Columbia College Bachelor's in Biology
Learn about the basic physical, chemical, and biological systems common to all living organisms through the Bachelor's in Biology degree program.
Residential classes
Jan
08
next start date
16
week semester
5
year locked-in tuition
Online & night classes
Jan
08
next start date
8
week sessions
$375
undergraduate tuition
Available program formats: In class: BA, BS
Explore biology at Columbia College
With a degree in biology from Columbia College, you’ll have a foundational understanding of natural sciences plus the critical thinking and laboratory skills needed to evaluate scientific issues.
The biology field is growing. As scientific knowledge expands, there is an increasing demand for students who can apply scientific methods, test hypotheses and work efficiently in either a laboratory setting or in the field.
In courses ranging from general biology and chemistry, to genetics and cellular biology, you’ll develop an understanding of the complexity of living organisms. Working closely with expert professors, you’ll gain the research background and analytical skills to thrive in a variety of careers, including graduate and professional schools.
Opportunities to study:
- Genetic inheritance
- Cellular biology
- Biochemistry
- Organismal biology
- Organic chemistry
- Research design
Prepare for a career of lifelong learning
Your passion for the life sciences opens the door to rewarding careers in cutting-edge fields including laboratory research, microbiology, food science, healthcare, environmental sciences and more.
The biology program prepares you to apply critical thinking skills, analyze data, evaluate conclusions and interact with other professionals via written reports and verbal presentations. Students seeking a career in health-related fields graduate with the knowledge they need to be successful in graduate degree programs.
Some possible paths include:
- Laboratory Technician
- Graduate student
- Researcher
- Scientific Writer
- Clinical Support Staff
Columbia College Global offers traditional classroom instruction for many courses at nationwide locations. Students at nationwide locations are expected to engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree. Columbia College offers on-campus programs with traditional classroom instruction at the Residential Campus in Columbia, Missouri.
Find your path
Submit this form to get information about applying to Columbia College.
Questions about admissions? Call the main line.
Main line: (573) 875-8700
Want to know more about our programs? Contact the department.
Department phone: 573-875-7568
Office: STC 319
Email: NSM@CCIS.edu
Your degree starts here Take these courses
Available program formats
- Core requirements 58 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
Investigation and discussion of ethical issues that concern the environment. Emphasis will be on recognition of moral problems and their resolution.
Basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics. Cross-listed with ENVS 254. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 254L is required. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIOL 112; Chem 109 or Chem 110 with a grade of C or better.
Theoretical foundations of basic cell biology, including structure, function, and synthesis of the plasma membrane and subcellular organelles; cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix; cell transport, communication, division, cancer and programmed cell death. Prerequisites: BIOL/ENVS 254 with a grade of C or higher; CHEM 112 with a grade of C or higher. CHEM 310 is strongly recommended. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 345L is required.
Study of applied research in the natural sciences, with special emphasis on experimental design and methodology, data generation and critical analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Students majoring in Biology or Environmental Science must earn a grade of C or higher. Cross-listed as ENVS 395. Prerequisites: 20 semester hours of BIOL, ENVS, FRSC, PHYS and/or CHEM courses; junior standing; C or higher in BIOL 224/PSYC 224/SOCI 224; C or higher in ENGL 133W.
- Core requirements 66 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
The first of a two semester course that outlines the structure, function, and chemical properties of biological molecules. Topics include protein function, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, membrane transport, cell signaling pathways, DNA information technology, and central intermediate metabolism. Cross-listed as CHEM 420. Students majoring in Biology or Chemistry must earn a grade of C or higher. Prerequisites: BIOL 345 and CHEM 310. CHEM 312 is strongly encouraged.
Fundamental course in the principles of chemistry. Topics include atoms and atomic theory, stoichiometry, chemical equations, chemical reactions, properties of gases, properties of solutions, and thermochemistry. G.E. Prerequisite: MATH 106 or higher (or ACT math score 21 or higher); CHEM 104 or CHEM 108/PHYS 108 (or high school chemistry course with a grade of C or higher).
Theoretical foundations of basic cell biology, including structure, function, and synthesis of the plasma membrane and subcellular organelles; cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix; cell transport, communication, division, cancer and programmed cell death. Prerequisites: BIOL/ENVS 254 with a grade of C or higher; CHEM 112 with a grade of C or higher. CHEM 310 is strongly recommended. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 345L is required.
Study of applied research in the natural sciences, with special emphasis on experimental design and methodology, data generation and critical analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Students majoring in Biology or Environmental Science must earn a grade of C or higher. Cross-listed as ENVS 395. Prerequisites: 20 semester hours of BIOL, ENVS, FRSC, PHYS and/or CHEM courses; junior standing; C or higher in BIOL 224/PSYC 224/SOCI 224; C or higher in ENGL 133W.