Biology

What You’ll Study

Biology cadets study life from the molecular to the systems level, integrating chemistry, physiology, genetics, and biotechnology. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation, critical thinking, and ethical application.

How the Curriculum Builds Your Expertise

1. Foundational Knowledge: Build a strong base in organic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and microbiology, supported by mathematics and physics, to understand how living systems function at molecular and systemic levels.

2. Advanced Application: Apply biological principles through laboratory intensive courses, biotechnology methods, and research experiences that develop experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication skills.

3. Leadership and Military Relevance: Integrate biological science with ethical judgment and operational awareness, preparing you to address challenges in soldier health, biodefense, environmental security, and medical readiness as an Army officer.

Course Highlights

View the Full Biology Curriculum

Year-by-Year Snapshot

This progression builds a rigorous scientific foundation, advances into specialized biological disciplines, and culminates in integrative biotechnology and research experiences tied to Army relevance.

First Year – Scientific Foundations

Build your grounding in general chemistry, introductory biology, calculus, and physics while developing laboratory discipline and core scientific reasoning.

Sample Courses:
CH375 – Introduction to Biology
General Chemistry I and II
Calculus and Physics core courses

Sophomore Year – Core Life Science Disciplines

Transition into foundational biological subfields and organic chemistry while strengthening analytical and laboratory skills.

Sample Courses:
CH383 – Organic Chemistry I
CH384 – Organic Chemistry II
CH385 – Introduction to Cell Biology

Junior Year – Human Systems and Molecular Depth

Explore physiology, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry while applying theory to experimental design and real biological problems.

Sample Courses:
CH387 – Human Physiology
CH388 – Genetics
CH457 – Microbiology
CH473 – Biochemistry

Senior Year – Integration and Application

Synthesize knowledge across biological systems through biotechnology and research focused coursework. Lead laboratory teams, design investigations, and communicate findings clearly to scientific and operational audiences.

Sample Courses:
CH479 – Methods and Applications of Biotechnology
Electives such as Human Anatomy, Bioengineering Modeling and Analysis, or Advanced Microscopy
Research courses such as CH489 and CH490 for Honors cadets

Capstone Experience

All Biology majors complete a culminating biotechnology course integrating laboratory research, experimental design, and scientific communication. Honors cadets complete independent research and graduate with distinction.

CTA: View Full Curriculum

Faculty and Mentorship

Biology faculty are deeply invested in cadet development as scientists and leaders. Cadets receive individualized mentoring through coursework, research, and career planning.

Featured Faculty

• COL Corey James, Ph.D.: Department Head, Chemical and Biological Science and Engineering. Provides strategic leadership for the department and supports academic modernization tied to Army priorities in biotechnology and medical readiness.

• LTC Lucas Fallot: Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular Science. Teaches organic chemistry and mentors cadets in laboratory research across multiple biology and chemistry research groups.

• Dr. Ryan Limbocker: Research faculty in the Protein Biophysics Group. Guides cadet research focused on neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, and molecular mechanisms relevant to soldier health.

• MAJ Trevor Corrigan: Faculty member supporting applied biological research and laboratory instruction tied to Army and defense related projects.

Faculty assignments vary by year, but every Biology major is paired with a dedicated academic advisor who provides sustained mentorship from declaration through graduation.

Department Culture

• Biology cadets learn in a laboratory intensive, discussion driven environment where experimentation, collaboration, and ethical responsibility are central. 

• Faculty emphasize critical thinking, clear communication, and disciplined scientific reasoning while reinforcing leadership expectations appropriate for future Army officers.

• Small class sizes enable frequent interaction, direct feedback, and meaningful faculty investment in each cadet’s development.

Faculty Achievements 

• Faculty lead active research programs in biotechnology, soldier health protection, biodefense, advanced materials, and molecular science in collaboration with Army laboratories and national research partners.

• Cadets regularly co author peer reviewed publications and present research at national conferences including the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

• Faculty mentorship has supported cadets earning prestigious scholarships such as Goldwater, Stamps, Rhodes, Marshall, and National Science Foundation fellowships, as well as admission to competitive medical and graduate programs.

Student and Faculty Success Stories

• Biology majors in the Protein Biophysics Group have presented research on neurodegenerative disease at multiple scientific conferences and contributed to peer reviewed publications before graduation.

• Cadets conducting research in collaboration with Army laboratories have supported investigations into infectious disease, soldier resilience, and biotechnology applications relevant to force health protection.

• Graduates mentored through faculty research programs have pursued medical school, doctoral programs, and advanced Army technical roles while continuing to serve as commissioned officers.

Meet the Biology Faculty →

Expand Your Expertise

Biology at West Point provides a strong scientific core and the flexibility to shape your academic path around your interests and Army goals.

Choose Your Track or Specialization

• Standard Biology Major
  Complete a rigorous life sciences curriculum spanning cell biology, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry, with integrated laboratory leadership and applied biotechnology.

• Biology with Honors
  Conduct extended individual research through CH489 and CH490 while meeting elevated academic standards. Honors cadets work closely with faculty mentors in research groups such as the Protein Biophysics Group or Biodefense Protection Technologies Laboratory.

• Biotechnology and Soldier Health Focus
  Select electives such as Human Anatomy, Bioengineering Modeling and Analysis, Advanced Microscopy, or Radiological Safety to deepen expertise in areas tied to medical readiness, biotechnology, and force health protection.

Research may take place in:

• Center for Molecular Science

• Protein Biophysics Group

• Biodefense Protection Technologies Laboratory

• Multi Functional Materials Laboratory

Pair Your Major With a Minor: Cadets can select a minor to broaden or deepen their expertise that pair naturally with Army needs and individual interests.

Explore Academic Minors →

By combining the Biology major with a focused track, Honors research, and a complementary minor, you customize your education to match your commissioning goals and long term professional ambitions while maintaining the scientific depth expected of West Point graduates.

Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West Point

Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.

Key Deadlines:

• Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) open

• April 15 – SLE application closes

• Fall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications due

• Jan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadline

View Full Admissions Requirements

Take the First Step

Starting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.

Begin Your Journey in STEM at West Point

Get Answers to Your Questions

Discover West Point for Yourself

Current Cadet CTAs

Biology Beyond the Classroom

Biology cadets engage in immersive learning through research, internships, and global experiences.

Hands-On Opportunities & Unique Experiences

Internships and Field Work

• Biology cadets participate in Academic Individual Advanced Development internships with Army medical centers, research laboratories, and national partners. Opportunities include work at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Army Research Laboratory, USAMRIID, and national laboratories where cadets apply biology to infectious disease research, biotechnology, and force health protection.

• These internships connect classroom learning to real missions in medical readiness, environmental health, and biodefense.

Research Opportunities

• Undergraduate research is central to the Biology major. Cadets conduct hands on investigations in the Center for Molecular Science, the Protein Biophysics Group, and the Biodefense Protection Technologies Laboratory.

• Projects range from neurodegenerative disease and traumatic brain injury to biosensors, infectious disease, and biotechnology applications. Many cadets present at national conferences and contribute to peer reviewed publications before graduation.

Leadership Opportunities

• Applied learning is cadet led by design.

• Biology majors lead laboratory teams, manage research timelines, and brief findings to faculty and Army stakeholders. Through experimental planning, risk assessment, and team coordination, cadets develop the discipline and accountability required of Army officers.

Global Programs and Special Experiences

• Biology cadets engage in international research internships, cultural immersion programs, and multinational academic exchanges.

• Examples include medical internships in Germany, research collaborations abroad, and participation in Army supported global health initiatives that broaden technical skill and operational perspective.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

• Biology cadets collaborate with peers in chemistry, chemical engineering, cyber, systems engineering, and robotics.

• Interdisciplinary projects integrate biotechnology, data science, materials research, and human performance studies to address Army modernization priorities and complex biological challenges.

Partnerships with Army Labs, Government, and Industry

• Hands on experiences are strengthened through partnerships with Army Futures Command, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, national laboratories, and university collaborators.

• Cadets contribute to projects in biodefense, biotechnology, medical innovation, and soldier resilience that directly support warfighter readiness.

• Explore Cadet Research →

Cadet Life in This Major

Biology cadets form a tight-knit community through labs, clubs, and shared mission focus.

Department Clubs

• Biology majors engage in organizations such as Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Golden Key, and Phi Kappa Phi, building mentorship networks across class years.

• Many cadets also participate in pre medical and health focused groups that support academic growth and professional preparation.

Co-Curricular Experiences

• Cadets work in research teams, assist with Projects Day presentations, and contribute to laboratory initiatives beyond required coursework.

• These experiences reinforce teamwork, scientific communication, and confidence in professional environments.

Professional Associations

• Biology majors connect early with national scientific communities through conference participation and faculty mentorship.

• Presenting research at meetings such as the American Chemical Society or other scientific symposia exposes cadets to graduate level scholarship and professional networks.

Community and Department Events

• The Department of Chemical and Biological Science and Engineering hosts research symposia, guest lectures, and award ceremonies throughout the year.

• Projects Day provides a campus wide platform for cadets to showcase research to Army leaders, industry partners, and visiting scholars.

Conferences, Competitions, and Immersions

• Cadets travel to regional and national conferences, inter academy research symposia, and technical competitions.

• From presenting biotechnology research to participating in defense focused innovation challenges, Biology becomes lived experience, not just coursework.

Explore More Cadet Experiences →

Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West Point

Applying does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to advising, guidance, and a clearer understanding of your path.

Apply to the Academy
Get Answers to Your Questions
Discover West Point for Yourself

Resources for Current Cadets

• Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering (PaNE) Homepage
  Primary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.

• Physics Major Curriculum & Sample Course Plans
  Helps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.

• Contact a Physics Major Advisor
  Direct link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director.