A Look Inside the Biological and Chemical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Program at Wells
Discover your strengths and use them to plan for your future as a Biological and Chemical Sciences major at Wells. You’ll start with introductory courses that help you sort out which fields, topics, and methods appeal to you. From there, you’ll begin to focus your studies in, for example, the outside world, cellular biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, genetics, or another field.
Our science professors design laboratories that are approachable, relatable, and based on real-world practices and problems. Rather than simply learning a principle and testing it, you’ll have a chance to participate in discovery labs—an open-ended method that approaches a practical scientific scenario, answers questions, examines meaning, and focuses on solutions. For the Senior Capstone Project, you’ll work on a relevant and interesting science project that you choose, plan, and complete with the guidance of faculty, who are constantly refining this process to best prepare you for your career after graduation.
As you pursue your bachelor’s degree in biological and chemical sciences at Wells, you’ll find countless opportunities to open yourself up to scientific discoveries, to ask different questions, and ultimately see the world in a whole new way.
What You’ll Learn as a Biological and Chemical Sciences Major
- A broad understanding of biological sciences and chemical sciences to prepare for careers that do not require advanced graduate study
- How the fields of chemistry and biology intertwine with and influence each other
- Research and problem-solving skills you can apply to diverse careers in the sciences and beyond
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Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Learning in the Biological and Chemical Sciences
Hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, the Summer Faculty Research program, tutoring, or studying abroad for academic credit mean that you have the chance to do meaningful work at Wells and with other organizations and institutions while earning your bachelor’s degree in biological and chemical sciences. Wells also has a partnership with the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom Project in which students in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and other classes can spend time on the water, doing hands-on marine biology work. Academic conferences provide an additional place to present original research and learn about current areas of research in biological and chemical sciences.
Internship and Study Abroad Opportunities
Internships are a great way to determine what areas of biological sciences and chemical sciences interest you most, as well as providing valuable career networking opportunities. Some recent Wells internships took place at:
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Suitland, Maryland
- Oakland Zoo, Oakland, California
- Cornell University Large Animal Clinic, Ithaca, New York
- New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts
- Syracuse University Department of Chemistry, Syracuse, New York
- Upstate Veterinary Hospital, Saratoga Springs, New York
- Canandaigua Wine Co., Canandaigua, New York
- Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, Aurora, New York
You can also take your undergraduate biological and chemical sciences education overseas.
Career Options for Biological and Chemical Sciences Graduates
The bachelor’s degree program in Biological and Chemical Sciences is designed for students who may not be planning to immediately follow their undergraduate degree with focused graduate study in chemistry or biology. This program allows for a broader science track that will prepare you for careers as, for example, a veterinary technician or laboratory assistant.
Current Research in Biological and Chemical Sciences
Jaclyn Schnurr, Associate Professor of Biology, published her manuscript “Linkages among canopy tree neighborhoods, small mammal herbivores, and herbaceous communities in temperate forests” in the Journal of Vegetation Science and presented a poster on the topic at the 100th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America.
Christina Schmidt, Assistant Professor of Biology, presented her research, “Measurements of oxidative stress vary with tissue type and reproductive status in Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis)” at Evolution 2016, a joint meeting of the Society for the Study of Evolution, the American Society of Naturalists, and the Society of Systematic Biologists.
Similar Programs
If you’re interested in studying Biological and Chemical Sciences, you might also consider programs such as: