Saint Michael's College

What you'll study

The Biology programme provides a broad foundation in the core areas of the life sciences while allowing students to pursue specialised interests. Core topics typically include cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, ecology and evolution. Coursework emphasises laboratory and field skills, quantitative reasoning and scientific communication.

• Introductory and advanced laboratory courses in cellular and molecular techniques, microscopy and experimental design
• Genetics and genomics, including laboratory-based molecular genetics
• Biochemistry and molecular biology fundamentals relevant to cellular function
• Organismal biology and physiology, covering plants, animals and comparative systems
• Ecology, conservation biology and field-based courses that may use local ecosystems such as Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains for practical study
• Quantitative biology topics such as biostatistics, experimental design and introductory bioinformatics
• Capstone experience: a senior seminar, independent research project or thesis under faculty supervision
• Opportunities for internships, community-based projects, and study abroad to broaden applied experience

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Strong preparation in science and maths is recommended; typical preparation includes courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus or calculus) and physics. Admissions decisions consider academic record, recommendations and the applicant’s statement of purpose. International applicants will need to meet English-language proficiency requirements.

For students aiming for professional tracks such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, completing introductory chemistry and biology, and gaining laboratory experience while at Saint Michael’s, is advised.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Biology from Saint Michael’s College pursue a variety of career paths. The programme prepares students both for immediate entry-level positions and for postgraduate study.

• Healthcare and clinical professions (pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary pathways leading to professional schools)
• Research technician or laboratory assistant roles in academic, government or private-sector labs
• Environmental consulting, conservation organisations, natural resource management and field-based monitoring
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry positions that require laboratory and analytical skills
• Secondary education and science teaching (often combined with additional certification)
• Further study: master’s and doctoral programmes in biology, ecology, public health, biomedical sciences and related fields

Why study at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael’s offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty, enabling close mentoring and readily available research supervision. Students benefit from substantial hands-on laboratory time, field courses that take advantage of nearby natural laboratories such as Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research.

The college supports professional preparation through pre-health advising, internship placements and partnerships with regional institutions. Facilities include modern teaching laboratories and instrumentation appropriate to undergraduate training, and the college’s location provides access to regional research and environmental organisations. The supportive campus community and focus on experiential learning help students develop both technical expertise and the communication and critical-thinking skills valued by employers and graduate programmes.