Biology Department
![2 Science students in a lab holding a green grass plant.](/sites/default/files/styles/header_mobile/public/2023-01/Aphid%20Virus%20SRP%20-%207.13.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7400176_02.jpg?h=d49a39ff&itok=7TIlKWKp)
What makes life work? Biologists pursue answers to the fundamental questions of the living world.
At Saint Mary’s, we’re devoted to training the next generation of life scientists. In our diverse, tight-knit community, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of modern biology, while also exploring the historical and ethical issues integral to the field.
You’ll have numerous opportunities to make discoveries alongside our world-renowned faculty. Our students have helped research everything from invasive species to the roots of infertility. With Saint Mary’s small class sizes and discussion-driven courses, you’ll receive plenty of personalized attention as you pursue your unique interests and aspirations.
Academic Programs
Biology Professor, Greg Smith Recognized with International Award
![Prof. Greg Smith and students](/sites/default/files/2023-08/Anatomy%20Prof%20Greg%20Smith%20%20-%209.26.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7402649_17.jpg)
The AACA is the latest professional and academic accolade Smith has received.
His teaching in clinical anatomy and his devotion to Gael students has opened futures for anatomists, health care providers, and health educators. Now that work has brought gratitude and accolades from his peers.
The American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) showed its appreciation for decades of exemplary service by presenting the R. Benton Adkins, Jr. Distinguished Service Award to Saint Mary’s Professor Gregory R. Smith, MS. Initiated in 2003, the award was created to honor the memory of Adkins, a founding member of the AACA who worked to promote the Association and its aims. The award was officially presented to Smith at the 40th annual meeting of the AACA on July 12 in Orlando.
Interested in being A K-12 STEM teacher?
Saint Mary's undergraduate students are eligible to apply for Noyce Scholarships.
Learn more and apply today.
Biology Majors in Action
Biology prepares students for advanced study and research in biology and related sciences, for postgraduate study in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions, and for careers in education, industry, agriculture, government service, and veterinary medicine.
![2 Science students doing field research in hills](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/Aphid%20Virus%20SRP%20-%207.13.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7400233_15.jpg?h=c8c1f7d4&itok=do_FJtmD)
![Science students in a lab working with samples](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20BPA%20alternatives%20research_20220725_Gerry%20Serrano_04670.jpg?h=735372ac&itok=EdolEaBn)
![wild flowers of purple, blue and orange](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/tomato%20giveaway%20legacy%20garden%20-%205.6.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-09668.jpg?itok=fHDr9ijr)
![Science Student wearing a mask staring at live fish in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Chandrasekaran_20210625_hmn_8.jpg?itok=F-dqA_2X)
![unripened fruit in a garden](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/tomato%20giveaway%20legacy%20garden%20-%205.6.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-09680.jpg?itok=TJfmEsSG)
![2 science students working with samples in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/Lab%20Class_Vidya_20200312_Gerry%20Serrano_04284.jpg?h=26281244&itok=h4_oEsDJ)
![2 Science students doing field research in hills](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/Aphid%20Virus%20SRP%20-%207.13.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7400233_15.jpg?h=c8c1f7d4&itok=do_FJtmD)
![Science student wearing a mask in the lab with a Newt in a jar](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Marchetti_20210625_hmn_05.jpg?h=1039c16f&itok=Lv7htI5C)
![Science students in a lab working with samples](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20BPA%20alternatives%20research_20220725_Gerry%20Serrano_04670.jpg?h=735372ac&itok=EdolEaBn)
![wild flowers of purple, blue and orange](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/tomato%20giveaway%20legacy%20garden%20-%205.6.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-09668.jpg?itok=fHDr9ijr)
![Lichen in the wilderness](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/srp%20Eco%20Norcal%20Lichen%20-%206.29.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7400111_14.jpg?h=4039ac9d&itok=4UiRJ3jf)
![1 male lab student working with samples in vials in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Berleman_20200630_hmn_04.jpg?h=6bcaaf1e&itok=W49s1dcs)
![Science Student wearing a mask staring at live fish in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Chandrasekaran_20210625_hmn_8.jpg?itok=F-dqA_2X)
![Student working with lab samples in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Berleman_20210623_hmn_08.jpg?itok=UgClzDW0)
![unripened fruit in a garden](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/tomato%20giveaway%20legacy%20garden%20-%205.6.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-09680.jpg?itok=TJfmEsSG)
![2 science students working with samples in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/Lab%20Class_Vidya_20200312_Gerry%20Serrano_04284.jpg?h=26281244&itok=h4_oEsDJ)
![Anatomy professor teaching students about the skeleton](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/Anatomy%20Prof%20Greg%20Smith%20%20-%209.26.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7402564_08%20%281%29.jpg?itok=iq8jwejC)
![Science student wearing a mask in the lab with a Newt in a jar](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Marchetti_20210625_hmn_05.jpg?h=1039c16f&itok=Lv7htI5C)
![Lichen in the wilderness](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/srp%20Eco%20Norcal%20Lichen%20-%206.29.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7400111_14.jpg?h=4039ac9d&itok=4UiRJ3jf)
![1 male lab student working with samples in vials in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Berleman_20200630_hmn_04.jpg?h=6bcaaf1e&itok=W49s1dcs)
![Student working with lab samples in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/SRP%20Berleman_20210623_hmn_08.jpg?itok=UgClzDW0)
![Anatomy professor teaching students about the skeleton](/sites/default/files/styles/scatter_gallery/public/2023-01/Anatomy%20Prof%20Greg%20Smith%20%20-%209.26.22%20-%20Francis%20Tatem-7402564_08%20%281%29.jpg?itok=iq8jwejC)