Biology Majors

At Hamline, biology majors participate in research with faculty starting as early as their first year, something usually reserved for graduate students at other institutions.

The list of possible research projects is as varied as your interests. For example, picture yourself:

• Investigating the impact of mutations on protein function and structure
• Searching for potential anti-cancer drugs in microbial flora
• Employing bioinformatics and data mining to study microbiomes and protein families
• Searching for antibiotic-producing microbes in diverse environments
• Investigating the microbial degradation of pharmaceuticals 
• Developing policies on the management of natural resources

During your research process, you'll collaborate with students from institutions around the country, publish your research in academic journals, and present your work at regional and national conferences.
 

Learn more about undergraduate research at Hamline 

Biology summer research program guidelines and application (Google Site)

We make sure you leave Hamline with work experience in the field of biology on your resume. And the opportunities are boundless: Whether you want to explore a career in veterinary medicine, environmental science, biotechnology, medicine, or other fields, we have paid internship opportunities for you. Examples of past biology student internships include:

• American Red Cross, biomedical communications intern
• Alternatives for People with Autism, living skills Instructor
• MN Department of Health, intern
• Medtox Laboratories, toxicology lab assistant
• OneOme, clinical laboratory intern
• University of Minnesota, Mouse Behavior Core Assistantship
• Blue Cross Animal Hospital, veterinary assistant
• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, animal support intern
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, intern
• Twin Cities Orthopedics, physical therapy tech
• Xoua Thao Medical Center, medical intern
• Regions Hospital, surgical assistant
• Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, forensic science service intern
• Walgreens, pharmacy technician

Explore internships

Our innovative courses and one-on-one mentoring by faculty will give you the tools to succeed in a variety of jobs, such as:

• High school biology teacher
• Pharmacist
• Journalist, science communication
• Interpretive naturalist
• Genetic counselor
• Scientist and product developer (in biotechnology or genomics company)
• Forensic scientist
• Pediatrician or other medical doctor

And you can explore careers in many different fields, such as: 

• Veterinary medicine
• Health care
• Natural resources management
• Agricultural biotechnology
• Medical research
• Intellectual property law
• Personalized genomics
• Biomedical and pharmaceutical sales

Our graduates have gone on to medical and graduate schools across the country in the pursuit of master’s degrees, PhD’s, and MDs. Examples of programs and schools include:

• Rollin's School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
• Schools of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Medicine, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus
• Synthetic and Physical Biology program, Rice University, Houston, Texas
• Physician Assistant Program, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 
• BioTech & Microbial Engineering program, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus

BIOL 3980: Tropical Ecology & Conservation Biology (Belize) (View Google Slideshow)  

• Taught by Hamline Biology Professor Leif Hembre
• Two-credit course study abroad class in January 2026 (tentatively Monday, January 5 to Saturday, January 17), paired with 2-credit seminar class in F25 (BIOL 3980: Tropical Ecology & Conservation Biology) 
• Open to all undergraduate students (with instructor approval) 
• Hamline Plan G (Global citizenship) for study abroad class & counts as elective course for biology major or environmental & climate studies major if paired with 2-credit seminar class offered in F25
• Apply for the study away class through the Global Engagement Center (GEC).
  • Office location: 15 Old Main
    Phone: 651-523-2245
• Register for the two-credit BIOL 3980 pre-cursor seminar in F25 through Workday
• Email Professor Hembre at lhembre@hamline.edu if you have questions about the January 2026 study away class, the F25 pre-cursor seminar, or anything else.