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 Anatomy with Laboratory
BISC304
This course takes an anatomical approach to the study of the eleven organ systems of the human body. Using form and function as a guiding principle, we will examine body structures, how tissues build organs, how systems function together to produce the essential processes of life, and the impacts of disease. Students will learn and practice anatomical language through the exploration of clinical scenarios and the use of medical imaging for diagnosis applications. In the laboratory, students will gain a deeper understanding of human structures that are discussed in lecture using models, dissection, and virtual tools.
This course has a required co-requisite Laboratory - BISC 304L.
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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.
Department of Biological Sciences
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481