Biology

Biology at Schreiner University studies living systems, from cells and genes to organisms, ecosystems and human health. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and choose from six tracks: Cellular, Environmental, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medical, Pre-Optometry or Pre-Veterinary.

What is Biology?

Biology is the study of life and how living things function, interact and change. At Schreiner, students build a foundation across the life sciences and learn how scientists develop, test and communicate knowledge. Coursework connects biology with chemistry, mathematics, environmental science and other fields.

Why study Biology at Schreiner?

Schreiner’s Biology program combines a liberal arts foundation with laboratory courses and research-focused coursework. Students can shape their studies around cellular biology, environmental biology or a pre-professional track. Current course offerings include molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, field ecology, conservation biology, mammalogy and entomology.

Students choosing a pre-health pathway can also use Schreiner’s Health Professions Coordinator and exam-preparation resources. Professional-school prerequisites vary, so students should compare their plan with the current requirements of the schools they may apply to.

What you’ll learn

• Study foundational topics such as concepts of biological science, organismal biology and genetics, supported by laboratory coursework.
• Practice writing about biology and learn the basics of planning and reporting scientific research.
• Explore cellular topics such as molecular biology, cell biology, development and neurobiology, depending on the courses selected.
• Explore environmental topics such as field ecology, conservation, mammalogy and general entomology, depending on the courses selected.
• Complete supporting coursework in chemistry and mathematics, with additional requirements such as calculus, statistics and physics varying by degree and track.

What you can do with this degree

Schreiner identifies education, industry and graduate study as possible directions for Biology graduates. The pre-professional tracks organize undergraduate coursework around prerequisites for dental, medical, optometry or veterinary school. Schreiner does not award those professional degrees through the Biology major, and completing prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission. Requirements differ by school; some graduate programs may also require additional biology coursework.

Learning beyond the classroom

Laboratory work is part of the Biology curriculum. Students can also pursue research-focused coursework: the catalog describes Research Development as a course where students work with faculty mentors and research teams on projects outside the classroom. Fall 2026 sample plans include a choice between an internship and a senior project. The catalog describes the internship as learning biology in a work setting, and the senior project as an independent investigation that may involve laboratory or library research.

How the program works

Schreiner offers Biology as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. The current four-year plans beginning Fall 2026 specify a minimum of 120 credits and are intended to be used with the student’s degree plan and course rotation.

Degree and track combinations differ. The posted plans include B.A. routes for Biology, Cellular Biology and Environmental Biology, and B.S. routes for Cellular, Environmental, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Veterinary, and a combined Pre-Dental/Pre-Medical plan. The catalog lists Pre-Dental and Pre-Medical as separate tracks, so students should confirm the correct plan and requirements with an advisor.