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Biology is the study of life at all levels: molecular, cellular, individual, ecological, and systemic. Thanks to our hands-on approach to learning, the building blocks of all life — from amoebas to zebras, plants to people — will become your own real-world explorations.
As a biology major pursuing a bachelor of arts degree at Clark University, you’ll learn from some of the leading minds in the field — who will also be your collaborators as you join their research projects in areas such as animal locomotion, cancer biology, cell division, epigenetics, virus-host interactions, gene expression, and more. You’ll see why biology is one of Clark’s most popular majors as you experience life as never before.
Biology
BIOL 258
POPParticipate in training activities at nearby study sites and engage with local conservation experts to gain insight into the issues and processes that shape small-scale land conservation efforts in Massachusetts.
BIOL 143
Our nervous system enables us to learn, remember, think, and experience emotion. Explore how these critical systems develop and function—especially in mammals—and their relationship to behavior and disease.
BIOL 233
Why can one kind of lizard run fast on sand but not rock, while it’s the other way around for another type of lizard? Here in our lab you’ll use high-speed video to analyze the mechanics of animal locomotion.
Biol 114
Dive into the diversity of life in the oceans and its impact on human welfare, starting with basic physical oceanography and marine ecology, and then explore marine ecosystems like kelp forests and salt marshes.
BIOL 201
Get your feet wet developing skills in field ecology in this course on Atlantic flora and fauna. You’ll focus on two locations: the rocky intertidal zone along the local Atlantic coastline and the island of Bermuda.
BIOL 209
POPPerform scientific research and develop genomics skills by piecing together the entire DNA blueprint of an organism by using computational and molecular biology.
You’ll begin the major by obtaining a broad foundation in biology before choosing an area of focus (e.g., cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, among others), or the pre-health careers track. In consultation with your faculty adviser, you’ll select courses appropriate to your area of specialization. You should include one course that develops research techniques in biology, a seminar course, and a capstone experience, which can be an upper-level research course, internship, or directed research (on or off campus).
In addition to 10 courses in biology, you’re required to complete one or two courses in chemistry, two courses in mathematics, and another two from mathematics, computer science, or the natural sciences.
If you’re considering a career teaching biology at the high school level, we encourage you to check out the Noyce Scholarship program. A robust Prehealth Advising Program is available if you’re interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.
Skills you will learn include:
M. Margaret Comer Memorial Award for Undergraduate Studies in the Biological Sciences
The M. Margaret Comer Award for Undergraduate Research was established by Clark University in memory of Professor Margaret Comer, a member of the Clark faculty from 1976 to 1992. Upon Professor Comer’s unexpected early death, the University decided to recognize her “extraordinary personal commitment to exacting scientific research” by annually supporting an undergraduate who demonstrates achievement or high potential in biology or biochemistry research.
The David Potter Award for Excellence in Biology
The Potter Award was established by Dr. and Mrs. Warren Litsky, AB ’45 in honor of Botany Professor David Potter. This fund is used to provide a prize to an outstanding senior biology major.
Learn about biology facilities and equipment available for teaching and research, and the resources at Clark’s Carlson Science Library.
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the biology honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors thesis topics are:
Diversification of Gene Families Involved in Fruiting Body Development in Agaricomycetes Inferred Using Comparative Genomics
Building your foundation
The Clark Core allows students to take courses across diverse disciplines, helping them develop critical thinking skills and respect for other cultures and perspectives. You’ll connect classroom learning with action through world and workplace experiences.
