Featured Graduate Outcomes:

Gina Botsko, ’18– Makes Medical School her next move

“In my freshman year alone, HPU allowed me to work in the microbiology lab as a lab assistant, conduct genetic research, become president of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, represent my sorority pledge class as academic chair and work as a student ambassador at HPU.”

Casey Garr, ’17 – Pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Visualization at the University of Illinois at Chicago

“I have been offered so many amazing opportunities at HPU – working at the International Home Furnishings Market in downtown High Point, presenting undergraduate research at a conference in San Francisco, and traveling abroad to Spain for a semester, to name a few! I have been prepared inside and outside of the classroom through my experiences here, and I feel ready for this next step in my life.”

Jimmy Rager, ’16 –  Immunogenetic Technologist for Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

“High Point University has been amazing in helping me achieve me goals. From the very beginning, I have had support in the classroom and that really solidified what I wanted to do in life.”

Hillary Wilson, ’16 – Attending graduate school for Medical and Biological Illustration at Johns Hopkins University

“It was really my professors here at HPU I have to thank. They’ve all been some of the friendliest, most helpful and quirky professionals I’ve come in contact with, and they’ve been an integral part of me staying interested in science and medicine, and then later taking the leap of adding art to the mix.”

Tyler Wilson, ’16 – Research Technician in the Biology Department at the University of Rochester in New York

“Pursuing undergraduate research definitely has made the biggest impact on me during my time at HPU. Before starting college, I would have never dreamed that scientific research was right for me. Now, it has become a passion that I cannot imagine myself not doing. This experience helped shape me into the person I am today and has laid the groundwork for the person I want to be in the future.”

Lauren Mantikas, ’16 – Office Manager and Patient Coordinator for Dr. George Mantikas

Because of Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, I had the opportunity to present my research at the American College of Sports Medicine conference in San Diego, California. I will forever be indebted to Dr. Taylor for not only giving me exceptional research experience but by being a great mentor and giving me opportunities that most professors wouldn’t.”

Calla Telzrow, ’16 – Attending graduate school through Duke University’s Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Ph.D. program

“Throughout the summer of 2015, I participated in the Summer Research Program in the Sciences (SuRPS) at HPU. For the culmination of the eight-week research experience, each student presented his/her research to all participating faculty and students. In the midst of my presentation, I realized that graduate school was a feasible goal; SuRPS gave me the confidence to pursue it.”

Laura Bernitsky, ’16 – Attending dental school at the University of Missouri, Kansas City

“The many courses I’ve taken in the biology department prepared me incredibly well for the DAT, and have made me comfortable with a wide range of biological sciences. Through a variety of courses (zoology, botany, microbiology, virology, global change ecology, and immunology), I have learned to think on every level from the smallest proteins to the entire globe.  I know that this ability will serve me well as I begin four challenging years of dental school.”

Lauren Evans, ’15 – Pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy at the Wingate University School of Pharmacy

Through the help of the biology department, advising and Dr. Buddy Lingle, I was able to prepare early in the classes I would need to take for pharmacy school. My teachers have always been very caring and willing to do anything to help me achieve my goal of getting accepted into pharmacy school.”

Andrea Perreault, ’15 – Pursuing a Ph.D in Quantitative and Chemical Biology at Vanderbilt University

“HPU prepared me for graduate school by providing challenging coursework and professors who were always available for help. The courses I took for my two majors, and my general education classes, challenged me to think critically and form my own way of problem solving. Professors for these classes were always willing to meet with me about questions and discuss topics from class. HPU helped me become confident in my abilities and develop skills to effectively present my ideas and opinions.”

Colleen Quinn, ’14 – Dental school at The University of Maryland

“The entire Biology department has been so great throughout all four years at HPU. I couldn’t have done it without each of my teachers who strengthened my love for biology and really made class time an enjoyable experience. They prepared me so well for the Dental Admissions Test, wrote awesome recommendation letters, and encouraged me every step of the way!”

Jennifer Silk, ’14 – Medical School at Ohio University

“HPU has given me the ‘bricks’ to help me build my foundation for a future career in medicine. From a rigorous academic course load to opportunities outside of the classroom, I have been stretched academically and personally to become the best version of myself each and every day.”

Our graduates have also gone on to work for private industries such as Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical, LabCorp, MWG (Biotech), Victory Pharma, R.J. Reynolds, CDC (Atlanta, GA), K Chemicals (Pharmaceuticals), and Alamance Foods, Inc. They have also gone on into the school systems, working for the states of North Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland, as well as the Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida, Davidson County Community College, and Randolph Community College.

The Department of Biology offers both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees in Biology, and the B.S. degree in Neuroscience. To graduate from High Point University with these degrees, students must complete the following:

B.A. in Biology

B.S. in Biology

B.S. in Neuroscience

Requirements for the B.A. in Biology (45-46 credits)

BIO 1500/1501. Principles of Cell Biology (4)
BIO 2001/2001L. Principles of Genetics (4)
BIO 2500/2501. Principles of Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity (4)
CHM 1010/1011. General Chemistry I/Lab (3/1)
CHM 1020/1021. General Chemistry II/Lab (3/1)
MTH 1400. Pre-calculus (4)
BIO 4990. Senior Seminar (2)

Select One Course From the Following List*
BIO 3110/3110L. General Botany (4)
BIO 3120/3120L. Zoology (4)
BIO 3061/3061L. Integrated Human Physiology (4)
BIO 3071/3071L. Human Anatomy and Embryology (4)
BIO 4010/4010L. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4050/4050L. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)

Select Four Upper-Level Elective Courses from the Following List**

BCH 3220. Biochemistry I (3)
Any 3000- or 4000-level biology courses (12-16)

* The course selected from this list cannot be double-counted as an upper-level elective course.
** Two of the courses selected from this list must have a laboratory component.

Requirements for the B.S. in Biology (57-58 credits)

BIO 1500/1501. Principles of Cell Biology (4)
BIO 2001/2001L. Principles of Genetics (4)
BIO 2500/2501. Principles of Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity (4)
MTH 1410. Calculus I (4)
STS 2020. Introduction to Statistics (4) or
STS 2910 Introduction to Statistical Analysis with SAS Applications (4)
CHM 1010/1011. General Chemistry I/Lab (4)
CHM 1020/1021. General Chemistry II/Lab (4)
CHM 2510/2511. Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4)
CHM 2520-2521. Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4)
BIO 4990. Senior Seminar (2)

Additional courses for the
Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Concentration

Select One Course From the Following List*
BIO 3110/3110L. General Botany (4)
BIO 3120/3120L. Zoology (4)
BIO 3061/3061L. Integrated Human Physiology (4)
BIO 3071/3071L. Human Anatomy and Embryology (4)
BIO 4010/4010L. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4050/4050L. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
Select Four Upper-Level Elective Courses from the
Following List**
BIO 3040. Microbiology (4)
BIO 3050. Advanced Genetics (4)
BIO 3080. Vertebrate natural History (4)
BIO 3220. Parasitology (4)
BIO/GBS/ENV 3300. Global Change Ecology (4)
BIO/GBS 3450. The Hidden Face of Ecuador (4)
BIO 4010. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4020. Ecological Plant Physiology (4)
BIO 4030. Developmental Biology (4)
BIO 4040. Ecology (4)
BIO 4050. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BIO 4090. Molecular Biology (4)

* The course selected from this list cannot be double-counted as an
upper-level elective course.
** At least two of the courses selected from this list must have a
laboratory component, and no more than one cross-listed BIO/GBS
course may count toward the major.

Additional courses for the
Molecular/Cell and Biotechnology Concentration

Select One Course From the Following List*
BIO 3110/3110L. General Botany (4)
BIO 3120/3120L. Zoology 4)
BIO 3061/3061L. Integrated Human Physiology (4)
BIO 3071/3071L. Human Anatomy and Embryology (4)
BIO 4010/4010L. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4050/4050L. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
Select Four Upper-Level Elective Courses from the
Following List**
BIO 3000. Cell Biology (4)
BIO 3040. Microbiology (4)
BIO 3050. Advanced Genetics (4)
BIO 3210. Tools for Biotechnology (4)
BIO 4030. Developmental Biology (4)
BIO 4060. Immunology (4)
BIO 4065. Virology (4)
BIO 4090. Molecular Biology (4)
BCH 3220. Biochemistry I (3)

* The course selected from this list cannot be double-counted as an
upper-level elective course.
** At least two of the courses selected from this list must have a
laboratory component, and no more than one cross-listed BIO/GBS
course may count toward the major.)

Additional courses for the Health Science Concentration

Select One Course From the Following List*
BIO 3110/3110L. General Botany (4)
BIO 3120/3120L. Zoology (4)
BIO 3061/3061L. Integrated Human Physiology (4)
BIO 3071/3071L. Human Anatomy and Embryology (4)
BIO 4010/4010L. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4050/4050L. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
Select Four Upper-Level Elective Courses from the
Following List**
BIO 3000. Cell Biology (4)
BIO 3030. Vertebrate Histology (4)
BIO 3040. Microbiology (4)
BIO 3050. Advanced Genetics (4)
BIO 3220. Parasitology (4)
BIO/GBS 3350. Emerging Infectious Diseases: A World
Perspective (4)
BIO 4010. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4030. Developmental Biology (4)
BIO 4050. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BIO 4060. Immunology (4)
BIO 4065. Virology (4)
BIO 4070. Endocrinology (4)
BIO 4090. Molecular Biology (4)
BCH 3220. Biochemistry I (3)

* The course selected from this list cannot be double-counted as an
upper-level elective course.
** At least two of the courses selected from this list must have a
laboratory component, and no more than one cross-listed BIO/GBS
course may count toward the major.

Requirements for the Minor in Biology (20 credits)

BIO 1500/1501. Principles of Cell Biology (4)
BIO 2001/2001L. Principles of Genetics (4)
BIO 2500/2501. Principles of Ecology, Evolution, and
Biodiversity (4)
Select One Course From the Following List*
BIO 3110/3110L. General Botany (4)
BIO 3120/3120L. Zoology (4)
BIO 3061/3061L. Integrated Human Physiology (4)
BIO 3071/3071L. Human Anatomy and Embryology (4)
BIO 4010/4010L. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4050/4050L. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
Select One Upper-Level Elective Course**
Any 3000- or 4000-level biology course (4)

* The course selected from this list cannot be double-counted as an
upper-level elective course.
** This course must have a laboratory component.

Requirements for the B.S. in Neuroscience (58 credits)

Students will complete the following 58 credits within the major. Note that completion of MTH 1210 (pre-calculus) or the equivalent is also required.

Foundation Courses (40 credits):

First Year

BIO 1500/1501. Principles of Cell Biology/Lab (3/1)
BIO 2000. Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature II: Evolutionary and Ecological Processes (4)
CHM 1010/1011. General Chemistry I/Lab (3/1)
CHM 1020/1021. General Chemistry II/Lab (3/1)
PSY 2000. Introduction to Psychology (4)

Second Year

BIO/PHS 2060/2061. Human Physiology/Lab (3/1)
BIO 2070/2071. Human Anatomy/Lab (3/1)
CHM 2510/2011. Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4)
CHM 2520/2021. Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4)
STS 2020. Introduction to Statistics or STS 2910. Introduction
to Statistical Analysis with SAS Applications or
PSY 2100. Statistics for Psychology (4)

Core courses (8 credits)†

Third Year

BIO/NEU 3010. Principles of Neuroscience (4)

Choose one 4 credit course (lecture plus lab) from Category I:
BIO 3000. Cell Biology (4)
BIO 3050. Advanced Genetics (4)
BIO 4090. Molecular Biology (4)
BCH 3320/3330. Biochemistry/Lab (3/1)*
† Taken after the completion of all foundation courses.
* The honors section of BCH 3220 is a prerequisite for this course.

Upper-Level Elective Courses (8 credits)‡

 Third and Fourth Years

Choose two courses from Category II:

NEU 4200  Neurogenesis (4)
NEU 4210  Molecular Neuroscience (4)
PSY 3520  Sensation & Perception (4)**
PSY 4610  Drugs & Behavior (4)**
PSY 4620. Clinical Neuropsychology (4)**

‡Taken after completion of all Core Courses. No more than one PSY course from Category II can be counted toward the major.
**PSY 2600 is a prerequisite course.

Senior Capstone Experience (2 credits)

 Fourth Year

NEU 4250  Journal Club: Advanced Topics in Neuroscience (2)***

***Taught on a rotating basis by biology faculty. This is a capstone course with a flexible topic, dependent upon the expertise and interest of the professor. The course will include both written and oral presentation components, as well as discussion and critical analysis of primary literature.

Note: if students’ professional goals lie in a health science field (e.g., pre-medical; pre-dental; pre-PA), they should also attend regular advising sessions with health science advisors for mentoring on coursework required to be considered for admission to these graduate / professional programs, since some of the required courses do not overlap with the courses required for this major.