This major is intended for students interested in professional postgraduate programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine), graduate programs in the life sciences and careers in the biotech industry. Students interested in biotech careers are encouraged to consider completing a master of business administration (MBA).

The Department of Biological Sciences offers four distinct life sciences majors provided by a nationally recognized faculty that excels in teaching and research. Many faculty members have received University wide recognition for outstanding teaching. Research programs are funded by grants from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

The department has three excellent teaching and research facilities. F.W. Olin Hall is a state-of-the-art facility for lectures and laboratories. Faculty offices and research labs are located across the science quad from Olin Hall in the Seeley G. Mudd building, which has teaching laboratories for advanced technique courses in molecular biology, cell biology and microbiology. Field-oriented courses are offered at the Mount Evans Field Station.