Biological Sciences
Academic Department Introduction
Biology, the study of life, is a dynamic science that connects with many other disciplines. Biologists examine life at all levels, from molecular interactions to communities of plants and animals facing global climate change. Biological sciences majors develop the problem-solving skills and intellectual flexibility to contribute to and participate in a rapidly changing world.
Most courses include a laboratory or field-based component where students can design and perform their own experiments. We believe the best science learning is achieved when paired with hands-on experience.
Learning goals
- Articulate the evolutionary basis of biology and the dynamic nature of life.
- Identify, discuss, and explain the fundamental principles and concepts of biology.
- Evaluate ethical and public policy issues of biological significance.
- Summarize and assess new biological problems and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to arrive at defensible conclusions.
- Frame focused biological questions, then formulate and test hypotheses through experiments.
Programs of Study
Biological sciences major and minor
Students understand the relevance of biology in their lives and the lives of others.
Course highlights
Developmental Biology with Laboratory
BISC216
In this course, we will explore animal development beginning with the process of fertilization. We will consider how a single cell gives rise to the many specialized cell types of the adult and how the development of tissues is coordinated. The mechanisms that determine cell fate during embryonic development will be discussed. Topics will include: embryonic induction, pattern formation, organ development, regeneration, stem cells, and aging. Laboratory sessions will focus on experimental approaches to development. This course does not have a waitlist, we know enrollments shift and spaces open up, so check back regularly for spots.
This course has a required co-requisite Laboratory - BISC 216L.
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Molecular Genetics with Laboratory
BISC316
Molecular genetic techniques, which allow us to identify, analyze and manipulate genes, have revolutionized our understanding of how organisms develop and function. This course focuses on the use of molecular genetic and genomic approaches to dissect and manipulate complex biological systems. In this semester-long project-based course, students will use these approaches to pursue an original research question in a genetic model organism. Seminar-style class sessions will focus on critical analysis, presentation and discussion of the primary literature relevant to the research project. In the laboratory, students will gain experience with a variety of current molecular genetic methods (e.g. DNA cloning and sequencing, PCR, genomic analysis, gene knock-outs, CRISPR, mutagenesis, bioinformatics) with an emphasis on experimental design and data analysis.. This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - BISC 316L. -
Seminar: CRISPR Gene Editing – A New Revolution in Biology
BISC318
CRISPR gene editing is at the center of an ongoing revolution in biology. This system for precise and efficient gene editing has led to numerous applications in medicine, agriculture and the environment. This course will examine the molecular genetic, cellular and biochemical principles that govern CRISPR and its myriad uses. Topics will include the microbial adaptive immune system and its modification for use as a gene editing tool, applications of CRISPR to the study and treatment of cancer and human diseases — both genetic and infectious, the use of CRISPR to engineer food crops that thrive in the face of climate change, CRISPR gene drives as tools to control disease-spreading insects and invasive species in wild populations, and CRISPR as a powerful tool to study model organisms and probe biological functions. We will also evaluate ethical and legal issues surrounding this revolutionary genome engineering system.
Places and spaces
Our world-class 275,000-square-foot Science Complex gives students and faculty ample space and technological resources for research and inclusive collaboration. The Biological Sciences department utilizes a biosafety level 2 lab, the Food Sciences Lab, the Field Sciences Suite, the Wet Studio Lab, and a vivarium. Students use a broad and deep set of instrumentation throughout their classes and research, many of which are typically not accessible until graduate-level study.
Research highlights
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Professor Vanja Klepac-Ceraj researches microbial communities, which have a crucial influence the health of their environment, whether a lake or human body. In the Klepac-Ceraj lab, Annelle Abatoni Kayisire ’23 and Anika Luo ’23 co-authored a paper about working with microbial community data, Cassie Potter ’23 is a co-author on a paper about the role of bacteria in the development of atopic dermatitis/eczema, and Caroline MacVicar ’23 is a co-author on a paper about microclimates in soil in the Galápagos archipelago.
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Professor Steven Biller uses model systems to decipher the genetic and cellular mechanisms through which individual cells interact with other organisms and their environment. How do these interactions contribute to community behaviors? Biller focuses on oceans and the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus—the smallest and most abundant photosynthetic organism on the planet. Students in the Biller lab explore aspects of this microbe through a combination of laboratory, computational, and field studies.
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Professor Andrea Sequeira researches weevil adaptation and survival. In 2024, she and Gabriella Karcz ’25 collected weevils in Galápagos. From 2015 to 2020, Sequeira, Professor Martina Königer, lab specialist Flavia Mendonca de Sousa, and students collected samples of Naupactus cervinus and N. leucoloma in Florida, California, and Argentina. With University of Buenos Aires colleagues, the team analyzed patterns of gene expression, with findings published in PLOS ONE.
Opportunities and community
Dedicated to equity, engagement, and belonging, we offer many concrete opportunities for all students, including those new to biology, to join us as valued and respected members of our department.
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Biology and Biochemistry Club (BC)²
A supportive forum for biology and biochemistry students to network with each other, (BC)2 sponsors on- and off-campus field trips, lectures, and career panels.
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Biochemistry Research Week
Open to first-years and sophomores during Wintersession, this program provides an experiential introduction to laboratory research, taking a low-pressure approach that supports students with no scientific background.
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Research mentorship and funding
We offer exceptional support for student research. Whether they are first-years new to lab work or seniors working on a thesis, students can access abundant financial and academic assistance. Our faculty advise students on research assistant positions as well as programs and initiatives, at Wellesley and beyond.
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Peer support
Students support each other through peer-to-peer mentoring and the Bio Cafe. Through supplemental instruction and laboratory teaching assistant positions, students enrich their education and build community.
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Commitment to inclusion
Our department features a Belonging Committee that plans events and initiatives to foster diversity, access, and equity within our community. Our professors support and work with biology students who develop programs and practices that enhance inclusion.
Beyond Wellesley
Beyond Wellesley
Many biological sciences grads pursue careers in health care and higher education, conducting research and/or lab work.
Recent Employers
Alum highlights
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Meagan Lizarazo ’04
Meagan Lizarazo ’04
is executive vice president and chief operating officer of iGem (International Genetically Engineered Machine), a synthetic biology nonprofit. After Wellesley, Lizarazo joined an MIT lab developing a system for synthetic biology research. Lizarazo helped grow the lab’s original Wintersession contest for undergraduates into an international competition with hundreds of annual participants and several significant breakthroughs.
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Kwan Kew Lai ’74
Kwan Kew Lai ’74
is an infectious disease doctor who has treated patients with Ebola in Liberia, mentored and trained HIV/AIDS clinicians in Vietnam, Malawi, and Uganda, and provided relief services after the earthquake and during the cholera outbreak in Haiti, among many other volunteer projects.
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481