Explore Biology and Health ScienceBiology and Health Science Degrees at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The mission of the Biology and Health Science Department is to provide an environment that fosters learning, critical thinking, and scientific literacy through courses in molecular, cellular, organismal, and environmental biology.

Through excellence in classroom instruction, laboratory experiences that support critical concepts, and opportunities for independent research, we strive to prepare students to pursue careers in the life sciences and health professions.

We seek to provide biology and health science students with the skills and background they need to pursue careers in the life sciences, compete successfully for positions in graduate and pre-professional programs, or gain certification as biology teachers.

 

 

It's Time to Find Your Purpose

Career Preparation based on leadership

The mission of the Department of Biology and Health Science at Aquinas College is to provide an environment that fosters learning, critical thinking, and scientific literacy. Through excellence in classroom instruction and laboratory experiences that support critical concepts and opportunities for independent research, we strive to prepare students to pursue careers in the life sciences and health professions.

1. Students will gain content knowledge in the areas of:
  • molecular biology and genetics
  • cellular structure, function and energetics
  • taxonomy, systematics and biological diversity
  • ecology and evolution

2. Students will gain experience with essential macro- and micro-biological laboratory techniques

3. Students will practice disciplinary communication skills, including:

  • Scientific writing
  • Peer review
  • Oral presentation
Student Research

Student Research

Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.

Students and professor looking intently at cards on a table

The STEM Scholars Program

Get settled into Aquinas College before traditional orientation and join a cohort of STEM students, faculty, and professionals.

Student Profiles

Student Profiles

Students love Aquinas for its small classes, personal attention, access to faculty, and hands-on experiences.

Students in Lab

Student Clubs

You can learn through volunteer activities and field trips to medical and research facilities.

Two students look at a petri dish in a lab

Biology Research Spotlight

Anemones at Aquinas

You may have heard of coral bleaching, a huge problem leading to the disappearance of coral reefs. This research team is looking at genes in anemones that could help scientists better understand how bleaching happens. Read the full story

 

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

Patient Contact

  • Doctor (see MSU CHM Early Assurance)
  • Dentist
  • Physician's Assistant
  • Physical Therapist
  • Pharmacist (see FSU COP Early Assurance)
  • Optometrist (see FSU MCO Early Assurance)
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Veterinarian

Industrial applications

  • Pharmaceuticals: Research, Sales
  • Food processing: Research, Quality assurance
  • Cosmetics/personal health care: Research, quality assurance
  • Biotechnology: Molecular biology, Bioengineering

Environmental Applications

  • Wildlife Management
  • Conservation biology
  • Environmental research
  • Environmental protection
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Environmental law​

Education

  • High school biology teacher
  • College professor
  • Environmental educator

Behind the Scenes

  • Biomedical research
  • Genetics research
  • Lab technician
 

Occupational Employment and Wages - May 2022

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Biological Scientists:

Employment Mean hourly wage Mean annual wage
55,300 $ 46.11 $ 95,920

 

Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

Percentile 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%
Hourly Wage $ 24.39 $30.73 $41.97 $55.13 $74.79
Annual Wage $50,730 $63,920 $87,300 $114,670 $155,570

For more information see: Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

Student Profiles

Graduate School

Aquinas partners with Michigan State University and Ferris State University for early assurance opportunities.

Students in Lab

Alumni Profiles

AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.

90%Get into PA, PT, dental programs
60%Med school placement
30%Get doctoral degrees
11:1Students to Faculty