Biology
What is true in life is also true in the biology major at Rollins: Nothing compares to hands-on experience. That’s why the majority of courses in this field include laboratories, and at Rollins you lead them.
There are no lecture halls and no viewing of studies from the other side of a room. Small class sizes mean you’re the catalyst of your own research—even in stepping-stone classes—working under the expert guidance of doctorate-level professors from hypothesis to experiment to analyzing data.
The success of Rollins graduates tells us this type of evidence-based learning translates seamlessly into any type of career, whether it’s in medicine, education, or business.
Why Study Biology at Rollins
Original Research Opportunities
The biology professors start stressing independence in 100-level classes. You control your own research, with oversight from professors, which instills confidence early in your studies.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
The Bush Science Center is designed as a student-centric hub. You can convene here at all hours, studying, collaborating, and taking advantage of continual access to professors.
Life Skills Beyond Biology
Biology majors are trained to troubleshoot, lead experiments, and explore ecosystems around the world. You gain priceless skills to navigate any profession or any important life decision.
Interested in Studying Biology at Rollins?
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“I’ve loved nature from a young age, but the biology major at Rollins changed my life and opened my eyes. I gained an understanding of the nuances of life and then traveled the globe to apply my understanding to a worldview. It all prepared me to speak with purpose at the U.N., the Vatican, and the White House. I have Rollins to thank for that.”
Rollins Biology Careers
Rollins biology graduates are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations and institutions.
Molly H.B. Amador, PhD ’13
Academic Editor,
Navreet Dhaliwal ’13 ’15MBA
Customer Service Account Manager, Microsoft
Justine Falcone ’13
Resident Physician in Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University
Donnelly A. West ’07
BioDirect Specialist, Bayer CropSciences
Michaela A. O’Driscoll ’16
MD Candidate, University of Florida College of Medicine
Seth Pierce ’11
Director of Sales and Marketing, Proaquatix
Real World Experience
Biology students hone their knowledge and skills through hands-on experience in everything from research and internships to community engagement.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
From classroom and laboratory experiences to field work, students take courses that span the spectrum of biological disciplines. They learn to think critically and emerge as leaders prepared to make informed decisions about important scientific issues
BIO 229 Microbiology
Engage with a seemingly distant topic by focusing on the unseen world found in your body. You will learn about an entire world of viruses and bacteria that we rarely consider.
BIO 308 Genetics
Explore the genetics in bacterial and eukaryotic organisms, learning a variety of techniques used in the genetic field, including bioinformatic approaches.
BIO 341 Molecular Biology
With a small class size and generous resources from the College, this laboratory experience is constantly revised to stay on the cutting edge of the ever-changing world of gene editing.
BIO 330 Field Botany and Florida Ecosystems
Instruction largely takes place in the most idyllic classroom: outside, in the state of Florida. Study flora in the Everglades, Mead Botanical Garden, Cape Canaveral National Seashore, and places few people know about.
BIO 312 Animal Physiology
This class appeals to anyone interested in health as applied to humans and other animals. You work with live animals in independent projects, just as you would in medical or veterinarian training
BIO 360 Cell Biology
There are an indefinite number of questions to be asked in science, so this class allows you to pinpoint a topic of personal interest … and then pursue your independent research to discover answers.
A Day in the Life of a Rollins Biology Major
“Biology bridges the gap between what we casually observe about our natural world and what we can discover to be the true patterns of life and interaction that were once so obscure.”
Tour Bush Science Center
Go behind the scenes of the state-of-the-art labs and collaborative learning environments of our 104,000-square-foot science facility.
Beyond the Classroom
Internship Opportunities The name “Rollins” carries significant clout for students who apply for competitive internships. Our faculty encourages students to decide what they want to study, and where, for a summer.
Scholarly Research Undergraduates have the opportunity to spend up to two months working side by side with a biology faculty member through the Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program, and get paid. This program provides students a strong start on a long-term laboratory project and the opportunity to present at a professional conference.
Study Abroad The biology curriculum is built to encourage students to study ecosystems across the globe (usually the fall term of your junior year). The most popular field experiences are in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into biology at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.
September 20, 2023
Stephenson Named Co-Principal Investigator on NSF Grant
Biology professor Paul Stephenson is partnering with the University of St. Thomas to train undergraduate biologists using urban agriculture.
August 22, 2023
Santiago Narvaez Selected for American Society for Microbiology Spotlight Series
Biology professor Brendaliz Santiago Narvaez has been selected for an American Society for Microbiology series highlighting diversity in STEM.
July 06, 2023
Rollins Receives Scientific Equipment Grant
The Sherman Fairchild Foundation has awarded Rollins a grant that will enhance learning in the sciences and make biology and chemistry majors even more competitive for careers in STEM.
Apply By November 15
It’s never been easier or more rewarding to apply to Rollins. No app fee, formal essay or test scores required. Apply by Nov. 15 to receive priority consideration for academic scholarships that range from $15,000 per year to full ride.