Department of Biology
Department of Biology

Introduction to the Major

How does a single cell become a complex organism? What neural circuits give rise to behavior and thought? How do species evolve and ecosystems adapt? Biology seeks to answer these questions — investigating life across scales ranging from molecules to ecosystems. Areas of focus at UVA include evolutionary biology, cell and developmental biology and neuroscience. Majors gain a strong foundation in core biological concepts and quantitative and analytical skills, with opportunities for genuine hands-on research working alongside faculty to address the fundamental questions shaping medicine, conservation and our understanding of life on Earth. 

UVA Biology offers two degrees — a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts — both designed to prepare students to investigate the living world with rigor, curiosity and purpose. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.): Intended for students who seek concentrated study in biology and the other natural sciences, in preparation for a career in biological research or graduate studies in the biological sciences and related disciplines. 

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Designed for students seeking a broad integrated education in Biology, as part of a liberal arts education, double major or as preparation for a career in health professions, law, business or public policy. 

Amplify Your Major

  • Take a summer field course at the Mountain Lake Biological Station — one of the nation’s premier ecological research stations. 

  • Join the iGEM team to discover and solve problems using synthetic biology. 

  • Apply to be a Biology Peer Teacher or Undergraduate Teaching Assistant — deepen your understanding by helping others learn. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Plant Biology Associate, AgroSpheres Inc. 
  • Fisheries Technician, Tacoma Power 
  • Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow, National Institutes of Health 
  • Peace Corps 
  • Biological Science Technician, National Parks Service 
  • Computational Biologist, AstraZeneca 

Recent Graduate Programs

  • Biomedical Sciences Program 
  • Medicine 
  • Veterinary Medicine 
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences 
  • Law 
  • Biotechnology/Commerce  

“The professors within the Biology Department teach with excitement and a distinct rigor that demonstrates their care and respect for the future scientists of our generation.”

Caroline Smith, Class of 2027

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

Biology BA & BS
First Year
  • Advance
    • Begin introductory coursework in Biology and Chemistry. 
    • Begin or continue Mathematics and Statistics requirements. 
    • Review Biology major and College requirements with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
    • Attend a Biology department seminar to hear researchers present their latest findings. 
    • Explore faculty research areas on the Biology website to discover where your interests might take you. 
  • Build
    • Join the Biology Society and sign up for the Biology major email list. 
    • Attend a Biology major advising fair to connect with advisors and fellow students. 
    • Connect with a Biology professor during office hours to learn about their research. 
  • Prepare
    • Get involved in community service. 
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Begin 3000-level core Biology courses. 
    • Continue Chemistry requirements. 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
  • Explore
    • Apply to join the iGEM team and begin exploring synthetic biology. 
    • Apply for a summer research or internship program. 
  • Build
    • Deepen your involvement in the Biology Society or another campus organization. 
  • Prepare
    • Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss career options and goals, and begin building a resume. 
    • Apply for a summer internship or Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). 
    • Explore post-graduate career paths on the department’s Careers in Life Sciences page. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Focus on upper-division Biology coursework, completing core requirements and electives. 
    • Complete Physics I and II with workshops. 
    • Complete an upper-level lab course this year or next. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
  • Explore
    • Consider applying to be a Biology Peer Teacher or Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. 
    • Discuss the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) with your advisor. 
    • Apply for a competitive summer research program or NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). 
  • Build
    • Seek leadership positions in the Biology Society or another campus organization. 
    • Get to know graduate students in the department to learn about their research and post-graduate pathways. 
    • Attend a regional conference or professional society meeting in your area of interest. 
  • Prepare
    • Apply for a Harrison Undergraduate Research Award or Double Hoo Research Grant to fund your research. 
    • Explore graduate and professional school options with advisors and professors. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your research and technical skills. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Check in with your advisor to ensure you are on track to complete all College and Biology Major requirements. 
    • Consider taking a 5000-level course that bridges undergraduate and graduate study. 
    • Complete any “bucket list” elective courses. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • Conduct independent research in a Biology lab. 
  • Build
    • Join professional societies such as the American Society for Microbiology, the Ecological Society of America or the Society for the Study of Evolution. 
    • Request letters of recommendation from faculty early. 
    • Contact recent graduates from your program to learn about their post-graduate experiences. 
  • Prepare
    • Polish your portfolio of research projects, data analyses and technical work. 
    • Use Handshake and the Careers in Life Sciences page to search for opportunities.