The goal of the program is to produce graduates who, having been trained in the analytical and investigative techniques of the biological sciences, are ready to embark on promising careers in government, industry, and biomedical sciences. The Biology major at Medaille is designed to introduce students to the broad spectrum of biological knowledge, from the complexities of the single cell to the dynamics of the ecosystem, and to develop an awareness of the achievements, methods, potentials, and limitations of the biological sciences. Consistent with a liberal education, the Biology major includes a combination of required and elective courses. Students may utilize their electives to experience the rich traditions of the liberal arts, to develop significant expertise in a second area of study, such as communications or management, or to acquire an additional degree or certification, i.e., the Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology. The curriculum consists of a 40-credit core of courses designed to allow students to explore, in depth, the analytical procedures and principle tenets of thought in biological science.
Students also take courses in general and organic chemistry, and mathematics.
The design of the Biology curriculum is such that graduates of Medaille's Associate in Science degree program in Veterinary Technology may transfer into the Bachelor of Science degree program in Biology without loss of any credits, provided they take the appropriate chemistry and liberal arts sequences. Students planning to apply for admission to graduate, medical, or veterinary school are strongly encouraged to take CHE 400 General Biochemistry, PHY 200 Principles of Physics I, PHY 201 Principles of Physics II, and MAT 216 Survey of Introductory Calculus and Its Applications. Students interested in professional careers in medicine are advised to develop a foundation in the humanities and social sciences.