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Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science
Academic Minor
About the Major

Biological Science is the study of life as currently known through the method of scientific inquiry. Studies in biology are invigorating, rigorous, and exciting as they constantly evolve with the significant advancements in theory and technology. Our major at Holy Names is multi-disciplinary, drawing upon an integration of life and physical sciences. Because the need is great in society for persons who can make wise decisions about complex scientific matters and ethical consequences, we prepare our students with sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills to accept the many challenges of modern society.

A hallmark of the educational environment at Holy Names is the close working relationships between faculty and students. Laboratory and field classes are small in size and are geared toward the intimate "hands-on" working environments of biological scientists. At every level of the biological science curriculum we encourage students to engage in research, either as part of a course or independently in conjunction with a faculty member. Emphasis in each course is placed on clarity of expression in both oral and written forms as required for communicating ideas and experimental results using scientific methodology.

Career Options
The unique combination of a liberal arts background and careeroriented scientific training provides Holy Names' graduates in Biological Science with the breadth and depth of preparation to be confident and successful in their futures. Students graduate with flexible work skills and essential intellectual experiences to enter the science work force immediately or to pursue graduate education with an M.A., Ph.D., and/or M.D. as their direct goal. Recognizing that meaningful employment is important, our program of studies at HNU equips our graduates with the knowledge and skills to make a difference wherever they are employed. Biological Science graduates work in diverse fields and physical settings. Their discipline is at the center of exciting technological advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology, in medicine, agriculture, animal husbandry, pharmacy, energy conservation and development, and government and private research.

Curriculum - click the links below for information
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science

The Minor:
A minimum of 21 units, including BIOL 1A, 1B (8 lower-division units and 2 upper-division lecture courses with their corresponding laboratories). Additional upper-division units will be chosen in consultation with the Biological Science advisor to complement each student's academic major, career goals, and personal interest.

Faculty

Duygu Demirlioglu, PhD
University of Instanbul
Associate Professor of Physical Science
510-436-1171
demirlioglu@hnu.edu

Dolores Grunbaum, PhD
University of New York
Professor of Chemistry
510-436-1413
grunbaum@hnu.edu

Jo Anne Quinlivan, snjm, PhD
University of California, Berkeley
Associate Professor of Biological Science
510-436-1030
quinlivan@hnu.edu

Julia Smith, PhD
University of California, Berkeley
Associate Professor of Biological Science
510-436-1055
smith@hnu.edu

Christian Aviles-Scott, MEd
University of Georgia
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
510.436.1556
aviles-scott@hnu.edu

Vanessa Handley, PhD
University of California, Berkeley
510.436.1471
handley@hnu.edu

Graduate Quote
"I am very eager to assist current and future HNU students who are interested in medicine as a career. The conscientious, excellent education I received at HNU laid a solid foundation for my future in medicine and for this I am forever grateful."

- Yvonne Bussard, '90
 
Admission Contact Information  
Holy Names University
Office of Admission
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland CA 94619  
local telephone: 510.436.1351
toll-free: 1.800.430.1321
email: admissions@hnu.edu

Scheduled visits to classes and appointments with faculty are encouraged and can be arranged through the Admission Office.
 
For transfer students, reasonable consideration is given to equating previous coursework with Holy Names University requirements.