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Biology

Are you a curious, creative, and collaborative person who wants to understand how life works? As a biology major at Occidental College, you will explore the natural world from molecules to ecosystems through hands-on research and fieldwork. 

Earn Your Biology Degree from Oxy

As part of the Occidental College Biology undergraduate program, you will study living systems through direct research and scientific inquiry. You will learn to form hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, and interpret data while investigating topics such as genetics, ecology, physiology, and evolution. Faculty mentors will guide you through lab and field experiences that strengthen your understanding of biology from the molecular to the global level.

Situated between the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Mojave Desert, Oxy offers unparalleled access to diverse ecosystems and field sites. You can conduct local studies or pursue international research opportunities, including programs in Costa Rica and beyond. By earning your biology major at Occidental, you will gain the scientific and analytical skills needed for careers in medicine, conservation, biotechnology, data science, and research. These skills will help you shape the future of medicine, environmental policy, conservation, public health, and biotechnology right in the heart of Los Angeles.

Biology program at a glance

What You’ll Learn as a Biology Major at Occidental

Two Occidental students in a biology lab looking at a plant growing under a hot pink light

Connecting research with the natural world

The biology major at Occidental College integrates classroom study with real-world experience. You will study genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolution while building strong scientific, analytical, and communication skills that prepare you for research and professional work in the sciences.

You can focus your biology coursework in one of three areas to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

  • Marine Biology: Study marine ecosystems through field research and lab analysis, often connected to the Vantuna Research Group.
  • Environmental Science: Examine how organisms interact with their environments and apply that knowledge to conservation and climate challenges.
  • Molecular and Cell Biology: Investigate life at the cellular and genetic levels using advanced techniques and equipment in Oxy’s modern laboratories.

In the Occidental College Biology Department, students conduct research with faculty mentors in the lab, in the field, and around the world. You can work with the Vantuna Research Group, contribute to studies at the Moore Lab of Zoology, or explore new technologies in the Anderson Center for Environmental Science. Many biology students present their work at conferences or co-author papers before graduation.

Biology connects naturally with other Occidental College majorsand minors such as biochemistry, public health, Urban and Environmental Policy, and chemistry. Pairing biology with these disciplines expands your scientific perspective and opens career paths in medicine, sustainability, and policy.

Clara Neville headshot

“If you’re going to do STEM anywhere, do it at Oxy where the class sizes are small and the professors are there to support you individually—you couldn’t find a more encouraging environment!”

Clara Neville
Biology major; Seattle, WA
Occidental Biology students conducting research at the beach

Learning Biology in LA

Studying biology at the Occidental campus in Los Angeles puts you in one of the most vibrant scientific communities in the country. LA offers world-class opportunities in biotechnology, environmental policy, research, and healthcare. You will learn from faculty who connect classroom lessons to real-world applications while building relationships that support your career and post-graduate goals.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Data analyst, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons

Hope Hendry
2021

Restoration Programs Manager, Tidal Influence, LLC

Kevin Fistanic
2019

ICU nurse, City of Hope National Medical Center

Sam Rocha, RN
2019

Research scientist, Fulgent Genetics

Maggie Schedl, MSc
2018

Physician assistant, University Medical Center Southern Nevada

Dallas Gunny, PA-C
2018

Research scientist, Scioto Agritech

Chelsea Blankenchip, PhD
2017

Resident physician, Virginia Mason Hospital

Anise Marshall, MD
2016

Genetic counselor, St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center

Tina Tran, PhD
2014

Data scientist & research ecologist, Azura Consulting LLC

Ellie Heywood
2012

Meet Our Faculty

FAQs

Learn more about Oxy’s unique biology department and the exciting opportunities for research, study abroad, and community engagement.

Yes, there are many different mentored research opportunities in the department. Most students in the major participate in high-quality research with faculty members.

Graduates of the Occidental College Biology Department build careers in medicine, research, environmental science, public health, and biotechnology, applying their hands-on experience to make an impact in labs, classrooms, clinics, and communities around the world. Many also go on to roles in government, business, and policy, addressing global challenges through science and leadership. Learn more about our alumni and where a biology degree from Occidental can take you.

 

Yes. Recent biology majors have studied abroad in places like New Zealand, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.

 

Yes. The Occidental Campus is home to the Anderson Center for Environmental Science, Moore Lab of Zoology, and Genomics Center, which uses cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies. Our brand new LUMEN Lab features specialized fluorescent microscopes, including a new confocal microscope, a live cell counter, a scanning electron microscope, a compact X-ray microtomography (microCT) instrument, and high-powered computer workstations. Learn more about all of our facilities.

 

Contact Biology
Bioscience Building Room 200