Biology
About Biology
Our Program and Courses
As a biology major, you will learn how to tackle questions about both the known and the undiscovered as you study all forms of life through hands-on exploration, individualized instruction and a collegial learning atmosphere. This program will prepare you to evaluate and address important questions in one of the most rapidly expanding fields of knowledge. Your learning won’t take place in the classroom alone; you often will be designing, conducting and analyzing research in the field or laboratory. Whether focusing on your findings in the teaching lab or embarking on independent and collaborative research, you’ll be supported by F&M’s cutting-edge field, laboratory, and computing equipment.
By the time you graduate, you will:
- Learn concepts from across the breadth of biological disciplines, with depth in focused areas of interest.
- Utilize quantitative skills to develop and test novel research questions, ethically and in collaboration with others.
- Synthesize and expand upon existing scientific theories and models by critically and analytically engaging with literature.
- Hone skills as effective scientific communicators, through both writing and speaking.
Curious what biology classes are like? Take a look at our course catalog to see the depth and breadth of what’s available to you, including related majors in biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience, animal behavior, earth and environmental science, environmental studies, and public health.
Our Facilities and Resources
The Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building
The Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building features 12 student-faculty research laboratories, a greenhouse, and animal rooms. Specialized facilities and research equipment include a confocal microscope, preparative and ultracentrifuges, electrophoresis equipment, a dark room, a cold room, a quantitative thermal cycler, a plant growth facility, a vivarium, and controlled environment chambers. A variety of equipment is also available for terrestrial and aquatic field studies.
Greenhouse
F&M’s greenhouse sits atop the Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building on campus. In the greenhouse, you can learn how to plant, water, fertilize, trim, transplant, and assist in pest control of a variety of plants. Many of these plants are used in F&M courses, but some are also used to enliven College events, such as Commencement. If you have questions about the greenhouse, you can reach out to our greenhouse manager, Jim Engleman, at jenglema@fandm.edu.
Learning Outside the Classroom
At F&M, we want you to engage now — not later. You’ll find myriad opportunities to convert theory into practice and gain hands-on experience that will prepare you for your career or further studies.
Research Opportunities
F&M is ranked among leading national institutions that prioritize research activity. Whether through an independent study or faculty-led project, you’ll work and learn side-by-side with faculty to test your ideas—not just read or talk about them. These experiences not only empower you to delve into your curiosity, but also learn proper research techniques from your professors, who are expert, published researchers themselves. F&M biology faculty research topics include:
- Bioinformatics
- Biomechanics
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Immunology
- Limnology
- Marine Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Muscle Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Ornithology
- Plant Development, Ecology, and Reproduction
- Public Health
- Sustainability
In the Field
F&M’s location provides the perfect landscape for studying biology. Lancaster County’s flourishing agricultural countryside, the nearby Susquehanna River, diverse nature preserves managed by the Lancaster Conservancy, and F&M’s Spalding Nature Conservancy provide exciting opportunities for field research.
You can also enjoy hands-on experience in our facilities in the Barshinger Life Sciences
& Philosophy Building on campus. The building features 12 student-faculty research
laboratories, a greenhouse, and animal rooms. Specialized facilities and research
equipment include a confocal microscope, preparative and ultracentrifuges, electrophoresis
equipment, a dark room, a cold room, a quantitative thermal cycler, a plant growth
facility, a vivarium, and controlled environment chambers. A variety of equipment
is also available for terrestrial and aquatic field studies.
Off-Campus Study
Study tropical biology in Central and South America, Australia, or Africa. Engage
in marine biology research in the Caribbean, Galapagos, Australia, or the South Pacific.
Complete research at various field courses across the U.S. Off-campus study experiences
aren’t simply time away from campus; they’re meaningfully woven into your entire academic
journey and give you extraordinary opportunities to encounter, engage with, and understand
perspectives around the world.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
The tremendous success of F&M graduates demonstrates the tangible value of an F&M degree when compared to national outcomes.
Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.
This success can be yours, too. Many F&M biology students go onto graduate school
or choose to embark on their chosen career path after graduation. You’ll also find
recognition and support in the Benjamin Rush Pre-Health Honor Society, an organization
that hosts programs and events and creates a sense of community among outstanding
students interested in health professions.
Graduate School
More than half of our majors in the biology-related fields go on to graduate or professional school after F&M. In any given year, about one-third of our graduates enter medical school or another health professions graduate program, while another one-third enter other forms of graduate study. Their individualized learning and hands-on experience while at F&M gives them an advantage in getting admitted into some of the nation’s finest graduate programs, including:
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- University of Michigan
- Yale University
They pursue research in disciplines as diverse as:
- Biological chemistry
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical studies
- Cancer biology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Immunology
- Marine biology
- Organismal biology
- Plant biology
In biomedical fields, graduates have specialized in health-related areas such as:
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pharmaceutical research
- Physical therapy
- Sports medicine
- Veterinary medicine
Career Paths
Biology majors are prepared for careers in a wide array of fields, due to the program’s emphasis on the breadth of biology and its association with other natural sciences. Our alumni have found success in sports medicine, genetic counseling, patent law, and high school teaching. They hold positions such as:
- Agricultural Consultant
- Biostatistician
- Conservation Engineer
- Dentist
- Ecologist
- Environmental Research Manager
- Forensic Biologist
- Healthcare Administrator
- Marine Biologist
- Medical Researcher
- Molecular Biologist
- Nurse
- Nutritionist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Veterinarian
- Wildlife Biologist
Center for Career and Professional Development
F&M’s Center for Career and Professional Development offers targeted, expert guidance
while you discover your professional calling and develop the skills you need to succeed.
Our career guidance is structured through “career communities”– dynamic groups aligned with specific industries that transform your aspirations
into clear options, meaningful opportunities, and a network of support. Specifically,
our health and STEM career communities offer tailored support for those interested
in healthcare and sciences.
Learn more
Student Spotlight
Embracing the Ampersand: Kelvin Lartey ’27 Explores Computational Biology
Surpassing traditional academic boundaries to become a well-rounded scholar — that’s
the Diplomat way. Kelvin Lartey ’27 uncovered a zeal for computational biology after
taking classes in computer science and molecular biology. Now a double major in data
science and biology, Lartey spent his summer at the University of Pittsburgh exploring
how these fields intertwine by developing a mathematical model to study viral pathogens.
Lartey chose to attend F&M for its vibrant community and hands-on research opportunities,
both of which have proven invaluable. He completed computational research in the earth
and environmental science and physics departments in his first year, and discovered
his summer role at the University of Pittsburgh at a professor’s recommendation.
“Three professors helped me throughout the application process, and I am sure I would
not have had this opportunity without their emotional and practical support,” he said.
“The professors at F&M are really amazing.”
Read More »Student Spotlight
Juliana Scheick '26 Elevates Equine Health Through Hands-On Research
Biology major Juliana Scheick ’26 has always loved horses and medicine. This summer,
she found a perfect synergy between her passions: a student research assistantship
in the equine pharmacology laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine.
“The main goal of our research is to identify potential precursors of injury on the
racetrack, as well as the effects of drug use in the racehorses. We will be working
closely with the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory and the Pennsylvania
Racehorse Commission to improve the welfare of horse racing,” she said. “Besides learning
new research techniques and gaining more experience in the lab, I have the opportunity
to better the lives of the racehorses and the reputation of the sport.”Alumni Spotlight
“You'll never have a life-changing moment unless you try something new.”
In her junior year at F&M, biology major Elizabeth Heppenheimer ’14 signed up for
a science writing course “for fun,” but, “by the end of the semester, I was considering
scrapping my plans to apply to doctoral programs in biology and pursuing a career
in science journalism instead,” she said. “Ultimately, my career landed somewhere
in the middle.”
Heppenheimer is now senior manager of the Pathogen Genomics Education Program at The
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
“I'm still very connected to the scientific research world, but my role is to teach
others about that research – which is exactly the right fit for me,” she said.
Heppenheimer encouraged students to dive into subjects they’re interested in, even
if it’s outside their academic comfort zone.
“College might be the only time in your life where you'll have the opportunity to
try something for a couple of months with very few consequences if it turns out not
to be the right fit,” she said. “You almost never know in the moment that an experience
will change your life, but you'll never have a life-changing moment unless you try
something new.”
Read More »
Faculty Spotlight: Dan Ardia
Explore biological processes at their smallest scale. At its core, Biochemistry &
Molecular Biology at F&M focuses on the structure and function of biomolecules, which
are the metabolic machinery of the cell and control its underlying genetics. Immerse yourself in a rapidly-expanding field that combines the study of biology,
chemistry, computer science, and applied mathematics. By studying bioinformatics at
F&M, you’ll explore how to develop methods and software tools for understanding biological
data. As a student of neuroscience at F&M, you will not only learn how the brain works,
but contribute to the ever-growing body of information on this unique organ. Using
a blend of knowledge and tools taken from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics,
mathematics, and psychology, you’ll develop a rich understanding of both the physical
and social functions of the brain.Related Fields of Study
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics
Neuroscience
F&M Biology in Action
September 3, 2025
F&M Faculty Promotions Recognize Excellence
Our faculty are at the core of what makes F&M extraordinary. Four faculty members have received promotions and seven have earned endowed chair appointments for distinctive scholarship, exemplary teaching, and commitment to the College.
July 22, 2025
Kelvin Lartey ’27 Computes Postgraduate Future
Researcher, mentor and scientific advocate: Go behind the scenes with Kelvin Lartey ’27 as he spends the summer in Pittsburgh developing a mathematical model to study viral pathogens.
June 27, 2025
The (Diplomat) Way of St. James
Completing the Camino de Santiago is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But Johansen Vargas '26 and David Nieves '27 have accomplished this feat twice. The two were selected as student leaders for F&M on the Camino.