# Biological Sciences Collegiate Division

**Source**: https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/biological-sciences-collegiate-division
**Parent**: https://college.uchicago.edu/

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# Biological Sciences Collegiate Division

In the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division (BSCD), students from every major study life in all its forms. The student experience focuses on the research processes that inform our knowledge of biological mechanisms that govern living things and the interactions of organisms with each other and with their environment.

### Quick Links

- [New Biology Major (3rd Year) Orientation Presentation](https://uchicago.box.com/s/0lhklwc5mljvfw10ded3ighz59p08qyf)
- [2025 BSCD Open House Presentation](https://uchicago.box.com/s/oskxc0uedaqlqi3clqo03sw7lv45yk8m)

### [Make an appointment to meet with a BSCD Adviser](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/AcZssZ3rVIIi4zR44hR2Vf5VFgMGZ98V_1z-NCpPjAw=)

#### *Appointments available through the end of the academic year.*

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### [Read an Article Generated from Student Research at MBL](https://www.micropublication.org/journals/biology/micropub-biology-000946)

### [**Click here to join our Mailing List!**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7Deiv04qk4N8oyZCAv6yBremcQ8dhKo8Djy60jdHP0DwU_A/viewform?usp=sf_link)

## [MBL Sept Applications Now Open](https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/mbl-september-courses)

Apply to September Term 2026 in Woods Hole, MA doing in-depth lab and field research!

## [BSCD Student Resource Page](https://bscduchi.squarespace.com/)

You'll find helpful tips for finding research positions, a calendar of fun events, and information on BSCD associated RSOs!

## [Summer BSCD Fellowship Applications](https://bscduchi.squarespace.com/fellowships)

Check this link to view the new 2026 Summer Fellowship Applications!

### Programs of Study

## Curriculum and Resources

Click below to learn more about The University of Chicago's research-focused programming at [**The Marine Biological Laboratory**](/academics/college-marine-biological-laboratory).

Hands-on biology and neuroscience courses are available to students from all majors in the Summer, Autumn, and Spring Quarters. All programs take place on the [MBL campus](https://www.mbl.edu) in Woods Hole, MA.

**Current MBL Programs for UChicago Undergraduates**

[Spring Quarter](https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/spring-quarter-mbl) [- Quarter in Biological Discovery](https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/spring-quarter-mbl)

[September Courses](https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/mbl-september-courses)

[Semester in Environmental Science (SES)](https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/semester-environmental-science)

[Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)](https://ccrf.uchicago.edu/content/jeff-metcalf-summer-undergraduate-research-fellows-surf-marine-biological-laboratory-mbl)

All students at the University of Chicago are required to take two courses in biological sciences. For students not taking BIOS courses as part of their major or pre-health preparation, the BSCD offers distinct "non-major" general education courses. General education courses in the BSCD prepare students from all majors to engage in intelligent discourse about health, life on earth and its history, and biotechnology, as well as the scientific problems facing the modern world.

- [Learn more about biology general education courses](http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/biologicalsciencescore/).

The University of Chicago is a preeminent center for biological and biomedical research. The BSCD believes that hands-on research experiences are an essential part of an education in biological sciences and neurosciences, and we are committed to helping all motivated students find a research activity that matches their interests. It is also important for students to explore the careers that are opened up by a degree in biological sciences or neurosciences.

There are two paths you can follow to gain hands-on experience and develop as a researcher:

- [Get involved in a research lab at the University of Chicago](https://bscduchi.squarespace.com/research)
- [Do an internship outside of the University of Chicago at a research institution, industry or variety of other workplaces that utilize skills in the Biological Sciences.](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/careers-in/biological-sciences)

If you have any questions about navigating the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division curriculum, please contact the BSCD advisers:

- Dr. Chris Andrews, BSLC 306, 773.702.1214, [candrews@uchicago.edu](mailto:candrews@uchicago.edu)
- Dr. Megan McNulty, BSLC 304, 773.834.7744, [mmcnulty@uchicago.edu](mailto:mmcnulty@uchicago.edu)

Click [here](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/AcZssZ3rVIIi4zR44hR2Vf5VFgMGZ98V_1z-NCpPjAw=) to schedule an appointment with a BSCD adviser.

A broad liberal arts education provides an exceptional preparation for a career in the health professions. Students are encouraged to concentrate in any discipline in which they have a strong interest, while making sure that they fulfill the common entry requirements for professional school.

- [Find out more about how biology majors can prepare for health professions](http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/biologicalsciences/#biologicalsciencessequencesformajorsandstudentspreparingforthehealthprofessions).
- [Find out more about how non-biology majors can prepare for health professions.](http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/biologicalsciencescore/#pre-medsequencefornon-majors)
- [Pre-health professions advising](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/careers-in/healthcare)
- [Pre-Medical Students Association](http://pmsa.uchicago.edu/)
- [Selective Programs via Career](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/careers-in/healthcare/programs)[s in Healthcare](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/careers-in/healthcare/programs)

The Quantitative Biosciences Center is a drop-in help center that undergraduates use as a resource in completing assignments, understanding curriculum, and discussing the applications of computers and mathematics to biology. Students require support to be able to complete quantitative, computer-based assignments and synthesize the incorporation of mathematics and computation with complex biology. Thereby, the construction of the Quantitative Biosciences Center with its “help center” hours and “drop-in service” was born. Graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants staff the center and provide consultation for students engaged in the computational biology curriculum that is integrated into the first 6 courses required in the Biology major. Physical scientists routinely apply computational and mathematical approaches in their fields and thus have the skills to provide technical and conceptual assistance to undergraduate students in the biosciences. \

- [Learn more about the Quantitative Biosciences Center](https://college.uchicago.edu/academics/quantitative-biosciences-center)

[Career Advancement](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/) provides student opportunities to explore career pathways, network with alumni, and engage with employers.  [Careers in Biological Sciences](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/careers-in/biological-sciences) offers advising appointments, [career exploration treks](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/student-opportunities/treks/apply-upcoming-treks) and programs, and internships available through the [Jeff Metcalf Internship Program](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/student-opportunities/metcalf-internship).

Tony Abeyta, Program Director of Careers in Biological Sciences, serves as the lead adviser for students interested in pursuing biological sciences career paths - you can schedule an appointment with Tony on [Handshake](https://uchicago.joinhandshake.com/) or contact him directly at [tabeyta@uchicago.edu](mailto:tabeyta@uchicago.edu).

Sign-up for the [Careers in Biological Sciences Listhost](https://uchicago.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=76a5633a008ffdc2081d6edef&id=6d44e45c87) to stay up to date with current opportunities. For a list of all available Career Advancement Email Lists, [go here](https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/virtual-library/email-lists).

According to the National Science Foundation [(NSF)](https://www.nsf.gov/), Pathway Programs enhance diversity in the academic fields of science and medicine by broadening and stimulating student access to these diverse areas of study. Pathways are specifically charged with addressing the long standing underrepresentation of racially minoritized groups and women within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) “but many, if not most programs, increase awareness, access, engagement, and inclusion for all students.”

Explore [BSD Pathway Programs for College Students](https://voices.uchicago.edu/bsddiversity/pathway-programs-college-students/)

## Learning Beyond the Classroom

Take advantage of experiences off campus, in Chicago, across the nation, and around the globe.