Biology BS

Biology, the study of life processes, is a rich and complex discipline. At Ramapo College, Biology is studied from the molecular, cellular, organismic, community, and evolutionary perspectives.

The Biology major is organized to give our students a firm foundation for understanding the central principles of the study of life processes, yet it permits student flexibility to select courses which reflect their own particular areas of interest. In the core biology courses, students examine principles of change and continuity, inheritance and evolution, unity and diversity of organisms and their interaction with the environment and the impact of the environment on all life forms.

Ramapo’s well-equipped modern laboratories include an environmentally-controlled greenhouse, computer rooms, computerized biology labs, computerized physiology labs, and a student honors research lab. These facilities allow students to explore the many aspects of biology both within the context of courses and as participants in faculty research.

Biology majors are prepared for graduate school, professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related professions. Graduates are also prepared to work in industry, education, and government settings such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Teacher Education Program; in Biological Science; prepares students for New Jersey State Certification to teach secondary Biology.

A program is also offered.

Program Goals

Graduating Biology majors will have:

• Knowledge of biology and the ability to apply that knowledge in a problem-solving environment.

• Basic laboratory skills common to biology and chemistry, such as PCR, microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, and volumetric and gravimetric methodologies.

• Ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, in both oral and written forms.

• Opportunity to conduct research projects, either as part of an upper-level course as a participant in an active laboratory research projects within the College; or as part of an appropriate cooperative education assignment outside the College.

• Understanding of the principles of experimental design and data analysis and be able to formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems.

• Opportunity to take field courses which provide a direct exposure to natural biological systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of biological concepts including: Molecular and Cell Biology, Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology and Ecology

2. Interpret scientific language, identify relevant evidence, integrate knowledge from different sources and make reasonable inferences from it. Construct-well designed and well-written documents (lab reports, research papers) and effective and interesting oral presentations. (An information literacy outcome)

3. Utilize the process of scientific inquiry to design experiments; and gather and interpret data.