Biological Sciences
Academic Department Introduction
Biology, the study of life, is a dynamic science that connects with many other disciplines. Biologists examine life at all levels, from molecular interactions to communities of plants and animals facing global climate change. Biological sciences majors develop the problem-solving skills and intellectual flexibility to contribute to and participate in a rapidly changing world.
Most courses include a laboratory or field-based component where students can design and perform their own experiments. We believe the best science learning is achieved when paired with hands-on experience.
Learning goals
- Articulate the evolutionary basis of biology and the dynamic nature of life.
- Identify, discuss, and explain the fundamental principles and concepts of biology.
- Evaluate ethical and public policy issues of biological significance.
- Summarize and assess new biological problems and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to arrive at defensible conclusions.
- Frame focused biological questions, then formulate and test hypotheses through experiments.
Programs of Study
Biological sciences major and minor
Students understand the relevance of biology in their lives and the lives of others.
Course highlights
The emergent structure and function of ecosystems are regulated by feedbacks between biological and physical systems from the microscopic to the global scale. We will study how ecosystems cycle carbon and nutrients and how the energy balance of ecosystems influences climate. We will also examine the role that humans play in managing, creating, and using services from ecosystems in our current era of rapid global change. Synthesizing these concepts, we consider the role of protected areas in preserving ecosystem functioning. Students will develop statistical skills working with authentic long-term ecosystem ecology datasets. Students in this course will develop independent data analysis projects that include scientific communication through presentations, writing, and visual displays of data.
(BISC 307 and ES 307 are cross-listed courses.)-
An exploration of the central questions, concepts, and methods of experimental analysis in selected areas of organismal biology, designed as an alternative to BISC 111 for students with strong high school preparation (such as AP, IB, or other). Topics include: the evolution and diversification of life, the form and function of plants and animals, and ecological interactions among organisms, with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and science writing. Lab sections are shared with BISC 111. This course differs from BISC 111 in its smaller class size, a seminar-style format, and a focus on discussion of landmark scientific studies that shape this field; it meets for one discussion and one lab session per week. Either BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, BISC 112Y, or BISC 116 or BISC 111, BISC 111T, BISC 113, or BISC 113Y may be taken first. Students must attend lab during the first week in order to continue in the course.. This course does not have a waitlist. Students are responsible for registering as they see openings. When considering swapping labs, please note there is no guarantee you will receive a seat offer in another lab section even if you are already registered for a different section. We cannot guarantee the ability to change sections once registered. Therefore, we encourage that you make initial registration choices carefully and wisely.
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In this course we will focus on the cellular, evolutionary, and developmental biology of stem cells, how these cells contribute to development, regeneration, and aging in animals and plants, and how stem cells have been harnessed as novel patient therapies. Questions to be addressed include: How were stem cells discovered? Where do stem cells come from, and how can they be used to study and cure human diseases? What are the similarities and differences between embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and "induced pluripotent stem cells"? How does the capacity to regenerate vary across the plant and animal kingdom and why? We will also discuss the scientific, bioethical and political controversies associated with regenerative medicine and recent stem cell research. Students will be able to explain how translational research, basic research, science policy, and the layman's perspective all impact how that science is done and where it could lead. In the lab, students will observe and track stem cells in developing embryos, visualize stem cells in a variety of organisms, and design experiments to test the limits of regeneration.
Places and spaces
Our world-class 275,000-square-foot Science Complex gives students and faculty ample space and technological resources for research and inclusive collaboration. The Biological Sciences department utilizes a biosafety level 2 lab, the Food Sciences Lab, the Field Sciences Suite, the Wet Studio Lab, and a vivarium. Students use a broad and deep set of instrumentation throughout their classes and research, many of which are typically not accessible until graduate-level study.
Research highlights
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Professor Vanja Klepac-Ceraj researches microbial communities, which have a crucial influence the health of their environment, whether a lake or human body. In the Klepac-Ceraj lab, Annelle Abatoni Kayisire ’23 and Anika Luo ’23 co-authored a paper about working with microbial community data, Cassie Potter ’23 is a co-author on a paper about the role of bacteria in the development of atopic dermatitis/eczema, and Caroline MacVicar ’23 is a co-author on a paper about microclimates in soil in the Galápagos archipelago.
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Professor Steven Biller uses model systems to decipher the genetic and cellular mechanisms through which individual cells interact with other organisms and their environment. How do these interactions contribute to community behaviors? Biller focuses on oceans and the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus—the smallest and most abundant photosynthetic organism on the planet. Students in the Biller lab explore aspects of this microbe through a combination of laboratory, computational, and field studies.
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Professor Andrea Sequeira researches weevil adaptation and survival. In 2024, she and Gabriella Karcz ’25 collected weevils in Galápagos. From 2015 to 2020, Sequeira, Professor Martina Königer, lab specialist Flavia Mendonca de Sousa, and students collected samples of Naupactus cervinus and N. leucoloma in Florida, California, and Argentina. With University of Buenos Aires colleagues, the team analyzed patterns of gene expression, with findings published in PLOS ONE.
Opportunities and community
Dedicated to equity, engagement, and belonging, we offer many concrete opportunities for all students, including those new to biology, to join us as valued and respected members of our department.
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Biology and Biochemistry Club (BC)²
A supportive forum for biology and biochemistry students to network with each other, (BC)2 sponsors on- and off-campus field trips, lectures, and career panels.
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Biochemistry Boot Camp
Open to first-years and sophomores during Wintersession, this program provides an experiential introduction to laboratory research, taking a low-pressure approach that supports students with no scientific background.
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Research mentorship and funding
We offer exceptional support for student research. Whether they are first-years new to lab work or seniors working on a thesis, students can access abundant financial and academic assistance. Our faculty advise students on research assistant positions as well as programs and initiatives, at Wellesley and beyond.
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Peer support
Students support each other through peer-to-peer mentoring and the Bio Cafe. Through supplemental instruction and laboratory teaching assistant positions, students enrich their education and build community.
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Commitment to inclusion
Our department features a Belonging Committee that plans events and initiatives to foster diversity, access, and equity within our community. Our professors support and work with biology students who develop programs and practices that enhance inclusion.
Beyond Wellesley
Beyond Wellesley
Many biological sciences grads pursue careers in health care and higher education, conducting research and/or lab work.
Recent Employers
Alum highlights
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Meagan Lizarazo ’04
Meagan Lizarazo ’04
is executive vice president and chief operating officer of iGem (International Genetically Engineered Machine), a synthetic biology nonprofit. After Wellesley, Lizarazo joined an MIT lab developing a system for synthetic biology research. Lizarazo helped grow the lab’s original Wintersession contest for undergraduates into an international competition with hundreds of annual participants and several significant breakthroughs.
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Kwan Kew Lai ’74
Kwan Kew Lai ’74
is an infectious disease doctor who has treated patients with Ebola in Liberia, mentored and trained HIV/AIDS clinicians in Vietnam, Malawi, and Uganda, and provided relief services after the earthquake and during the cholera outbreak in Haiti, among many other volunteer projects.
Department of Biological Sciences
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481