Biology

What is Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular processes to the interactions between organisms and their environments. A degree in biology offers a broad foundation in the life sciences and can open doors to a diverse range of careers in government, academia, and the private sector.

Why study Biology at NNMC?

Northern New Mexico College has state of the art laboratories and equipment, and a small faculty to student ratio for students pursuing their Associate or Bachelor's of Science in Biology. Our Biology programs offer the knowledge, modern skill sets, and necessary educational degree requirements for a large number of careers, and the credentials needed to pursue further professional degrees such as human or animal medicine and graduate studies in the fields of biological and biomedical sciences.

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Biology AS Catalog Biology BS Catalog BCES Department Meet with your advisor

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2024-2025 Academic Catalog Schedule of Classes Academic Calendar

More about the program:

An undergraduate degree in Biology at Northern New Mexico College equips students with a deep understanding of life sciences, encompassing areas such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, molecular biology, and physiology. Students engage in courses where they ubse cutting-edge equipment and techniques alongside experienced faculty members, exploring topics from biodiversity to biomedical science. This diverse curriculum not only prepares students for a wide range of careers, including research, healthcare, environmental management, and biotechnology, but also offers opportunities for hands-on learning through laboratory work, and local and international field studies.

Associate of Science in Biology (AS): Our two-year program provides a broad foundation in the biological sciences. Students gain essential knowledge in genetics, cellular biology, and ecology, preparing them for entry-level positions in labs, healthcare, or environmental fields, and to transfer to a bachelor's program.

Bachelor of Science in Biology (BS): Our four-year program offers in-depth study of life sciences, including molecular biology, anatomy, and physiology, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, environmental management, and biotechnology. Graduates gain strong research and analytical skills, positioning them for high-level roles or advanced studies in biological and biomedical sciences.

Undergraduate Research

The Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science (BCES) department provides students the opportunity to perform undergraduate research in the following laboratories on campus: The Cell Biology laboratory, The Fish Laboratory and Microbiology Laboratory.

The Northern New Mexico College biology program hosts a small, vibrant academic community. We have a large number of scholarships and grants available to our students along with paid summer internships both at NNMC and at other institutions.

Students regularly attend and present their undergraduate work at esteemed national and international conferences like the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), the Animal Behavior Society (ABS), the European Society for Evolutionary Biology, the Joint Conference of the American Society of Naturalists Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), the Society of Systematic Biologists and the Society for the Study of Evolution, enhancing their professional network, exposure to groundbreaking science, and building world-class resumes.

Three different career pathways.

For students interested in the functionality of cells and related molecular mechanisms. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for advanced studies in the broader field of biomedical sciences including cell biology, genetics, genomics, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, forensic sciences, veterinary medicine and dentistry. Students conduct research on the molecular aspect of the cells.

For students interested in how organisms survive, reproduce and adapt to changing environments. The ecology of organisms results in evolution, another aspect of this concentration for students interested in the evolutionary process or evolutionary origins. Students have the opportunity for in-depth study of the behavioral, morphological and physiological adaptations of a variety of animals, plants and microorganisms.

For students interested in health-related fields and advanced professional programs such as physical therapy, nursing, physician assistant, veterinary medicine, dentistry and medical school. Curriculum includes the majority of all courses required by professional schools in general. Students have the opportunity to conduct biomedical research on the molecular aspect of the cells and human diseases.

Career Pathways

Northern's diverse biology curriculum and pathways prepare students for a wide range of careers, including:

Research

Healthcare

Cellular Biology & Ecology

Genetics

Biological/Biomedical sciences

Biotechnology

Environmental management

Veterinary Science

What is Biology?

Why study Biology at NNMC?

Program Links

Resources

More about the program:

Undergraduate Research

Biology Concentrations

Three different career pathways.

Cellular & Molecular Biology

Ecology & Evolution

Pre-Health

Career Pathways