summer ScholarsThrough opportunities like our Summer Research Scholars Program, students experience different settings for biological research and application. 
Student and ProfessorOur faculty are experts in a variety of disciplines to train the next generation of leaders in the field. 

Box TurleOur Nina Mason Pulliam Ecolab is a nationally recognized center for wildlife conservations and restoration. 

ResearchThrough several venues, students are able to practice their scientific communication and presentation skills. 

Internship

Through an on campus internship program, students are able to get hands-on experience as they complete their undergraduate degree. 

Technology

On campus, our labs are equipped with modern technologies and equipment to broaden students’ skillset. 

Faculty and Staff

Contact Us

Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000

admissions@marian.edu
COMadmissions@marian.edu

Request More Information

Reach out and we'll be in touch soon.

© 2024 Marian University
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.

Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.

Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.

Submit a Marketing Request

Website built with