Mercy College

What you'll study

The Biology BSc combines foundational coursework with laboratory and field experience to develop scientific reasoning, experimental skills and data analysis. Early years focus on core topics such as general biology, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry for life sciences and biostatistics. In later years you will study more specialised subjects including genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, ecology and evolution.

• Introductory and intermediate laboratory courses emphasising aseptic technique, microscopy, molecular methods (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis), and quantitative analysis.
• Courses in genetics and molecular biology covering gene expression, inheritance and recombinant DNA methods.
• Organismal and physiological modules such as human anatomy and physiology, plant biology and comparative physiology.
• Ecology, conservation biology and field methods for students interested in environmental and ecosystem studies.
• Electives and advanced seminars in topics such as neurobiology, immunology, bioinformatics and environmental toxicology.
• Capstone options including a senior research project or internship placement that emphasise independent investigation and professional skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive candidates will have taken college-preparatory science and mathematics courses, typically including biology and chemistry, and demonstrated strong performance in those subjects. Mercy College considers applicants with a range of academic backgrounds and also welcomes transfer students, adult learners and those returning to study.

• Recommended preparation: high school biology and chemistry, and mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus).
• Admissions review may consider academic record, personal statement and any relevant experience such as laboratory work, volunteering in health settings or environmental projects.
• Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Biology programme pursue a wide variety of career paths. Many continue to professional or graduate study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant programmes or MSc/PhD routes in biological sciences. Others enter the workforce directly in roles such as laboratory technician, research assistant, environmental analyst, quality control specialist, or positions within biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

• Clinical and research laboratories (technician/assistant roles)
• Healthcare and allied health professions (with appropriate further training)
• Environmental consulting, conservation agencies and natural resource management
• Biotech and pharmaceutical industry roles in production, quality assurance or regulatory support
• Secondary-school science teaching (with teacher certification where required)
• Further academic research via graduate programmes (MSc, PhD)

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a biology degree with an emphasis on hands-on learning, small class sizes and close faculty mentorship. The college’s multiple campuses in the greater metropolitan area provide access to hospitals, research institutions and environmental field sites for internships and collaborative projects. Students benefit from modern teaching laboratories, opportunities for paid or credit-bearing undergraduate research, and career and internship support services that help translate academic experience into employment or professional-school applications.

• Emphasis on practical laboratory and field training alongside theoretical instruction.
• Opportunities for internships and partnerships with nearby hospitals, research centres and environmental organisations.
• Accessible faculty who supervise senior research projects and provide mentorship for graduate or professional school applications.
• Flexible scheduling and support for non-traditional and transfer students.