Why Study Biological and Environmental Sciences at Notre Dame?

The Environmental Science (ES) major has been designed for those students who have a keen interest in ecology and the interaction between humans and the natural world. Environmental Science majors take a wide variety of science and non-science courses. Further, those majoring in Environmental Science also have great latitude in their course choices. This freedom to specialize is one of the key features of the Environmental Science major.

Biology or ES majors may use AB or BC Calculus AP Credit towards the math requirement in the College of Science. Many biology and ES majors pursue graduate, medical, dental, or veterinary school after graduation, all of which prefer core science courses taken at the college level; for that reason, the Notre Dame College of Science, Biology or ES major does not typically accept science AP credits.

The answer to this question depends on when you switched majors and what your previous major was, but most students who switch from another science major as late as first semester sophomore year have no problems graduating in four years. After the first four semesters, the core and elective curricula become flexible and allow a student to create a course load that fits his or her needs.

A complete listing can be found under the “Undergraduate Research” tab to the left, but biology majors have the opportunity to continue their research full time in the summer with funding from the College or University. One great opportunity is the UNDERC program. Every year Biology and ES majors travel to one of two University of Notre Dame field sites and spend two months performing their own research programs.

Yes! Several programs can accommodate biology majors including the Puebla, Mexico; Dublin, Ireland; and London, England sites (and others with permission). Biology majors have the opportunity to take courses that count towards their major while experiencing the culture and education of a different country. It is recommended that biology majors study abroad during the fall of junior year if applying to medical or dental school, though some can study abroad in spring as well. Visit international.nd.edu for more information about Notre Dame study abroad!

Yes, many Biology majors go on to pursue degrees in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and general medical school. The prerequisites for medical and dental school are built into the biology and College of Science curricula. Notre Dame Biology majors are well prepared for their graduate education and are accepted at high rates into medical and dental schools (90% and 100%, respectively). In fact medical schools are looking for students who come from broad backgrounds. More information for medical schools can be found here: healthsciencesadvising.nd.edu

Yes, and in fact, the majority of biology majors have a second major and/or minor. The biology major offers a flexible schedule in which students are encouraged to pursue their multidisciplinary interests.

The traditional Biology major course sequence (see sample curriculum) covers most of the recommended courses prior to taking the MCAT in the spring semester of junior year. Additional recommended courses for both the MCAT and medical school include Biochemistry, Psychology, Sociology and/or Anthropology, Biostatistics, and Ethics. Research the medical schools to which you are applying for any other requirements. More information for medical schools can be found here.

The Notre Dame Biology and ES Major provides a holistic, research-oriented approach to the biological sciences. It teaches the core tenants of all fields of biology while allowing students to choose electives that fit their interests. Hands-on learning and application of classroom knowledge in a research setting are valued in the Notre Dame biology major with the goal of improving human and environmental health. Finally, the Biology and ES program at Notre Dame has been extremely successful placing graduates in high level post-graduate programs around the nation.

Our first recommendation would be to slow down! Take a semester or two to meet people, adjust to living away from home, and taking classes that might be challenging for you. When you are ready for research please visit our Undergraduate Research.

The most accurate answer would be to say that there is no “typical” biology major. Some double major with Theology or Philosophy, others with Spanish or Economics. Some biology majors are pursuing graduate or medical school, while others hope to enter industry or teach. Most participate in research to some extent. That said, all biology majors are united by their curiosity, motivation, and passion for science. They form friendships in the lecture hall that extend outside the classroom.

Within the biology major, we have a vertical mentoring program called “Uplift” – an opportunity for students to interact with other biology majors in both an academic and non-academic setting. Uplift encourages healthy studying habits and provides underclassmen with advice from students who recently experienced a similar course load. Your daughter/son can contact her/his advisor or professor for details or how to join. Outside the major, the Office of First Year Advising as well as your daughter/son’s dorm can provide additional resources.

In past years, biology and ES majors have gone on to pursue graduate school, medical school, dental school, jobs in industry, teaching, volunteerism, and other careers. The major provides not only a basis in the biological sciences but critical thinking skills that can be applied in many contexts and professions. In addition, Environmental Science majors graduate with the necessary skills to join government or non-governmental agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the World Wildlife Fund.