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Biology (B.S.)

Website: School of Theoretical and Applied Science


Faculty:

Faculty:

About the Major (Pre-Physical Therapy / Physician Assistant)

Biology, the study of life processes, is a rich and complex discipline. At 鶹ý, Biology is studied from 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.

Graduating Biology majors:

  1. will have wide ranging knowledge of biology and the ability to apply that knowledge in a problem-solving environment.Students will appreciate that:
    • organisms are related to each other in time and space
    • organisms share processes by which information is coded and transmitted
    • organisms live in complex and fragile interacting ecosystems
  2. will be proficient in basic laboratory skills common to biology and chemistry, such as PCR microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, and volumetric and gravimetric methodologies.
  3. will have the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, in both oral and written forms.
  4. will have the 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.
  5. will have an understanding of the principles of experimental design and data analysis and be able to formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems.
  6. will have the opportunity to take field courses which provide a direct exposure to natural biological systems.

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 as examples. The Teacher Education Program, in Biological Science, prepares students for New Jersey State Certification to teach secondary Biology.

The Major is offered by the School of Theoretical and Applied Science and leads to a B.S. degree.

BIOLOGY/PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAM WITH RUTGERS

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

Students meeting the following criteria can be admitted into the professional phase of the program at Rutgers-SHRP:

  • 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 and no grade below C in the prerequisite courses
  • 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, may also apply after three years of undergraduate education to the Rutgers Physical Therapy admission committee for admissions to the program through the general application process.

BIOLOGY / PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

This program is jointly offered by 鶹ý and the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences – School of Health Related Professions (Rutgers-SHRP). The program will include three years (full-time) undergraduate education at 鶹ý followed by three years (full-time) entry-level professional education at Rutgers. At the end of the senior year of the undergraduate curriculum, which serves as the first year for the professional curriculum, students will receive a B.S. degree (in Biology) conferred by 鶹ý. The program will terminate at the end of the second post baccalaureate year in a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant degree conferred by Rutgers.

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 3.2 and should have completed the following courses with a grade of “C” or better:

Fundamentals of Biology I Lec/Lab

Fundamentals of Biology II Lec/Lab

Precalculus OR Calculus I

Bio-Organic Chemistry Lec/Lab

Introduction to Psychology

General Education Distribution Category Courses

College English

Studies in the Arts and Humanities

NOTE: Program requirements and admissions criteria may change as a result of changes at Rutgers that is beyond Ramapo’s control. For updated information consult

About the Major (Pharmacy / Medical / Dental Early Acceptance Program)

PHARMACY EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM(3+4)

This program is offered jointly by 鶹ý and Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM). The program includes three years (full time) undergraduate education at 鶹ý followed by four years (full time) of pharmaceutical education. 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 鶹ý. The program terminates at the end of the third post baccalaureate year in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree conferred by LECOM. Students can be accepted early admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program only upon Admission to Ramapo and must maintain the standards required for accelerated entry into the program as outlined by the agreement in what is known as the 3+4 program. Other students who are interested in pursuing the Doctor ofPharmacy Degree at LECOM can apply at the end of their senior year for entry into the doctoral program.

  • Early Admissions Applications are accepted prior to entering 鶹ý and students should complete the LECOM on-line EAP application by April 1st.
    • The admissions requirements for Phase I of the Pharmacy Early Acceptance Program is: SATs (Math & Verbal)=1170 or higher, ACT=26 or higher, High School GPA=3.5. Students must be accepted into the guaranteed admissions program by the 鶹ý Admissions Office.
  • Students who are already matriculated at 鶹ý should complete the LECOM on-line application before beginning their third year of studies at 鶹ý.
    • Admissions criteria for Phase II to LECOM, students must have completed at least one year of study at 鶹ý and have an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher and a 3.2 GPA in Science classes.

See LECOM School of Pharmacy Early Acceptance Affiliation Agreement for further details.

MEDICAL COLLEGE EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM (3+4)

This program is offered jointly by 鶹ý and Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM). The program includes three years (full time) undergraduate education at 鶹ý followed by four years (full time) of osteopathic medical education. 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 鶹ý. The program terminates at the end of the third post baccalaureate year in a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree conferred by LECOM. Students can be accepted early admission to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program only upon Admission to Ramapo and must maintain the standards required for accelerated entry into the program as outlined by the agreement. Other students who are interested in pursuing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at LECOM can apply at the end of their senior year for entry into the doctoral program.

  • Applications are accepted prior to entering 鶹ý and students should complete the LECOM on-line EAP application by April 1st.
    • The admissions requirements for Phase I of theMedical Early Acceptance Program is: SATs (Math & Verbal)=1280 or higher, ACT=29 or higher, High School GPA=3.8.
  • Students must be accepted into the guaranteed admissions program by the 鶹ý Admissions Office.
  • Student who are already matriculated at 鶹ý and are interested in the “3+4” track should complete the LECOM on-line application before starting their second year of studies at 鶹ý.
    • Admissions criteria for Phase II to LECOM, students must have completed at least one year of study at 鶹ý students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher and a 3.2 GPA in Science classes.

See LECOM School of Osteopathic Medicine Affiliation Agreement for further details.

DENTAL MEDICINE EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM

This program is offered jointly by 鶹ý and Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM). The program includes three years (full time) undergraduate education at 鶹ý followed by four years (full time) of dental education. 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 鶹ý. The program terminates at the end of the third post baccalaureate year in a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree conferred by LECOM. Students can be accepted early admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine program only upon Admission to Ramapo and must maintain the standards required for accelerated entry into the program as outlined by the agreement. Other students who are interested in pursuing the Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree at LECOM can apply at the end of their senior year for entry into the doctoral program.

  • Applications are accepted prior to entering 鶹ý and students should complete the LECOM on-line EAP application by April 1st.
    • The admissions requirements for Phase I of theDental Early Acceptance Program is: SATs (Math & Verbal)=1170 or higher, ACT=26 or higher, High School GPA=3.5.
  • Students must be accepted into the guaranteed admissions program by the 鶹ý Admissions Office.
  • Also, students who are already matriculated at 鶹ý should complete the LECOM on-line application before beginning their third year of studies at 鶹ý.
    • Admissions criteria for Phase II to LECOM, students must have completed at least one year of study at 鶹ý and have an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher and a 3.2 GPA in Science classes.

See LECOM School of Dental Medicine Affiliation Agreement for further details.

About the Major (Pharmacy Program at Touro College of Pharmacy)

This is an articulated seven-year program offered by 鶹ý and Touro College of Pharmacy. The program includes three years at Ramapo and four years at Touro College of Pharmacy. After three years at Ramapo, students will begin the graduate program at Touro, and at the end of the first year of graduate studies, students will received a B.S. degree in Biology conferred by 鶹ý. At the end of their fourth year at Touro, students will receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree conferred by Touro College of Pharmacy.

Requirements of the program:

  • While at Ramapo, students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA of 2.75;
  • Successful completion of PCAT exam;
  • Completion of the following courses with no grades below C:
    • Fundamentals of Biology I and II, lectures and labs
    • General Chemistry I and II, lectures and labs
    • Organic Chemistry I and II, lectures and labs
    • Anatomy and Physiology I and II, lectures and labs
    • Microbiology, lecture and lab
    • Biochemistry, lecture
    • Calculus I or II
    • Economics

Also recommended: Statistics, Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, and completing the required Ramapo General Education and Biology program requirements for students in articulated programs.

Please refer to the catalog of the partner school for more specific requirements.

Outcomes for the Major

GOALS

Graduating Biology majors:

  1. Will have wide ranging knowledge of biology and the ability to apply that knowledge in a problem-solving environment.Students will appreciate that:
  • organisms are related to each other in time and space
  • organisms share processes by which information is coded and transmitted
  • organisms live in complex and fragile interacting ecosystems
  1. Will be proficient in basic laboratory skills common to biology and chemistry, such as PCR microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, and volumetric and gravimetric methodologies.
  2. Will have the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, in both oral and written forms.
  3. Will have the 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.
  4. Will have an understanding of the principles of experimental design and data analysis and be able to formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems.
  5. Will have the opportunity to take field courses which provide a direct exposure to natural biological systems.

OUTCOMES

Outcome 1: Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of biological concepts including:

  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Organismal Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Ecology

Outcome 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)

Outcome 3: Utilize the process of scientific inquiry to design experiments, gather and interpret data.

Requirements of the Major
  1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below. Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
  2. Double counting between General Educationand Major may be possible. Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
  3. Writing Intensive Requirement (five courses): two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing and Studies in the Arts and Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.
  4. Not all courses are offered each semester. Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.
BIOLOGY MAJOR
  • Subject & Course # – Title & Course Description
  • GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • REQUIRED –
  • SELECT ONE –OR
  • *
  • SELECT ONE –OR(W)
  • *
  • SELECT ONE – OR (W) (Formerly SOSC 101)
  • *
  • SELECT ONE – (W)
  • SELECT ONE –(W) *
  • SELECT ONE – (CMPS147 OR MATH121 Strongly Suggested — MATH121 Satisfies Major Requirement)
  • SELECT ONE –
  • SELECT TWO – DISTRIBUTION CATEGORY (One course must be outside of school)
    • – *
  • * Students in the College Honors Program must take the HNRS course options.
  • CAREER PATHWAYS REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL BIOLOGY MAJORS AND TRACKS
  • Visit theCahill Career Center
  • SCIN-001 — CAREER PATHWAYS MODULE 1 (Career Assessment)
  • SCIN-002 — CAREER PATHWAYS MODULE 2 (Resume/CV)
  • SCIN-003 — CAREER PATHWAYS MODULE 3 (Interview Preparation)
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • (formerly BIOL 110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • OR
  • * (formerly ENSC 210)
  • (formerly BIOL 331)
  • (formerly BIOL 406)
  • (formerly CHEM 112)
  • (formerly CHEM 205)
  • OR
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • AND
  • (formerly CHEM 212)
  • (formerly PHYS 110)
  • (formerly PHYS 112)
  • MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT:SELECT ONE
  • (Satisfies General Education Quantitative Reasoning)
  • Note: 1)students must have at least a “C” average in BIOL 111/111L and BIOL 113/113L to take 300-level Biology courses. 2) Pre-med students and students applying to some other graduate schools, should take the 2-semester organic chemistry sequence. Discuss this with your Biology advisor.
  • BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:FOUR REQUIRED (14 credit minimum) (Only One can be 200 Level and One must have a laboratory or field component)
  • Biology Electives With a Lab or Field Component (Select at least one)
  • * (formerly BIOL 213)
  • AND
  • * (formerly BIOL 215)
  • (formerly BIOL 310)
  • (formerly BIOL 326)
  • (formerly BIOL-365)
  • **
  • (formerly ENSC 416)
  • Biology Electives Without a Laboratory or Field Component
  • (formerly BIOL247)
  • * (BIOL 214 AND BIOL 216 count as one elective.)
  • ** If ENSC220 (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lecture) was selected in place of BIOL221 (General Ecology) above, then one electivemust be ENSC220L (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lab)
  • Co-Ops do not fulfill the elective requirement.
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • PHYSICAL THERAPY TRACK (Joint Rutgers-SHRP)
  • (formerly BIOL110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • (formerly BIOL331)
  • (formerly BIOL406)
  • (formerly CHEM112)
  • (formerly CHEM205)
  • OR
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • AND
  • (formerly CHEM212)
  • (formerly PHYS110)
  • (formerly PHYS112)
  • (or equivalent)
  • PLUS THE FOLLOWING BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:
  • (formerly BIOL213)AND
  • (formerly BIOL215)counts as one elective
  • PTMS 4101 Gross Anatomy (to be taken at Rutgers-SHRP first year)
  • PTMS 4201 Neuroscience (to be taken at Rutgers-SHRP first year)
  • Plus the following prerequisite courses for the PT program at Rutgers-SHRP
  • PRE-CLINICAL INTERNSHIP
  • Students are required to participate in two different physical therapy experiences prior to their junior year at Ramapo. Please consult with your advisor in TAS for further information.
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TRACK (Joint Rutgers-SHRP)
  • (formerly BIOL110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • (formerly BIOL331)
  • (formerly BIOL406)
  • (formerly CHEM112)
  • (formerly CHEM205)
  • OR
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • AND
  • (formerly CHEM212)
  • (formerly PHYS110)
  • (formerly PHYS112)
  • OR
  • BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:
  • The elective requirement is fully met by courses taken in the first year of the Professional Program at Rutgers-SHRP Microbiology (7 crs.),
  • Gross Anatomy (4 crs.), Medical Physiology (7 crs.), and
  • Neuroanatomy (2 crs.)
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • PHARMACY EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM (Joint LECOM)
  • (formerly BIOL 110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • OR
  • * (formerly ENSC 210)
  • (formerly BIOL 331)
  • (formerly BIOL 406)
  • (formerly CHEM 112)
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • (formerly CHEM 212)
  • OR
  • (formerly PHYS 110)
  • (formerly PHYS 112)
  • MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT:
  • OR
  • Note: students must have at least a “C” average in BIOL 111/111L and BIOL 113/113L to take 300-level Biology courses.
  • BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:FOUR REQUIRED (14 credit minimum) (Only One can be a 200-Level)
  • SELECT THREE
  • (formerly BIOL247)
  • SELECT ONE
  • * (formerly BIOL 213)
  • AND
  • * (formerly BIOL 215)
  • (formerly BIOL 310)
  • (formerly BIOL 326)
  • (formerly BIOL-365)
  • **
  • (formerly ENSC 416)
  • * (BIOL 214 AND BIOL 216 count as one elective.)
  • ** If ENSC220 (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lecture) was selected in place of BIOL221 (General Ecology) above, then one electivemust be ENSC220L (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lab)
  • Students cannot double count ENSC 345 as both a mathematics requirement and a biology elective.
  • Co-Ops do not fulfill the elective requirement.
  • Students in the “4+” track must satisfy the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field at 鶹ý of New Jersey.Students in the “3+” track must satisfy at least 75% of the degree requirements.Click on the link for additional information:
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • MEDICAL COLLEGE EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM (Joint LECOM)
  • (formerly BIOL 110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • OR
  • * (formerly ENSC 210)
  • (formerly BIOL 331)
  • (formerly BIOL 406)
  • (formerly CHEM 112)
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • (formerly CHEM 212)
  • (formerly PHYS 110)
  • (formerly PHYS 112)
  • MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT:
  • OR
  • Note: students must have at least a “C” average in BIOL 111/111L and BIOL 113/113L to take 300-level Biology courses.
  • BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:FOUR REQUIRED (14 credit minimum) (Only One can be a 200-Level)
  • SELECT THREE
  • (formerly BIOL247)
  • SELECT ONE
  • * (formerly BIOL 213)
  • AND
  • * (formerly BIOL 215)
  • (formerly BIOL 310)
  • (formerly BIOL 326)
  • (formerly BIOL-365)
  • **
  • (formerly ENSC 416)
  • * (BIOL 214 AND BIOL 216 count as one elective.)
  • ** If ENSC220 (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lecture) was selected in place of BIOL221 (General Ecology) above, then one electivemust be ENSC220L (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lab)
  • Students cannot double count ENSC 345 as both a mathematics requirement and a biology elective.
  • Co-Ops do not fulfill the elective requirement.
  • Students in the “4+” track must satisfy the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field at 鶹ý of New Jersey.Students in the “3+” track must satisfy at least 75% of the degree requirements.Click on the link for additional information:
  • To be eligible for Phase II of the Early Acceptance Program, 鶹ý Students must satisfy the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field at 鶹ý.Students in the “3+4” track must satisfy at least 75% of the degree requirements. Click on the link for additional information:
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • DENTAL MEDICINE EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM (Joint LECOM)
  • (formerly BIOL 110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • OR
  • * (formerly ENSC 210)
  • (formerly BIOL 331)
  • (formerly BIOL 406)
  • (formerly CHEM 112)
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • (formerly CHEM 212)
  • (formerly PHYS 110)
  • (formerly PHYS 112)
  • MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT:
  • OR
  • Note: students must have at least a “C” average in BIOL 111/111L and BIOL 113/113L to take 300-level Biology courses.
  • BIOLOGY ELECTIVES:FOUR REQUIRED (14 credit minimum) (Only One can be a 200-Level)
  • SELECT THREE
  • (formerly BIOL247)
  • SELECT ONE
  • * (formerly BIOL 213)
  • AND
  • * (formerly BIOL 215)
  • (formerly BIOL 310)
  • (formerly BIOL 326)
  • (formerly BIOL-365)
  • **
  • (formerly ENSC 416)
  • * (BIOL 214 AND BIOL 216 count as one elective.)
  • ** If ENSC220 (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lecture) was selected in place of BIOL221 (General Ecology) above, then one electivemust be ENSC220L (Theoretical & Applied Ecology Lab)
  • Students cannot double count ENSC 345 as both a mathematics requirement and a biology elective.
  • Co-Ops do not fulfill the elective requirement.
  • Students in the “4+” track must satisfy the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field at 鶹ý of New Jersey.Students in the “3+” track must satisfy at least 75% of the degree requirements.Click on the link for additional information:
  • To be eligible for Phase II of the Early Acceptance Program, 鶹ý students must satisfy the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate major. Degrees in fields other than the biological or physical sciences will need to be approved by LECOM and 鶹ý. NOTE: A 3.2 GPA in the major is required for graduation.
  • BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
  • PHARMACY PROGRAM (Joint TOURO COLLEGE OF PHARMACY)
  • (formerly BIOL 110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • * (formerly BIOL 213)
  • AND
  • * (formerly BIOL 215)
  • (formerly BIOL 310)
  • (formerly CHEM 112)
  • (formerly CHEM 210)
  • (formerly CHEM 212)
  • OR
  • OR
Requirements of the Minor
  1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses (lecture and lab co-requisites count as one course)required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.
BIOLOGY MINOR
  • Subject & Course # – Title & Course Description
  • REQUIRED COURSES:
  • (formerly BIOL110)
  • (formerly BIOL112)
  • BIOLOGY ELECTIVES: SELECT THREE (12 credit minimum) (one must be at the 300-400 level)
  • NOTE: All Biology major courses, except BIOL111, BIOL111L, BIOL113 and BIOL113L can be used as electives for the Biology minor.