Biology, Biochemistry, and Neuroscience

A major in the natural sciences successfully prepares students for acceptance into health-related professional schools, science graduate programs, and immediate employment after graduation.

 

Program Information

Students in biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience are equipped with skills to be successful in a variety of exciting careers. Majors benefit from small class sizes, close working relationships with professors, and career exploration embedded within the curriculum. Viterbo also collaborates with a diverse range of employers to place students in relevant internship experiences. Students have the opportunity to pursue paid summer research experiences with faculty specializing in biological, biochemical, and neuroscience research. Our biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience graduates have an over 95% acceptance rate into health-related professional schools and graduate programs (compared to a national 40–60% student acceptance rate).

Guaranteed research opportunities with faculty mentors     

95%+ 

 Acceptance rate into professional schools and graduate programs

 Active learning through hands-on experiences in small classes 

Biology (BS)

Viterbo’s biology program provides students with a breadth of knowledge within the biological sciences, including cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution; as well as the opportunity to gain a greater depth of knowledge in specialized areas of interest. The biology program at Viterbo offers a student-centered learning environment including hands-on experiences, career exploration, research, and internships within the curriculum.

Biology (Minor)

The total credits of the minor requirements are 15–16. Transfer course, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.

Biochemistry (BS)

Viterbo’s biochemistry program offers students an interdisciplinary major between the fields of biology and chemistry through investigations of how life holds together at the cellular and molecular level. Students are led through curriculum that requires them to think critically, independently, and creatively. Through courses and labs, biochemistry majors will be prepared for an outstanding career or study in graduate, professional, or medical school.

Chemistry (Minor)

Minors at Viterbo University generally require between 15–25 credits upon completion. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Neuroscience (BS)

Neuroscience majors develop the knowledge and skills necessary to systematically evaluate relationships between the brain and human/animal behavior. Students learn and test foundational and contemporary theories through scientific reasoning, laboratory experiences, and independent research. Graduates pursue professional degrees in health-related fields, advanced degrees in neuroscience or related disciplines, and entry-level careers in mental health services or biomedical research.

Neuroscience (Minor)

The total credits of the minor requirements are 14. Transfer course, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.

Science Education (Minor)

The science education minor at Viterbo University is geared towards those in the School of Education. There is a high credit requirement for this minor as a result of the minor's purpose of preparing students to become science teachers upon graduation. The relevant academic routes for students pursuing a science minor would fall into the Middle/Secondary Early Adolescence through Adolescence (6–12) program. This program includes: - biology - broad field science - chemistry. What this means, is that a science minor greatly enhances the education and qualification for those who plan on majoring to become biology, science, or chemistry teachers at the 6-12th grade levels. The total credits of the minor are 27-28. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals. 

Environmental Science (Minor)

Humans are inescapably connected to the environment—from food and medicine to the services the environment provides (clean air and water for example). For students concerned about the human impact on the environment and how to improve the world, an environmental biology minor is an excellent choice. The environmental biology minor at Viterbo University helps connect students to the natural world through a flexible program with a broad-based background in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability courses. This minor takes an integrated approach to environmental studies with a systems-level view of how organisms interact with the environment, helping graduates in a variety of careers.

Sport Science (Minor)

The sports and leisure industries continue their rapid growth and a strong demand exists for qualified and skilled professionals with a strong background in science, research, exercise science, human performance, and psychology combined with management and ethical leadership skills. The sport science minor at Viterbo University helps students expand their knowledge on the complexities of sport science, and provides students with experience needed to get a foot in the door for graduate school, as well as the industry of sport science itself. The skills learned with this minor work wonders in a multitude of professions, and is an excellent choice for those who are interested. Students majoring in sport management and leadership may not declare a sport science minor.
Our Stories

Faculty

Ted
Wilson

Professor, Department Chair, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience
School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering