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
Human Physiology with Laboratory
BISC302
This course takes an integrated approach to the study of organ system function in humans. We will examine control mechanisms that allow the body to maintain a constant balance in the face of environmental challenges, such as exercise, temperature change, and high altitude. Our particular focus will be recent findings in the areas of neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and muscle physiology. In the laboratory, students gain experience with the tools of modern physiological research at both the cellular and organismal levels.
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Exploration of Cellular and Molecular Biology with Laboratory
BISC112
Seminar-style introduction to life at the cellular and molecular level, designed as an alternative to BISC 110 for students with strong high school preparation (such as AP, IB, or other). The course will include eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, function of biological macromolecules, molecular genetics, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics, and mechanisms of growth and differentiation, with an emphasis on experimental approaches to investigating these topics. This course will aim to develop students' skills in data analysis and scientific writing along with building foundational knowledge in the field. Lab sections are shared with BISC 110. This course differs from BISC 110 in its small class size and discussion-based format; it meets for one discussion and one lab session per week. One year of high school chemistry or equivalent is strongly recommended. BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, BISC 112Y, or BISC 116; or BISC 111, BISC 111T, BISC 113, or BISC 113Y may be taken first. Students must attend lab during the first week in order to continue in the course.. This course has a required co-requisite lab - BISC 112L.. Please be aware that there is no guarantee you will be able to swap into different lecture or lab sections, due do the demand in this course. We encourage you to make initial registration choices carefully and wisely. -
Plant Diversity and Ecology with Laboratory
ES247
This course is a combination of “What's that wildflower?” and “Why does it grow over there and not here?” We begin by examining large-scale patterns of plant diversity from an evolutionary and phylogenetic perspective and then shift to an ecological perspective. Along the way, we zoom in to specific concepts and processes that help us understand overall patterns. Laboratories will primarily be taught in the field and greenhouses and will include plant identification, observational and experimental studies, and long-term study of forest communities on the Wellesley campus. Laboratories will also include aspects of experimental design and data analysis. The goal of the course is not only to train students in botany and plant ecology, but to engage them in the world of plants every time they step outside. (BISC 247 and ES 247 are cross-listed courses.)
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