Student poses with a lizard

A student participates in the biannual census of spotted salamanders.

Students and faculty use microscopes

Dr. Stine ’06 works with a student during an Ecology lab.

Students wade in river

Giselle Vega '25 and Ainsley John Darling '26 identify species in Rutledge Creek during an Ecology lab.

Student uses microscope

Biology lab courses are never "spectator sports."  Each student gains hands-on experience in every lab session.

The biology program emphasizes research, field work on our 2,847 acres, and faculty-student collaboration.

Biology

The best way to learn science is to do science. At Sweet Briar, our small classes are perfect for giving students ample opportunities to engage in hands-on learning both in and outside the classroom and laboratory. 

Sweet Briar offers a broad program for students interested in careers in biological and environmental research, teaching and consulting, as well as health and veterinary professions. Students may add secondary teaching licensure in biology to their degree.

You will gain skills and confidence as you progress to more complex investigations in intermediate and advanced courses.