Biology

Biology encompasses the study of all living organisms, including microbes, plants, and animals. The study of biology includes various aspects of life; including basic organization (molecular, cellular, tissues, organs), how organisms function and their roles in the natural environment, how hereditary information is transferred, and development of biotechnology.

Wake Forest was the first college in the South to teach biology in a laboratory. In recent years, the Biology department, its faculty and students have benefited from the renovation of the main Reynolda Campus facility and the opening of a new one, the biomedical center at Wake Downtown, a 13-minute shuttle ride away. 

• Students declaring their primary major in Biology lead the way in faculty-mentored presentations at Undergraduate Research Day, the Celebration of Collaboration that coincides with Family Weekend. In the past 12 years, Biology majors have accounted for 15% of all presentations.
• In the past 10 graduating classes (2016-25), Biology has been the seventh most popular major overall and the fifth most popular in Wake Forest College, accounting for 8.13% of all graduates and 6.89% of all declared majors.
• Dr. Miles Silman is one of the world’s leading experts in efforts to preserve Amazon forests.

The Biology degree is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and a minor.

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Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.

Sample courses that you may take as a Biology student include:

* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.

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Biology graduates are broadly trained and well prepared for admission into strong graduate programs in the biological sciences and professional schools (medical, dental, and veterinary). They may also directly assume positions in government, education, industry, or certain technical fields.

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Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Biology students participate in the following programs:

• Beta Beta Beta
• Bioethics Club
• Association of Pre-Physician Assistants
• Health Occupation Students of America
• Women in STEM

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Careers that often interest Biology majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:

• Biochemist
• Bioinformaticist
• Blood Bank Technologist
• Clinical Pathologist
• Crime Lab Analyst
• Cytotechnologist
• Dentist
• Dietician
• Educator
• Environmental Specialist
• Field Study Coordinator
• Food and Drug Inspector
• Genetic Counselor
• Health Program Assistant
• Hemotherapist
• Histologist
• Lab Technician
• Legal Assistant
• Medical Equipment Sales
• Medical Investigator
• Medical Librarian
• Medical Writer
• Microbiologist
• Optometrist
• Parasitologist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Physical Therapist
• Physician
• Physician’s Assistant
• Public Health Specialist
• Quality Control Specialist
• Toxicologist

Although many Biology graduates enjoy successful careers in medical fields, they are also attorneys; ministers; financial advisors; and involved in dozens of other specialties.