Learn Laboratory Science on the Coast of Maine

Like a precisely focused microscope, UNE鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Science concentrates on classic and state-of-the-art lab technique and instrumental methodology, giving you a firm grounding in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry. By taking a broad spectrum of lab courses, you鈥檒l develop a comprehensive repertoire of skills that will serve you well in a variety of modern lab settings, including academic, medical, or industrial labs.

A laboratory science student in a white coat and gloves prepares slides underneath a microscope

Why UNE for Your B.S. in Laboratory Science

Ranked a 鈥淗igh Research Activity鈥 university by the Carnegie Classification, UNE boasts all the advantages and resources that you would expect at a large institution. Yet we provide a small, intimate college environment that gives you the one-on-one attention and access to sophisticated equipment that are uncommon at the undergraduate level. The Laboratory Science major offers:

  • Training in state-of-the-art lab techniques
  • Abundant local internship opportunities
  • Focus on independent experimental design
  • Proximity to health professions programs
  • Formal and informal peer mentoring
  • Teaching assistantships
Headshot of U N E student Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson 鈥24

Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biophysics

Why UNE

I enjoy how there is such an emphasis on teaching and research in my math and science classes. The department is smaller than a larger state school, so you get to know all of [your professors] on a personal level. They are here to mentor you. A lot of [my professors] stress the importance of guided gradual learning instead of just aiming for that perfect GPA. This is the thing that has helped me the most.

I鈥檝e been able to get out of my comfort zone by presenting posters on research that [I鈥檝e done] with my professors. The encouragement from faculty has better prepared me for graduate school and boosted my resume.

My favorite thing about UNE is the accessibility to such high-quality research labs. I have done research under two different mentors. One project studies protein biomaterials [and] the other looks into computational modeling of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Beautiful Locations

I like how [UNE鈥檚 campus] is small and quaint. It鈥檚 a little secluded outside of the city and right on the water. We have many things to do outside here. There is access to go hiking nearby, and you have the beach right here. A friend and I started back up the rowing team [after it was inactive for a few years] where we can practice here [on the Saco River].

My favorite thing about UNE is the accessibility to such high-quality research labs. I have done research under two different mentors. One project studies protein biomaterials [and] the other looks into computational modeling of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biophysics

What will you study? Laboratory Science Degree Curriculum Overview

B.S. in Laboratory Science Courses

The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:

  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Advanced Lab
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Parasitology
  • Advanced Biochemistry Lab
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Histology
  • Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology

Curriculum

Nor鈥檈aster Core RequirementsCredits
Total Credits40
Program Required CoursesCredits
BIO 105/105L 鈥 Biology I w/Lab4 鈥 Fulfills Scientific Method Core
BIO 106/106L 鈥 Biology II w/Lab4
BIO 214/214L 鈥 Genetics w/Lab4
BIO 232/232L 鈥 Microbiology w/Lab4
BIO 365/365L 鈥 Immunology w/Lab4
BIO 370 鈥 Cell and Molecular Biology3
CHE 150/150L 鈥 University General Chemistry I w/Lab*4
CHE 151/151L 鈥 University General Chemistry II w/Lab*4
CHE 250/250L/250S 鈥 University Organic Chemistry I w/Lab and LabLecture*5
CHE 307/307L 鈥 Quantitative Analysis w/Lab5
CHE 310/310L 鈥 Fundamentals of Biochemistry w/Lab4
CHE 417/417L 鈥 Instrumental Methods of Analysis w/Lab4
MAT 190 鈥 Calculus I3 鈥 Fulfills Quantitative Reasoning Core
PHY 210 鈥 University Physics I*4
Total Credits56
Select a minimum of three (3) courses from the followingCredits
BIO 203/203L 鈥 Histology w/Lab4
BIO 204/204L 鈥 Parasitology w/Lab4
BIO 245/245L 鈥 Gen Prin of Human Anat, Phys and Path I w/Lab4
BIO 345/345L 鈥 Gen Prin of Human Anat, Phys and Path II w/Lab5
CHE 251/251L/251S 鈥 University Organic Chemistry II w/Lab and LabLecture*5
CHE 450 鈥 Advanced Biochemistry Lab3
PHY 211 鈥 University Physics II*4
Total Credits11鈥14
Open Elective Credits (as needed to reach 120 credits)**Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.

*Matriculated majors are expected to enroll in the University course sequences for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The following substitutions may be made with department permission: CHE 110 for CHE 150; CHE 111 for CHE 151; CHE 201 for CHE 250; CHE 202 for CHE 251; PHY 110 for PHY 210; and/or PHY 111 for PHY 211.

**Recommended Elective Courses are BIO 330/330L 鈥 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy w/Lab (if BIO 245/345 not selected), MAT 150 鈥 Statistics for Life Sciences, and MAT 195 鈥 Calculus II

Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.

To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Career Paths for B.S. in Laboratory Science Majors

Whether you鈥檙e destined for a career in medical technology, quality control, biotechnology, or pharmacology, your major in Laboratory Science will provide the knowledge, laboratory skills, analytical abilities, and internship experience you need to succeed.

As a Laboratory Science graduate, there are many professions that you may explore, including:

  • Biotechnology Researcher
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Research Scientist
  • Teacher
  • Science Journalist
  • Toxicologist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Phlebotomist

Career Advising for B.S. in Laboratory Science Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Laboratory Science Facilities

Our Laboratory Science program is housed in Peter and Cecile Morgane Hall, with additional teaching and research laboratories in the Alfond Center for Arts and Sciences (formerly the Alfond Center for Health Sciences) and biochemistry research laboratories in the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research. All of the facilities are located on our beautiful seaside campus in Biddeford.

Morgane Hall houses the general chemistry, general physics, and biochemistry teaching labs as well as some small research labs. The advanced chemistry teaching and research labs are located on the third floor of the Alfond Center and the first floor of the Pickus Center. Pickus has flexible biochemistry research space, where you work with faculty using a wide range of modern chemical and biochemical instrumentation in facilities designed to be conducive to learning and research productivity.

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Laboratory Science

In our Laboratory Science program, you鈥檒l engage in hands-on learning by working with faculty on research projects, conducting your own lab experiments, and getting on-the-job experience through internships 鈥 because at UNE we believe in learning by doing.

Internships for Laboratory Science Majors 

You may complete an internship over the summer at sites including hospitals, private or government labs, educational institutions, or science centers. Or intern during the academic year with one of the prestigious employers with which we partner:

  • IDEXX
  • Lonza
  • Jackson Laboratories
  • Envirologix
  • Katahdin Labs

For more information email the Academic and Career Advising Center at advising@une.edu.

Research for Laboratory Science Students

We offer a breadth of research opportunities not commonly found at the undergraduate level 鈥 from synthesizing bioactive compounds and engineering protein materials to synthesizing small  molecule drugs and exploring environmental toxicology,

  • Collaborate with faculty on innovative research
  • Engage in undergraduate research in your coursework
  • Perform paid research
  • Present at conferences and publish your findings
Amy M. Deveau, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

There are three ongoing research projects in Amy Deveau's (Dr. D) lab:

  1. The design and synthesis of naltrexol derivatives for use as pain and addiction therapies
  2. The synthesis and biological characterization of tryptophan-based DNA intercalators
  3. The synthesis of medicinally active, nitrogen-containing compounds using green Suzuki Coupling methodology, and the extension of these experiments to the undergraduate organic lab curriculum.

Overall, Dr. D is passionate about finding ways to interest students in science and in learning new ways to integrate teaching and research in the classroom (i.e. chemical pedagogy).

Headshot of Amy Deveau
Director
School of Molecular and Physical Sciences
Professor, Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
Stephen Fox, Inorganic Chemistry

Along with interested 澳门六合彩 students and scholars, Dr. Fox plans to:

  • Continue to characterize the physical and structural properties of the dicopper(I) model and its derivatives
  • Further customize the naphthyridine with electron-donating groups to enhance the reactivity of the dicopper(I) center; selectively remove/replace the bridging groups to investigate the utility of the dicopper(I) center as a catalyst for reactions such as aziridination
  • Investigate factors influencing the metal-metal separation through theoretical computational studies.
Stephen Fox
Professor, Chemistry
School of Molecular and Physical Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
Amy Keirstead, Physical Organic Chemistry and Photochemistry

Research in Amy Keirstead's (Dr. K) group covers a wide variety of traditional areas, from synthetic organic chemistry to photochemistry, spectroscopy, materials science and green c