Biological Sciences Program | University of the Pacific

Discover how biology shapes our world

As a biology major at University of the Pacific, you can shape your studies around what interests you most, whether it’s molecular biology, botany, microbiology or physiology. Graduates find careers in biotechnology, education, marketing or sales. Many go on to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing or physical therapy and use the strong foundation they built at Pacific to keep exploring, learning and making a difference in people’s lives.

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Professional research as an undergrad

As a biological sciences major, you’ll collaborate directly with expert faculty across diverse systems. Hands-on research and experiential learning define the program, supported by small upper-division classes, advanced facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Unlike larger universities, Pacific undergraduates conduct real-world research, with a master’s program also offering deeper faculty-guided research and teaching.

Health-based opportunities

Pacific’s biological sciences program opens doors to health-centered careers in dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, biotechnology, nursing, and physical therapy. Faculty advisers collaborate directly with the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry admissions teams, ensuring you a smooth pathway from pre-professional studies to advanced professional programs.

Undergraduate research opportunities

Pacific's biological sciences major provides you with the intellectual foundation and practical skills to conduct original research in biological sciences. With 17 active faculty and five emeriti, you’ll work in labs and the field, not just watch. Unlike bigger universities that rely on Ph.D. students, Pacific gives you hands-on experience to advance real scientific projects.

More than 70% of biology majors engage in undergraduate research at Pacific.

During the past 10 years, over 35 undergraduate students have co-authored significant research papers.

Biology undergraduates can become fully integrated members of cutting-edge research laboratories as well as experience field research biology.

Research Examples

Undergraduate researchers performed plant germination experiments in Professor Ryan Hill’s lab. They tested whether violets that are caterpillar hostplants of endangered butterflies require special conditions to germinate. They found that treating seeds with Gibberellic acid or removing fatty tissues on the seeds that attract ants was not required for successful germination, paving the way for further conservation work.

In Professor Craig Vierra's lab, students study genes (genetic blueprints) that code for proteins found in dragline silk from black widow spiders. The lab is attempting to understand how the liquid-crystalline silk solution stored in the abdomen of spiders is converted into a solid fiber during extrusion. This research could lead to the production of materials ranging from bulletproof vests to space vehicles.

Saihaj Sraon’s project began as a shared idea, though he pursued most of it independently. Using 3D micro-CT scans of Euphilomedes ostracods, he reconstructed their swimming antennae, revealing males possess larger structures than females, an adaptation tied to differing lifestyles despite their identical genes. The findings were presented at The Crustacean Society in Paris.

Climate change research at Pacific

Undergraduate students such as Maliysia Keo ’25 contribute to faculty research in the Department of Biological Sciences. Maliysia works with Professor Jane Khudyakov to study the long-term consequences of environmental stressors on female elephant seals and their pups.

Learn more about Maliysia’s research

Biological sciences facilities

Pacific’s biological sciences department is fully equipped with molecular and cellular biological research equipment used by faculty, undergraduate and graduate students

Nikon fluorescence microscope

By using targeted dyes or markers to highlight specific regions, fluorescent microscopes allow cell biologists to map protein locations and track their movement inside living cells

Spinning disk confocal microscope

The fully automated spinning disk confocal microscope delivers research-grade precision, capturing detailed, high-resolution images even through dense specimens. Ideal for exploring sea urchin development, biofilms and hands-on immunology studies, its versatility supports an expansive range of investigations led by both faculty experts and undergraduate scholars.

DNA microarray technology

This system includes a spotter, automated hybridization chamber and scanner, capable of printing up to 50,000 genes onto a single glass slide. Professor Craig Vierra’s team created the first spider DNA chips and used them to track gene expression changes in silk glands after fiber removal.

Microbiology lab

Pacific’s cutting-edge microbiology labs were designed to immerse students in real-world research, where they practice Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA sequences and explore the behavior of antibiotics and diverse microorganisms in a professional, hands-on environment that mirrors today’s scientific workplaces.

Pacific Noyce Scholars

The PacNoyce Scholars Program provides scholarships and other support for STEM majors at Pacific who become teachers in high-needs school districts, such as Stockton.

You could be eligible for the Robert Noyce Teachers Scholarship worth up to $13,750 a year for juniors and seniors or $20,000 for the final MA/teaching credential year.

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Teaching credential track

If you wish to qualify to teach biology at the secondary level, you should complete the Single Subject Credential in the biological sciences. Ask you adviser or the department chair for information on specific course requirements. For other credential requirements, you should consult faculty in Benerd College.

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Master of Science in Biological Sciences

Pacific’s master's degree program provides you with a broad background in the biological sciences that serves as your preparation for Ph.D. degree programs, employment in the biotechnology industry and teaching positions at the high school and community college levels.

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