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
A foundation course that focuses on the study of life at the cellular and molecular level, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, function of biological macromolecules, molecular genetics, cellular metabolism, and key topics in cell biology. This course will provide the fundamental tools for exploration of cellular and molecular biology with the aim of enhancing conceptual understanding. Laboratories focus on experimental approaches to these topics. This course is intended for students who, because of their previous biology, chemistry or math preparation, would benefit from additional academic support for the study of introductory biology, or who do not meet the prerequisites to enroll in BISC 110. Includes two additional class meetings per week. Students in BISC 110P must enroll in BISC 110P lab. Students must attend lab during the first week in order to continue in the course.
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This course delves into the rapidly evolving field of human microbiome research, an area significantly transformed by the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies. We will learn about microorganisms and microbial ecosystems within the human body and their impact on human health. Key topics include an overview of the human microbiome, advances in technologies, microbial diversity and function and its role in health and disease, the gut-brain axis and microbiome’s impact on neurocognitive development and mental health, microbiome and metabolic disorders, and other topics. Through a combination of lectures, critical analysis of recent research papers, and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the human microbiome's complexity and its significance in health and disease. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge to critically evaluate current research and contemplate the future direction of this exciting field, with an emphasis on ethical and responsible scientific practice.
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Genetics with Laboratory
BISC219
The goal of the course is to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of genetics at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. The course establishes a link between the generation of genetic variants through mutation and recombination, their patterns of inheritance, interactions between genes to produce complex phenotypes, and the maintenance of such genetic variation in natural populations. The course also explores principles of genome organization and the mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Other topics include: DNA sequencing and the use of genomic data to address questions in genetics, comparing and contrasting genetic regulation strategies across the three domains of life, and exploring experimental approaches for addressing genetic questions. Laboratory investigation will expose students to the fundamentals of genetics including transmission, molecular, and computational techniques for genetic analysis. Students must attend lab during the first week in order to continue in the course. During certain weeks, students are required to come in outside of scheduled lab time for approximately one hour 3-4 days after the scheduled lab. Please plan your schedule accordingly.. The course has a waitlist which will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If offered a seat, you will receive an offer for the lecture and will be able to accept a seat in the course only if a laboratory which has an available seat can also fit into your schedule. Flexibility for lab times increases your ability to accept an offer. (BIOC 219 and BISC 219 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.
Department of Biological Sciences
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481