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Biology Department

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The epitome of hands-on learning at Guilford, the Biology Department offers a strong foundation in the biological and forensic sciences based in inquiry and academic rigor. The department offers a multitude of hands-on opportunities in the lab, the 300-acre College Woods and through internships in the community and around the world, including the North Carolina coast, Nicaragua and the Galapagos Islands.

On campus, the student-centered Frank Family Science Center provides state-of-the-art facilities. These include labs dedicated to independent research projects, forensics, anatomy and physiology, field biology, microbial genetics and molecular biology.

Thanks to small class and lab sizes, faculty members give students individual instruction informed by expertise in such areas as forensics, microbiology, molecular/cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, plant physiology, aquatic and avian field biology.

The Biology Department promotes independent thinking, interdisciplinary applications and critical analysis for developing future leaders in medicine and the natural sciences.


College Catalog

For more information about courses for the Biology Department, visit the online, searchable College Catalog. The Undergraduate Catalog also includes academic department and major information, academic regulations and resources, admission standards and requirements, and tuition, fees, and financial aid information.

Majors and Minors

  • Biology (A.B.) Major: The A.B. in Biology is recommended for students interested in the biological sciences who seek careers in medicine, scientific illustration, science writing or environmental law. The major requires a minimum of 40 credit hours (10 courses).
  • Forensic Biology (B.S.) Major: The B.S. in Biology is for students interested in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system, FBI and SBI, or with humanitarian agencies investigating human-rights abuses. Students interested in law, journalism and creative writing can double-major to acquire the knowledge needed to complement their other field of specialization.
  • Biology Minors: Minors are available in forensic science and three additional tracks: general biology, field biology and cell and molecular biology. Each requires 16 credit hours (four courses).
  • Integrated Science Minor: This minor offers students access to a variety of science courses. It pairs well with such careers as politics, journalism, and business, to name a few.

Biology Department News and Events

Investigating Instinct
Investigating Instinct

Students discover the keys to the animal kingdom with hands-on research experience in Assistant Professor of Biology Christine Stracey’s intensive course on animal behavior.

Three Weeks on the Edge: Magic and Medicine [VIDEO]
Three Weeks on the Edge: Magic and Medicine [VIDEO]

The Guilford Edge provides incredible opportunities for hands-on, collaborative learning. The Mechanisms of Magic and Medicine Study Abroad adventure, led by…

There's No Place Like Guilford
There's No Place Like Guilford

Biology major Donna Tran ’24 talks about what it’s like to be a first-year student at Guilford during distance learning, as well as her plans to become a physician’s assistant.

Guided by Guilford
Guided by Guilford

Biology major Kunga Denzongpa ’15 shares how Guilford and the Bonner Scholars program impacted her future in more ways than she ever imagined.

Delivering Experience
Delivering Experience

Biology and Health Sciences double major Adyazbeth Barrientos Solis '20 always knew that she wanted to be part of the medical field but wasn't sure what she was aiming to become.

Mulling Over Microorganisms
Mulling Over Microorganisms

First-year students learn to reflect, observe, and deliberate, while exploring the different levels of life around them and making connections to the current pandemic.

Formula for Success
Formula for Success

Jenn Abelin ’09, a Chemistry and Biology double major whose work focuses on mass spectrometry and cancer research, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and did post-doc work at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where she works today.

Meet the Professor: Bryan Brendley [VIDEO]
Meet the Professor: Bryan Brendley [VIDEO]

Biology Professor Bryan Brendley shares insight into Guilford College's Forensic Biology major and some of the unique classes that the Biology Department…

Biology Major Receives NCICU Grant
Biology Major Receives NCICU Grant

Gracie also presents her research at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium.

Cultivating Her Calling
Cultivating Her Calling

Since graduating two years ago from Guilford College, Robin Bigaj ’19 has navigated a long and winding road as she searched for direction. Before finding it, she experienced a variety of occupations.

Future Physician
Future Physician

The American Dream has become a reality for Honors student Exel Valle-Estrada ’21. Thanks to his hard work, perseverance, and a deep concern for the community, Exel has excelled in the United States after fleeing Guatemala as a teenager.

Animal Advocate
Animal Advocate

The veterinary aspirations of Kaylee Zabava ’21 began, literally, from Day One. “When I was born, my family actually had three dogs at one time,” she says.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Small-town girl Cydney Scott ’21, a Biology major and member of the women's volleyball team, found a home and the path to a big-time career as a pharmacist at Guilford.

In the Classroom: Forensic Biology [VIDEO]
In the Classroom: Forensic Biology [VIDEO]

Whether in the lab or out in the field, Guilford College Forensic Biology majors learn by doing as part of the Guilford Edge. In the Forensic Biology major at…

Seeing Clearly
Seeing Clearly

Guilford College Biology major Srinavya Komma ’21 is on her way to becoming an optometrist at the University of Alabama.

My Guilford Story: Madison and Christine [VIDEO]
My Guilford Story: Madison and Christine [VIDEO]

Madison Burkhardt '22 graduated from Guilford with a Biology major, a Chemistry minor — and a lifelong mentor in Associate Professor of Biology Christine…

Many Roads Toward Guilford
Many Roads Toward Guilford

Caleb Huppert ’22, Biology major, and Chemistry, Japanese, Art, and Creative Writing minor, is clearly known for going above and beyond. He will continue his education this fall with a full ride at East Carolina University.

Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark

Meet Noah West ’24, a Biology major with a passion for fish and marine plants. Find out how he developed these interests and his career plans.

Contact Us

Bryan Brendley
Bryan Brendley

Part-Time Lecturer for Biology

Rebekah Denning
Rebekah Denning

Part-Time Faculty for Justice & Policy Studies

David East
David East

Visiting Assistant Professor for Biology

Uche Iloghalu
Uche Iloghalu

Visiting Assistant Professor for Biology

Michele Malotky
Michele Malotky

Professor for Biology

Christine Stracey Richard
Christine Stracey Richard

Professor of Biology