Biology | High Point University

Biology’s Mission Statement:

Within the context of the liberal arts environment, High Point University’s Biology Department provides students with curricular options that range from the generalized to the specialized, and that prepare them for a wide variety of post-baccalaureate goals (e.g., careers in field ecology or biomedical research; advanced studies in the life sciences; professional programs in the health sciences, such as medical school). Within our program, special emphasis is placed on science as a process. As a result, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities are abundant, both within classrooms and teaching laboratories and through original research. As a result, our curricula foster within students not only the knowledge base but also the critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills that prepare them for success in their future careers and for leadership roles within society.

Experiential Learning

Research Opportunities

Students are invited to work with faculty on research projects in the following areas:

Insect ecology and physiology
Cancer biology
Neurobiology
Plant stress physiology
Endocrine disrupting compounds and toxicology
Microbiology of infectious disease
Aquatic ecology
Agricultural genetics
Paleobiology
Intracellular trafficking
Mammalian hibernation

Students and faculty present research at prestigious academic conferences and symposia:

Association of Southeastern Biologists Meeting
International Congress of Entomology
Keystone Symposia
American Society for Cell Biology
Cellular Biology of Eukaryotic Pathogens Symposium
American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators
American Society for Microbiology Microbe
Association of Biology Laboratory Educators
Ecological Society of America
International Workshop on Anthocyanins
State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium
North Carolina Academy of Science
American Society of Parasitologists
Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society National Convention
Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students
North Carolina Branch of the American Society for Microbiology

Summer research opportunities on campus

The HPU Summer Research Program in the Sciences provides an opportunity for selected students and faculty in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to work together on research projects for eight weeks at High Point University. Housing, meals, and stipend are provided to participants.

Extramural grants

National Science Foundation – Plant Adaptation to Regional Cloud Regimes
United States Forest Service – Insect Response to Prescribed Fire and Fuel Reduction
NC Biotechnology Center – Development of an Interdisciplinary Cell Culture Facility
Association of Biology Laboratory Educators – Development of Inquiry-Based Laboratory Exercises

Holistic Learning

Clubs and Honors Societies

A diverse array of clubs and honor societies provides students with opportunities for extracurricular enrichment:

Biology Club
Health Occupations Students of America
Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
Alpha Epsilon Delta PreMedical Honor Society
Physicians Assistants Club
Pre-Professionals Club
Emergency Medical Technician Club
STEM Club
Green Team

What can I do with this major?

Health Sciences Track (Pre-Professional)

Dentist or Orthodonist

Medical Doctor

Osteopathic Medicine

Pharmacist

Physician Assistant

Veterinary Doctor

Medical Scribe

Public Health Educator

Pathologist Assistant

Cell, Molecular & Biotechnology Track

Research Scientist

Microbiologist

Laboratory Technician

College Faculty

Forensic Investigator

Cancer Biologist

Patent Examiner

Genetic Engineer

Quality Control Scientist

Organismal & Evolutionary Biology Track

Agriculture and Food Scientist

Arborist

Botanist

Oceanographer

Paleontologist

Water Quality Specialist

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Zoologist

Conservation Biologist

Museum Curator

Why should I major in biology at HPU?

Jobs in health care consistently rank among the highest in-demand jobs in the USA. Our Health Science track can prepare you with the coursework needed for these professional programs.
Biology sharpens critical thinking and analytical skills, which are applicable to a variety of professional positions, even outside of the sciences.
We are standing at the precipice of a DNA revolution—our Cellular and Molecular Biology track will prepare you for a future in these cutting-edge fields.
Zika. Cancer. Climate Change. Through biology, you can be part of the solution to some of the world’s greatest challenges.
In the midst of our planet’s 6^th major mass extinction, the demand for citizens equipped with the knowledge and skill to solve current and future ecological and environmental challenges is greater than ever.