The Biology Major - Program Home Page (see disclaimer below)

Mission Statement:

The biology major provides students with a broad foundation in the biological sciences, with coursework in subdisciplines such as microbiology, cell biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Theoretical concepts, applications, and laboratory skills are acquired throughout the major, and students gain proficiency in data analysis, and oral and written forms of communication. Opportunities for field studies and independent research projects are available in a variety of areas. Students completing the program are prepared to pursue graduate and professional school programs in biology and related fields, or enter directly into careers that require an extensive understanding of modern biology.

Program Goals:

Graduates should be able to:

1. gain a broad background in the biological, physical sciences and mathematics.
2. develop a broad array of laboratory and research skills.
3. learn to read, understand and evaluate biological literature.
4. develop an understanding of the scope of modern biology, and in-depth knowledge in a selected number of biological subjects.
5. acquire quantitative skills pertinent to biological data analysis.
6. develop an understanding of biology within societal perspectives.

Student Learning Outcomes 

Students who complete the biology program will have:

1. a wide ranging knowledge of biology and the ability to apply that knowledge in a problem-solving environment [all].
2. an appreciation that organisms are related to each other in time and space, share processes by which information is coded and transmitted, and live in complex, fragile, interacting ecosystems [BIOL 110, 112, 221 (or ENSC 210), 356; GEOL 326 (elective)].
3. proficiency in basic laboratory skills common to biology and chemistry, such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, cell culture and volumetric and gravimetric methodologies  [BIOL 110, 112, 331, 349, 406, CHEM 110/111, 112/113, 210/211, 212/213, PHYS 110, 112], as well as basic computational skills [BIOL 406].
4. the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, to both biologists and non-biologists, in oral and written form [BIOL 110, 356, 357, 400]
5. an understanding of the principles of experimental design and data analysis, and be able  to formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems [BIOL 110, 400, 406, and ENSC 345 or PSYC 242].
6. had opportunities to conduct research projects as part of upper level coursework, as independent research in collaboration with faculty, or as part of an appropriate cooperative education assignment outside the college [BIIN 351, 430, BIOL 321, 331, 388, 400, 406, ENSC 416], as well as opportunities to take field courses which provide direct exposure to natural biological systems [BIOL 205, 235, 321, ENSC 210, 416].

Program Assessment Methods

Assessment of student learning is done by comparing the first laboratory report in Fundamentals of Biology and the last laboratory report in the Cellular and Molecular Biology course.  We also evaluate writing from term papers from the Evolution course.

Students are encouraged in the spring of their senior year to take the Major Field Test in Biology, which is provided by The Educational Testing Service. This test is used by many colleges and universities to measure the academic growth and achievement of their majors.

 

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS

*Course prerequisites in italic 

Note:  The two Biology electives may be taken in any of the free elective spaces.

Note:  General Education and TAS school core requirements may be taken in semesters other than those listed to fit the students’ schedules e.g. International Issues could be switched with Intercultural North America etc.

Biology Electives – Prerequisites in italic

Additional Information:

What Can I Do With a Degree in Biology? (link - contains info from the current catalog page)

The Biology Minor

BIOLOGY/PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAM WITH UMDNJ

This program is offered jointly by Ramapo College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP). The program includes three years (full time) undergraduate education at Ramapo College followed by three years (full time) of entry-level professional physical therapy education at UMDNJ. At the end of the senior year of the undergraduate curriculum, which will also serve as the first year of the graduate curriculum, students will receive a B.S. degree (in Biology) conferred by Ramapo College. The program terminates at the end of the second post baccalaureate year in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree conferred by UMDNJ.

Students meeting the following criteria can be admitted into the professional phase of the program at UMDNJ:

• Admission to Ramapo’s Biology/Physical Therapy track (excellent SAT scores and high school grade point average required)
• 3.0 GPA upon completion of all math and science prerequisites at Ramapo
• Knowledge of the field through actual work or volunteer experience
• Excellent composite recommendation by RCNJ faculty

Students who do not meet the admission criteria for entry to the professional phase but demonstrate a satisfactory grade point average and satisfactory scores on all three sections of the Graduate Record Exam also may apply after three years of undergraduate education to the UMDNJ Physical Therapy admission committee for admissions to the program through the general application process.

BIOLOGY / PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

This program is jointly offered by Ramapo College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP). The program will include three years (full-time) undergraduate education at Ramapo College followed by three years (full-time) of entry-level professional education at UMDNJ. At the end of the senior year of the undergraduate curriculum, which will serve as the first year for the professional curriculum, students will receive a B.S. degree (in Biology) conferred by Ramapo College. The program will terminate at the end of the second post baccalaureate year in Master's of Science in Physician Assistant conferred by UMDNJ.

To be considered for this special program, you must make a separate application by June 1st of your sophomore year. (The application forms are available in the Dean's Office in the School of Theoretical and Applied Science.) A student must have an overall Ramapo grade point average of 3.0 and should have completed the following courses with a grade of "C" or better: