Biology
Why Study Biology?
At Caltech, our biology majors are at the forefront of research projects that decode biological processes, find cures, and protect Earth's biodiversity. If you've ever wondered how neurons fire in a thinking brain, marveled at the possibilities of DNA, or questioned how a single cell becomes a complex organism, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology degree program at Caltech is your gateway to exploring life's fundamental intricacies and mysteries.
Why Biology at Caltech?
Do you want to skip the typical undergraduate experience of waiting years to do real research? In Caltech's intimate biological sciences classes, you can form close connections right away with professors who are making breakthroughs in multiple areas of the natural sciences.
The flexibility of the Biology major at Caltech means that not only can you start researching as soon as you want, but you can also combine the curriculum with other majors or minors—whether that's computer science for bioinformatics to further the reach of health care in developing nations, chemistry for improved drug discovery, or environmental science for impactful conservation work.
What You'll Learn
Students pursuing the bachelor's degree in biology investigate life and nature's essential mechanisms through courses and hands-on laboratory research. Coursework will immerse you in such topics as developmental biology, genetics, neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and environmental biology. First, you'll take foundational Caltech core quantitative and scientific course requirements, build foundations in molecular and cellular biology, and then you can direct your coursework to the subfields of biological sciences, engineering, and related fields that drive your passions.
We drive interdisciplinary breakthroughs because many students pair two majors or otherwise design their degrees with minors and course selections. Courses explore the biomechanics behind an organism's physical characteristics and functions, investigate how computational technology can interact with genetic and biological systems, break down processes of natural biological defenses against disease, and more. Through our biology minor, students in other Caltech major options can add biological expertise to another area of study.
View the Caltech catalog for biology major and minor requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
At Caltech, our 60+ professors in the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering don't just teach—they're actively expanding the frontiers of natural science. You'll connect with experts who actively pursue new knowledge with their research teams of undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty's broad networks can get you closer to uniquely funded research opportunities. Through small class sizes, Caltech students benefit from direct access and earn chances to contribute to groundbreaking research early in their bachelor's degree program.
In the natural sciences majors, there's a really big emphasis on research because you have a lot more flexibility with classes. You have a lot more time to do research and do a senior thesis. It's common to start research in freshman or sophomore year and continue until graduation."
Career Possibilities
Caltech biology graduates go on to transform our understanding of life and health, from becoming medical doctors after pursuing advanced education to transforming the horizons of biotechnology. Biology majors excel in roles such as:
- Academic researchers
- Biotechnology entrepreneurs
- Conservation biologists
- Neuroscientists
- Public health researchers
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
Like all Caltech students, biology majors complete one year of the core first-year curriculum before officially starting on the biology bachelor's degree track. The curriculum components include:
- Core biological principles
- Specialized advanced biology courses
- Premed track
- Strong research lab participation or undergraduate thesis
Pursue a Bachelor's in Biology at Caltech
Unravel life's mysteries and prepare for an advanced career in biology, medicine, technology, environmental conservation, and more as a biology major at Caltech. Our bachelor's degree program is an incubator for your curiosity and creativity, leading to innovative solutions for our world's medical and environmental challenges.