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Biology

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Biology, the study of life, spans a broad range of topics. The biology department at Hobart and William Smith provides a liberal arts foundation across multiple departments and programs to prepare you for a myriad of careers. With a major or minor in biology, you’ll gain a foundation along with expertise and insight from our award-winning faculty into specific topics on a path to becoming a doctor, scientist, researcher or educator, but with the skills needed to succeed in any role.  

 

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Placeholder Name '23 Accepted to Top-Ranked Ph.D. Program in Biology

HWS grad will hang up her lab coat at Mass General Brigham to further her career goals at the University at Buffalo.

Name: Placeholder Name '23

Major: Biology

"Professor Christine de Denus played an extremely large role in my professional development, helping me to learn by failure, which is a necessity in lab work, think on my feet and manage my time efficiently." Placeholder Name '23
Career Plan Before HWS: Biology Researcher

Mentored Research: Studied the synthesis of molecular wire candidates and characterization of the compounds using 1D and 2D NMR, MP and IR with Associate Professor of Chemistry Christine de Denus. 

Experience: Student Ambassador, Hai Timiai, Laurel Society, William Smith Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Public Leadership Education Network, William Smith Athletics Rising Stars Leadership Group, Society of Women in Economics, American Chemical Society Club

Study Abroad: Copenhagen, Denmark, Fall 2021

Athletics: HWS Sailing Team, captain  

First Job: Research laboratory technician, Mass General Brigham

 

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

Additional Outcomes

Payton Kliesch ’25
Payton Kliesch ’25 Associate Scientist Immuno-diagnostics at Pfizer
Garrett Downs ’22
Garrett Downs ’22 MSN at Johns Hopkins
Eva Hamel
Eva Hamel ’24 Research Assistant at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia
What you can do
honors

With a Career in Biology

 

Loreine Mungcal ’26

Loreine Mungcal ’26

An internship in Seville has given Mungcal the perfect opportunity to understand the intersection of public health and the cultural customs of care in another country.
Read More

A degree in biology from Hobart and William Smith will provide you with a wealth of options for careers. 

In the sciences, you’ll be prepared for further education or work as a:

  • Physician
  • Veterinarian
  • Dentist
  • Opthamalogist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Podiatrist
  • Gastroenterologist

"Close-knit, engaging classes at HWS brought new perspectives to my mind and gave me the confidence to pursue research in biology at HWS, where I found a great sense of community.” Matt McNulty ’22
Your degree also offers interdisciplinary skills in research, critical thinking and expression. These can aid you in other careers, including:

  • Researcher
  • Educator
  • Environmental Policy
  • Sales
  • Research and Development 
  

Biology Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about HWS’ biology program?
At HWS, we take a future-focused, interdisciplinary approach to studies in biology. With study abroad programs tailored for science majors, strong career and pre-health advising and mentored research opportunities, biology majors gain experience that sets them apart when applying to graduate school and meaningful careers.
What facilities are available for biology students?

Our facilities provide biology students with opportunities for hands-on research and exploration.

  • The William Scandling, HWS’ 65-ft research vessel
  • Seneca Lake, the deepest glacial lake in New York
  • Hanley Nature Preserve, 108-acres of forest and wetlands
  • The Finger Lakes Institute, HWS’ center dedicated to Finger Lakes environmental research
  • In January 2026, construction begins on a new 40,000 integrated science-complex The Fish Center for the Sciences.
What can I do with an undergraduate degree in biology?
A biology major opens the door to a wide range of careers. Paired with a strong liberal arts foundation, HWS biology majors go on to careers in research, healthcare, and environmental science, as well as social impact fields including public policy, education and sustainable development.
Can I study abroad and major in biology?
Yes. At HWS, more than 60% of students at HWS study abroad, including biology majors. Students can participate in semester-long or short-term programs with topics ranging from "Climate Change in the Black Forest and Swiss Alps" in Freiburg, Germany, to “Marine Ecology of Australia” in Queensland, Australia. You don’t have to choose between a global experience and your major – you can do both.
Can I get involved in research as a biology major?
Yes. In 2025, HWS was named to Carnegie’s list of “Research Colleges and Universities,” recognizing our commitment to meaningful undergraduate research. Biology students frequently collaborate with faculty on projects that lead to honors, publications, graduate study and rewarding careers.
What career support is available for biology majors?

Career support is a significant focus of HWS’ future-focused curriculum. Early on, biology majors connect with STEM Career Coordinator Emily Stump for career exploration, resume and CV writing, interview prep, networking and graduate school applications. She also connects students with alumni and employers to find internships, research, and job opportunities.

If you’re pre-health, you’ll receive personalized advising from faculty who will help you choose courses and prepare for professional school. A major advantage of attending HWS is the opportunity to request a Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) recommendation in support of an application to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school. Learn more here.

What makes HWS’ biology faculty special?
From studying how migratory birds use magnetic fields and starlight to navigate, to researching cancer-fighting compounds and how environmental change impacts wildlife, our professors’ scholarly interests consider fascinating questions about the natural world. Whether you're into molecules, ecosystems, or anything in between, our faculty are leading researchers and dedicated mentors ready to guide your curiosity.

 

 

 

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Gain the basics and then go deeper into subfields in human, animal and plant biology.

BIOL 167 INTRODUCTORY TOPICS

Learn the fundamentals of studying biology, including distinguishing between the scientific inquiry and other modes of inquiry along with concepts of biology, the central role of DNA and RNA and the inheritance of genetic information.

BIOL 338 AQUATIC BIOLOGY

Develop a working knowledge of the general biology and ecology of aquatic systems and of the organisms that make up aquatic communities.

BIOL 302 Immunology

Examine immune cells and organs, immune processes, vaccines, immunodeficiency, transplants and immunotherapy.

Biology Courses and Curriculum Biology Faculty Directory
 

 

 

 

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No Borders:Global Education

Our top-ranked study abroad program gives you the freedom to study biology across the globe.

Study Abroad Options

abroad

 

Recommened Destinations for Biology

  • Queensland, Australia

    Queensland, Australia

  • Copenhagen, Denmark

    Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Norwich, England

    Norwich, England

  • Freiburg, Germany

    Freiburg, Germany

  • Galway, Ireland

    Galway, Ireland

  • Maastricht, Netherlands

    Maastricht, Netherlands

Faculty Directory

Meet the experienced and dedicated professionals who will serve as your mentors.

 
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