Biology student looking at a specimen in a lab

Becoming Engaged Scientists

The biology department at Regis University educates students to be scientists engaged in the world. We believe that teaching, research and the professional environment are interconnected.

We educate students to be scientists engaged in the world.

Our Mission is to offer an exceptional learning experience in the Jesuit Tradition of academic rigor and value-centered education, in which students acquire the skills, knowledge and broader understanding necessary to prepare them for a variety of careers and for fulfilling lives as leaders in the service of others. To do this we endeavor to teach students the nature of scientific inquiry, the fundamentals of modern biology (from molecules to ecosystems), and how to put that knowledge into the larger context of the students' lives. The recognition that inquiry is at the heart of science means that we not only strive to teach students biology but we strive to teach students how to be responsible biologists.

The Biology Department offers three majors, two specializations, and a minor at the undergraduate level. Students can complete the following degrees as either a B.S. or a B.A. . Students may choose to specialize their Biology degrees by completing optional specializations in either Molecular Biology and Genetics or Ecology and Evolution.

Additional areas of study:

  • Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Biology, Ecology and Evolution
  • Honors-in-Biology (B.S. degree only)
  • Honors-in-Biology, Ecology and Evolution (B.S. degree only)

The Biology Department also offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences graduate degree specifically for students interested in pursuing careers in health or biomedical research fields.

The biology department also offers specialized areas of study in molecular and cellular biology, ecology and environmental biology, and biology and human health.

Molecular and Cellular Biology Sepcialization

Molecular and Cellular Biology includes study of biological phenomena at the level of the cell and smaller. With the increasing use of powerful molecular genetic and biochemical techniques in fields such as health care and forensic science, interest in molecular and cellular biology among students has increased dramatically. Students interested in Molecular and Cellular Biology may either take a range of Biology courses emphasizing this sub discipline or more formally complete the Molecular Biology and Genetics Emphasis within the Biology major. Many of these courses include laboratories that involve students in using the powerful molecular genetic and biochemical techniques that have become so important in society.

Ecology and Environmental Biology Specialization

Ecology and Environmental Biology includes study of biological phenomena at the level of interactions among organisms or changes in populations of organisms over time. Students interested in Ecology and Environmental may take a range of Biology courses emphasizing this sub discipline or may formally complete an emphasis in ecology and evolution.

Health Careers & Relevant Preparatory Biology

A wide range of Biology courses are particularly relevant for students interested in health care careers. With the increasing use of powerful molecular genetic and biochemical techniques in fields such as health care, an understanding of molecular biology, cellular biology, and genetics are becoming much more important in health fields. Courses at the level of the multicellular organism such as anatomy, development, and physiology are and long have been especially important in health fields. Many of these courses include laboratories that involve students in inquiry and a hands-on understanding of the relevant biology.
See the Regis College Pre-Med/Health page for information on specific careers and undergraduate requirements for health programs.

The Biology Department also offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences graduate degree specifically for students interested in pursuing careers in health or biomedical research fields.

Learn more about our distinguished faculty members by viewing our Department of Biology faculty profiles.

  • Extensive participation of students with faculty on diverse research projects.
  • Weekly Monday 5 p.m. biology department research seminar that is integrated with the biology curriculum.
  • A curriculum and departmental culture that emphasizes active participation in biology as a science.
  • Opportunities for students to serve as lab teaching assistants, lab preparators and research assistants.
  • Laboratories well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
  • Relationships with many Denver-area scientific, health, and environmental institutions.
  • Departmental student study/social space.
  • Two full-tuition scholarships available for in-coming first year students to major in Biology, awarded based in part on competitive examinations given in February (inquire through the Office of Admissions).

We believe that teaching, research, and the professional environment are interconnected. Students develop their own independent research projects in courses and are encouraged to participate in research with faculty members or internships outside of Regis. The Denver metropolitan area offers numerous sites for research and internship experience. For more information concerning internship opportunities in Regis College please see the Office of Academic Internship webpages.