Biology

Explore the Complexity of Life—From Cells to Ecosystems. Biology courses emphasize data analysis and problem solving, along with broad scientific literacy, basic biological laboratory techniques and computer applications.  

The Biology in Health Sciences sequence prepares students to enter the professional world by providing skills and knowledge for success in post-professional schooling (Medical School, Graduate School), or employment in scientific industry. Each student works with a faculty advisor to choose elective courses that best match her post-baccalaureate goal. Students who are interested in moving into environmental science, conservation or ecology are recommended to take the Environmental Science sequence.  

The Human-Biology Pre-Dietetics, Human-Biology Pre-Occupational Therapy or Human-Biology Pre-Pharmacy concentrations offer focus within these specific areas of study.  

View a sample program plan to see what courses you'll take in our Biology program.

View additional sample plans for Human-Biology Pre-Dietetics, Human-Biology Pre-Occupational Therapy or Human-Biology Pre-Pharmacy concentrations offer focus within these specific areas of study.  

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Biology

Explore the Complexity of Life—From Cells to Ecosystems. Biology courses emphasize data analysis and problem solving, along with broad scientific literacy, basic biological laboratory techniques and computer applications.  

The Biology in Health Sciences sequence prepares students to enter the professional world by providing skills and knowledge for success in post-professional schooling (Medical School, Graduate School), or employment in scientific industry. Each student works with a faculty advisor to choose elective courses that best match her post-baccalaureate goal. Students who are interested in moving into environmental science, conservation or ecology are recommended to take the Environmental Science sequence.  

The Human-Biology Pre-Dietetics, Human-Biology Pre-Occupational Therapy or Human-Biology Pre-Pharmacy concentrations offer focus within these specific areas of study.  

View a sample program plan to see what courses you'll take in our Biology program.

View additional sample plans for Human-Biology Pre-Dietetics, Human-Biology Pre-Occupational Therapy or Human-Biology Pre-Pharmacy concentrations offer focus within these specific areas of study.  

Mount Mary faculty can help you find off-campus summer research opportunities and internships, as well as guide you through student-designed research projects on campus. Internships are not required for Biology majors, but they are encouraged to allow you the opportunity to find out more about careers you’re interested in and make connections with biology professionals.

Mount Mary University’s Human Biology major, Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration emphasizes scientific inquiry and brings real-world experience into the classroom and laboratory to prepare you to achieve personal and professional success. As a Human Biology major with a Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration, you’ll get to participate in many hands-on labs, as well as undergraduate research projects. The major prepares you for success in healthcare, research, writing, education, public health or management careers.

Mount Mary University offers a Biology post-baccalaureate certificate in General Biology or Biology Education to those who have already completed a bachelor's degree.

Certificate Requirements: Requirements for the Biology post-baccalaureate certificate are the same as for the traditional biology major. If you wish to teach biology at a middle or high school, you may need complete an Education certificate as well. 

Take the Next Step: To learn more about the Biology post-baccalaureate certificate program, contact our Admission Office.

The Food Science certificate stems from the sciences of biology, chemistry, and engineering. In this, students will be able study the nature of foods with nutrition to understand the principles of food making to improve food quality. See details about the Food Science certificate.

Kathleen Boyle, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Biology
Phone: (414) 930-3528 
Email: boylek@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Virology 

Jeremy Edison, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Division Chair and Director, Mathematics
Email: edisonj@mtmary.edu
Phone: (414) 930-3463

Christine Hoffmann, DC, MHA 
Assistant Professor of Sciences 
Phone: (414) 930-3361 
Email: hoffmanc@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Anatomy, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Neurobiology 

Victoria Fisher-Keough
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry 
Phone: (414) 930-3550 
Email: fisherv@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Biochemistry, Chemical Education, Environmental Science, Criminalistics 

Rachel Jones Lipinski, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry 
Phone: (414) 930-3353 
Email: joneslr@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Biochemistry, Glycochemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic Chemistry 

Louise C. Kessler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Phone: (414) 930-3301
Email: kesslerl@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Microbiology, Prokaryotic Gene Regulation, Cell Biology, Molecular Techniques

Rita M. Quinones de Magalhaes, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Biology 
Phone: (414) 930-3365 
Email: magalhar@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Fire Ecology, Plant Ecology, Intro Bio, Metacognition, Inclusive Practices  

Anne E. Vravick, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Food Science 
Phone: (414) 930-3497 
Email: vravicka@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology 

The median annual wage for Biology majors is $71,000 per year, according to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An undergraduate Biology degree lets you can pursue entry-level positions. With advanced study, you could become a chiropractor, dentist, doctor or veterinarian. 

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