Major Mondays: Biology and Human Biology
Majors: The Biology major (B.A. & B.S.) and Human Biology major (B.A. & B.S.) are housed within the Department of Biological Sciences in the Dornsife College for Letters, Arts and Sciences. These programs are available to first-year and transfer applicants interested in careers in health professions and advanced education in medical fields such as:, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant, and dentistry. The Human Biology majors provide in-depth knowledge of pre-professional education and sport-related fields like sport law, sport management, coaching, athletic training, and more
Overview: Biology
The Biology major is the broadest and most dynamic major of the natural sciences, as it is the study of life itself! Biology is offered in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Students learn and explore the living world together, gaining a deep appreciation of all types of organisms, both small and large. Students will also fine tune their skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking as they are studying how biology can contribute to combating a variety of society’s problems.
Overview: Human Biology
Human Biology is offered in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The major focuses on central and interdisciplinary concepts of human biology, offering tracks for students to choose from. Human Biology keeps a foundation in biological sciences and applies these concepts to the human organism. The Human Biology major is a good option for students who are interested in pursuing higher degrees in Physical Therapy.
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology students can choose from tracks focusing in Applied Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Health & Disease, and Human & Evolutionary Biology. Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology students can choose track options in Human Physiology and Metabolism, Human Evolutionary Biology, and Human Performance. These tracks help students focus their human biology education to enhance their own interests and future education or career goals.
Academic Opportunities:
Pre-Health Advising within USC Dornsife, the Office of Pre-Health Advisement supports students who wish to pursue higher education and careers in the health professions. Advisors help students plan their curriculum at USC to ensure pre-requisite courses are fulfilled for health profession-related graduate schools like medical school, physical therapy school, and physician assistant school. Advisors also help students with the admission and application process for such graduate schools. The goal is to integrate a holistic approach to advising through course planning, promotion of faculty-student interaction, and experience outside the classroom such as opportunities in clinical settings, volunteer programs, and research.
Freshman Science Honors (FSH) offers promising students advanced fundamental knowledge in introductory biology and chemistry during their freshman year. The honors program allows students to learn in smaller classes and labs, participate in special events, receive academic support, all in a vibrant community of freshman science students. Students in FSH gain a strong understanding in natural sciences with a focus on learning scientific research. FSH courses are available for introductory chemistry courses CHEM 115a and 115b and introductory biology courses BISC 121 and 221.
Human Biology… 6 years later
A long time ago when I attended USC, I was admitted as a Kinesiology major shortly before USC grew the area of study into the Human Biology major that it is now. As a high schooler, I was first impressed that USC even offered a kinesiology major. As I did my own research and learned more, I became blown away with USC’s commitment to breadth and depth of knowledge within the major. Using the foundation of biology, physics, and chemistry and learning how it applies to your own body was (and is) really cool! But more than anything, the labs were my favorite part. It’s human biology, so guess who the lab subjects and specimens were… us! Don’t worry, no dissections were done, but we did use ourselves in lab studies related to BMI, VO2 max, the effects of caffeine and sugar on exercise performance, and many more (I remember using an exercise bike in a sauna for 30 minutes or so). It was awesome leaving each lab having learned about human physiology by applying those lessons to my own body and life. Human Biology also offers study abroad in a few countries like New Zealand and Australia, and a growing Human Biology Association for students interested in human biology and pre-health.
Want to learn more?
Interested in studying Biology or Human Biology on a smaller scale? Explore Dornsife minors in related areas: Biology of Human Movement, Biotechnology, Human Disease, Natural Science, Neuroscience, and Marine Biology!
USC Dornsife has an entire cohort of Student Ambassadors who offer insight into their experience as a student within USC’s liberal arts college. Visit the website to access the student blog, chat live with a current Dornsife student, and learn more.
Written by: Whitney Rollerson, Events Manager - USC Office of Admission
Edited by: Jennifer Price, Assistant Director - USC Office of Admission