What is Biology?
Biology is the science of Life. It is broadly divided into zoology, the study of animal life, and botany, the study of plant life. Subdivisions of each of these sciences include cytology (the study of cells), histology (the study of tissues), anatomy or morphology, physiology, and embryology (the study of the embryonic development of an individual animal or plant). Also included in biological studies are the sciences of genetics, evolution, paleontology, and taxonomy or systematics, the study of classification.
Pursuing a career in biology can be immensely rewarding and exciting. Studying biology teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. They may study cells under a microscope, insects in a rainforest, viruses that affect human beings, plants in a greenhouse, or lions in the African grasslands. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world in which we live and helps us address issues of personal well being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats to human health, and maintaining viable and abundant food supplies.
What can students do with a degree in Biology?
Many biology graduates have attended major medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, and graduate schools.
Some graduates do professional research for various agencies and corporations. Institutional research, often affiliated with private or public universities and philanthropic foundations, offers a variety of research and development opportunities.
Other employment opportunities for biology graduates include positions at museums, zoological and botanical gardens, hospitals, and various agencies. Graduates may also pursue careers in education, business, and sales and management with chemical, pharmaceutical, or scientific equipment manufacturers.
Graduate students may also carry out postgraduate studies that lead to Master of Science or Ph.D. in their field of interest.
Two campuses and one Degree
A Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus Biology academic curriculum is completely integrated with those of the College of Arts and Sciences of the Saint Louis-Missouri campus. The students can transfer between the two campuses over the course of their undergraduate degree program. Biology students that begin the program in Madrid are required to transfer to Saint Louis-Missouri campus to complete their degree. However, students can transfer the academic credits they earn while studying in Madrid to other US universities, should they wish to.
The courses are offered in English in Saint Louis Madrid Campus. Spanish and international students normally enroll in our intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program during their first year of study. We invite you to join us!
Features of the Biology Programs
Our biology program places the student in a community of active learners, working with faculty committed to excellent teaching, mentoring and scholarship. Students work with faculty members who are actively engaged in the natural sciences, and who are passionate about teaching.
Graduates leave with a strong biology background, mathematical skills, the ability to work independently, excellent oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
In keeping with the Jesuit tradition of promoting the development of the whole person, the Science programs include the Core Curriculum of College of Arts and Sciences. This Core provides a framework for acquiring a broad foundation of knowledge in the Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. At the same time, the Core fosters intellectual inquiry, ethical decision making, and effective communication across the disciplines.
The SLU-Madrid Campus and the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University both offer the BA and BS degree programs that have been differentiated into three tracks: 1) BA or BS in Biological Science (similar to the original BA/BS degree requirements); 2) BA or BS in Biology, Plant Sciences track; and 3) BA or BS in Biology, Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology track.
Saint Louis University Biology degree has a dual nature. They are recognized in Spain (our Madrid campus is the only U.S. University recognized by the Consejería de Educación y Cultura, the higher education authority of Madrid's provincial government) and the U.S.
Special attributes of this program
Saint Louis University in Madrid offers small class sizes so students get more personal attention by faculty and staff. Upon their transfer to the St. Louis, the students interact with the Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Zoological park, the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, the Pediatric Research Institute, and Cardinal Glennon Hospital.
Faculty
Given the breadth of biology, our program integrates faculty who are biologists, microbiologist, chemists, and biochemists. These scientists, who bring their educational and research experiences into the classroom, form a cohesive group who endeavor to provide a comprehensive and integrated curriculum for biology science majors. They are individually committed to teaching, while maintaining active undergraduate and graduate research programs. For more information, visit our Science Faculty members.
Admission Requirements
Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus seeks students who are prepared for a challenging academic environment and who are interested in making an impact on the SLU community and the world. All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted.
Spanish and international students normally enroll in the SLU-Madrid intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program during their first year of study.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, it is recommended that a student have twenty units of high school work:
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Minor in Biology
A minor in biology may be obtained by students who take a minimum of 20 hours of biology consisting of the following.
- 7-8 hours of introductory biology (BIOL-104 and BIOL-106 or equivalent)
- 12-13 hours of upper division electives (BIOL-301 – BIOL-479)
Study Abroad Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering that really enrich you
Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus offers a study abroad experience for science students in their sophomore or junior years for up to two semesters. All courses are taught in English. In addition to these courses, students may enroll in a variety of other classes. The University boasts of four fully-equipped computer labs, as well as physics, biology, chemistry and engineering labs. Students have access to a small campus reference library and to public and private libraries in Madrid.
For the complete current listing of courses, visit our Study Abroad Web >>
