Biology

Undergraduate research is the heart of YCP’s Biology program. You’ll start working on research from your very first semester—with experiences that go far beyond standard “cookie cutter” lab projects. York College Biology classes take you through a curriculum designed to provide meaningful, authentic research and encourage scientific exploration.

As a student, you’ll have access to the same types of equipment used in professional research laboratories. Facilities include a state-of-the-art tissue culture suite, a large aquaria space, and modern labs. 

Students interested in clinical research may also apply to the Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program (SURIP), offered in partnership with WellSpan. Those selected are able to conduct paid research in a WellSpan lab during the summer months.

As a Biology major at York College, you have the option to choose a concentration and specialize in a particular branch of biology. For students interested in this path, there are four concentrations available:

• Biotechnology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Pre-Professional Medicine

Biotechnology

In the Biotechnology concentration, you’ll learn about the tools and techniques used in healthcare and medicine. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with a wide range of equipment, and an understanding of the development work and research that goes into making these devices available to medical professionals around the world. Biotechnology may be an excellent fit if you’re interested in careers including pharmaceuticals, the biotech industry, or science/technical writing 

Cell and Molecular Biology

A concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology allows you to look at living things at the most fundamental level. From microbes to animals, you’ll examine how genetics influence cellular actions and interactions. You’ll practice the techniques used while working in molecular biology, learning through state-of-the-art equipment and real-world research. Cell and Molecular Biology may be a desirable concentration if you plan to pursue a career in biomedical research, forensics, or bioinformatics.

Ecology and Conservation

The Ecology and Conservation concentration focuses on organisms, their relationship with their environment, principles of biological diversity, and exploring solutions to environmental problems. Students conduct hands-on research and data analysis, with a goal of addressing contemporary challenges in the real world. If you are interested in work that includes ecological research, environmental consulting, natural resource management, environmental education, or a related field, you may be well-suited for a concentration in Ecology and Conservation.

Pre-Professional Medicine

Concentrating in Pre-Health Professions prepares you for a future in medicine or a medicine-related field like physical therapy, optometry, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. You’ll learn about animal and human bodies, their structures, and how they function. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors to ensure that your science coursework and research/internship opportunities are aligned with the needs of graduate programs in the health or medical field of your choice.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology is a great first step toward becoming a doctor, dentist, optometrist, physical therapist, veterinarian, or other healthcare provider. 

Each of these disciplines has their own advanced educational requirements (for example: medical school, veterinary school, or a physical therapy doctoral program). Biology is a highly desirable undergraduate major for most graduate programs in the health and medical fields. Medical school and other professional programs also place great value on research experience.

If your goals for the future include an advanced graduate and/or doctoral program, your Biology faculty advisors can offer valuable advice and help to guide you toward the necessary classes, undergraduate research opportunities, and academic requirements.

Majoring in Biology prepares you for many different career paths. In YCP’s Biology degree program, you’ll develop the skills and experience needed for work in a research lab, environmental education, contributing to sales or marketing for a pharmaceutical company, conducting field research, and much more. Studying Biology in college will provide a strong foundation to support your career interests.