Biology is the most popular major nationwide for students preparing for graduate study in medicine and other health professions. Our BS degrees in Biology and Zoology provide a solid foundation for further study in medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine and other health-related fields. We offer an optional Concentration in Pre-Medical Studies that includes all of the requirements for admission to medical school and other health-related graduate programs, as well as several courses that further strengthen our students' preparation, including psychology, analytical and persuasive writing, and biomedical ethics. The concentration guides students in selecting the best courses within the major and in general education electives.

Students interested in health professions can choose courses such as comparative anatomy, developmental biology, morphogenesis and differentiation, medical physiology, histology, genetics, neurobiology and cell biology. Students can also conduct research with our faculty in these areas. These courses provide necessary background for the health professions and give the student an appreciation for what the health professions entail.

A special Health Professions Committee advises students on meeting criteria for admissions to post-baccalaureate schools and colleges such as medical schools.

Students planning on a career in clinical laboratory sciences and medical technology are enrolled in a special Clinical Laboratory Sciences curriculum.

The University of Maine and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine cooperate to offer an Accelerated Binary Degree Program that allows qualifying students majoring in biology at UMaine to be admitted to the College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNE after three years at UMaine rather than the customary four. Upon successful completion of the first year of medical school at UNE, students participating in this program receive the Bachelor's degree from UMaine.