What is Biology?
Biology is the study of life. Whether you want to study viruses or ecosystems, or even have a neuroscience concentration, you will be able to experience the mysteries of life in a hands-on way. With support from the Assumption science faculty and access to the state-of-the-art Testa Science Center, you will be able to develop strong skills no matter what biological path of study you follow.
Why Study Biology at Assumption?
This major at Assumption offers you numerous opportunities to gain knowledge in the concentration of your choice, including through seminars, internships, and summer research. Biology students gain skills in critical thinking, communication, and a deep understanding of the process of science. With a curriculum rooted in the Foundations Program, you will establish a strong foundation in Catholic liberal arts while also being able to gain the knowledge required to flourish in a career focused on the biological sciences.
Whether you want to use your biology degree to study viruses or ecosystems, you gain extensive hands-on laboratory experience. Assumption’s science faculty, who make classroom-based concepts meaningful and help develop your technical research skills, are there for you every step of the way and will help guide you toward success. Lectures encourage students to synthesize the best of classical and contemporary ideas in biology. Laboratory work gives students technical expertise and will help them to observe, ask questions, test hypotheses, analyze results, and present their conclusions orally and in writing.
This major teaches you how to investigate and appreciate the unity of function that underlies the diversity of life forms. Elective courses provide a guided choice of advanced study in Biology and related areas. With its flexibility, the major prepares students for careers in industry, education, and the health professions. The major also prepares students for further study in graduate and professional schools.
Brian K. Niece, Ph.D
Faculty
Experiential Learning
Assumption's Rome Campus
At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)
Explore the Rome CampusLearn the Skills Employers Seek
Faculty/Student Research
The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.Study Abroad
At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.Internships
Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.Career Paths
Abbott Bioresearch Center
Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Biogen Idec
Genzyme
Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital
Pfizer
Waters Corporation
Andrea Koslowski
Biology 2017
Pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree, Ross School of Veterinary Medicine
“Assumption provided me with a well-balanced liberal arts education that pushed me to grow. Through the connections I made at Assumption, I was able to spend three years volunteering in the Anesthesia Department at Tufts Veterinary Hospital. This opportunity provided me with experience I needed to be accepted into veterinary school.”
Devyn Oliver
Biology 2014
Fourth Year PhD Candidate in the Neurobiology Department, UMass Medical School
“The best tools you have for getting the career you want are Assumption’s professors. As an undergraduate, I was exposed to the inner workings of a graduate school laboratory which helped me realize that I wanted to continue conducting neuroscience research and eventually go on to get my Ph.D. The faculty are such knowledgeable and wonderful resources.”
Alexis Levine
Biology 2018
Intern, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital
“I learned more than I ever thought possible at my internships. I acquired research skills and was given the opportunity to see first-hand, what it’s like to have a career as a researcher. I credit my success to the chemistry knowledge bestowed upon me by Professor Marcotte and to the labs at Assumption for providing me a space to learn.”
Michaela Temple
Biology 2017
Pursuing a Doctor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry
“Due to the skills and opportunities given to me by Assumption, I will truly stand apart in my career My research project at Assumption was in the study of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal development in C. elegans. Conducting this research provided me with the analytical skills that are required in many medical fields.”
Isaac Brobbey
Human Services 2019
Youth Futures International - Internship in Ghana
“Assumption offers all the resources to make one’s dreams become reality. Students reach their highest potential here. I want to build and improve healthcare systems in developing countries, so I was able to complete my internship in my home country, Ghana, where l left six years ago. This is undoubtedly a dream I have always hoped for.”
Shannon Quinlan
Biology 2021
Education Assistant, Buffalo Zoo
“At my internship, I’ve learned the importance of educating others on conserving vulnerable species. I’m inspired to continue with the path I'm taking as it is extremely rewarding to see children become passionate and express care for animals and conservation efforts.”
Sara Ghumman
Biology 2020
Intern, RNA Therapeutics Institute at UMASS Medical School
“Throughout my internship, I was able to apply what I learned at Assumption as a biology major. I participated in the Emerging Professionals Summer Internship Program. Through this hands-on experience, I have a better understanding of science and I learned new skills and made new professional connections.”
Mia Rapoza
Biology 2020
Medical Scribe Intern, Brown University and Lab Analyst Intern, Thielsch Engineering
“I’m confident and have a strong foundation that I can apply to my future career. Upon returning from studying abroad in Australia, I secured two internships. One was as a medical scribe throughout various emergency rooms in Rhode Island and the other was as a laboratory analyst where I performed various microbiological tests. ”
Heather Bates
Neuroscience 2020
Neurobiology Research Intern, UMass Medical School Neurobiology Research Department
“Assumption prepared me for my internship by building my foundational science knowledge. I was then able to make real discoveries alongside graduate students and other impressive individuals. Due to my involvement, I am fortunate to be a published author on a paper as an undergraduate student, which can be quite rare. ”
Travis Butler
Biology 2020
Complex Systems Researcher, Assumption's Department of Biological and Physical Sciences
“Assumption gave me the work ethic and communication skills needed for a wide variety of experiences. I've given lectures in Massachusetts and at an international conference in Greece. These are achievements I couldn’t have reached without Assumption’s support and cultivation of these skills within me.”
Kennedy O’Hara
Biology 2021
Research Associate, UMass Chan Medical School
“Assumption provided me with all the necessary tools to become successful in my field. After completing majors in the humanities and sciences, I learned to take an interdisciplinary approach to challenges I face. I was prepared to hold a leadership role within my team and my professors developed within me a strong foundation of skills.”
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.