Biology
Program Offerings
The Biology program offers both a B.S. and a B.A. in Biology, as well as a variety of dual degree programs in collaboration with other prestigious institutions. Students take classes in our new labs, work on state-of-the-art instruments, and can join faculty-led research projects.
Careers in the health care profession are considered among the highest employment growth areas for the next 10 to 15 years and many of these careers require advanced degrees beyond the bachelor's degree.
The Biology Program at the College of Saint Elizabeth has a long history of preparing students for a wide variety of careers in health care. We have affiliation agreements with professional graduate programs in many areas that either guarantee our students direct entrance into their programs, should the prerequisite requirements be met, or place our students in a higher priority pool of applicants compared to the at-large population of applicants.
Students who compile a strong undergraduate record can take advantage of our articulation agreements with Rutgers University, Le Moyne College, Methodist University, AUA College of Medicine, and others. County College students enjoy seamless transfers.
Overview & Mission
The Biology Program provides a rigorous and solid foundation to the principles of all important areas of modern biology. In the training of a biology major, emphasis is placed on critical thinking and investigative skills. The program also provides ancillary courses for students majoring in biochemistry and foods & nutrition. It also offers courses for non-science majors in an effort to increase the science literacy of all students and to provide a foundation for extending their understanding of science in daily life. The College of Saint Elizabeth is a member of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society.
Students fulfilling the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in biology are prepared for professional or graduate school. Students may also choose a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology which will prepare them for science-related careers outside of biology, such as business, health services, medical law and ethics, public health, science journalism, and science/health reporting.
Students can also obtain a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science by completing three years of course work in the Biology department of the College of Saint Elizabeth followed by 15 months at Rutgers University and its affiliated laboratory facilities. Options at Rutgers include medical technology or cytotechnology. Following completion of the three years plus 15 months, a student will obtain a joint degree from the two institutions. A complete description of the programs at Rutgers can be found at http://shrp.rutgers.edu/dept/CLS/.
A Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences is a joint degree conferred by the College of Saint Elizabeth and Rutgers University – School of Health Related Professions after completion of three years at CSE followed by 15 months at Rutgers University. Students have four programs of study to choose from – Cardiac Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vascular Sonography and Nuclear Medicine Technology. A complete description of the programs at Rutgers can be found at http://shrp.rutgers.edu/dept/med_imaging/.
The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) have developed a 3+4 program for qualified students. Students attend the College of Saint Elizabeth for three years and complete their required pre-requisite science and math courses as well as general education course requirements. Following the successful completion of all course requirements at CSE, a student will then attend the New York College of Podiatric Medicine for four years and complete training in podiatric medicine. A student receives her B.S. in Biology after completing the first year of the program at NYCPM and her D.P.M. at the completion of the program. A complete description of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine program can be found at http://www.nycpm.edu/.
The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) and Saint Joseph College, School of Pharmacy have developed a joint program for qualified students interested in pursuing a B.S./Pharm.D degree. Students attend the College of Saint Elizabeth for three years and complete their required pre-requisite science and math courses as well as general education course requirements. Following the successful completion of required biology and general education courses at CSE, a student will then attend Saint Joseph College, School of Pharmacy for three years and complete training in pharmacy. A student receives her B.S. in Biology after completing the first year of the program at Saint Joseph College and her Pharm.D at the completion of the program at Saint Joseph College, School of Pharmacy. A complete description of the Pharm.D program at Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy can be found at http://www.auamed.org/.
American University of Antigua College of Medicine will offer admission to the educational program leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree to graduates (B.S. in biology) of the College of Saint Elizabeth. The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) and the American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) have developed a B.S./M.D. program for qualified students. Students attend the College of Saint Elizabeth for four years and complete their B.S. in Biology at CSE. Following the successful completion of a B.S. in Biology at CSE, the student will then attend AUA for four years and complete training in medicine. A student receives her M.D. at the completion of the program at AUA. A complete description of AUA medical program can be found at http://www.usj.edu/academics/schools/school-of-pharmacy/.
Compatible with the Mission and Values of the College of Saint Elizabeth, the mission of the Biology Program is to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to the principles in biology. Our program emphasizes the application of the scientific process and practical skills necessary to be successful in attaining different career choices, and to be able to communicate the impact and significance of biology to society. The Biology Programs goal is to create a teaching and learning environment which:
- Provides students the breadth of knowledge in the biology discipline
- Provides students with investigative skills and promotes critical thinking
- Teaches and fosters ethical behavior and professional integrity
- Prepares students for admission into professional and graduate degree programs as well as the ability to be competitive in the science industry market and in science related careers.
- Prepares students to be informed and to communicate the major issues at the forefront of the biology discipline
Outcomes
Through completion of biology coursework and the capstone experience*, students in the B.A./B.S. biology degree program will demonstrate their competence in the major by being able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key biological principles in the general and sub-branches of the biology discipline
- Demonstrate how the scientific process is applied
- Access and effectively utilize current biological literature and communicate effectively in a variety of methods, including written papers, as well as oral presentations. Students will also be proficient in the use of modern technologies which facilitate communication (B.A./B.S. program)
- Demonstrate the integration of biology and the impact of science and their roles as biologists in society (B.A./B.S. program)
*Capstone Experience: an exam is given in two parts on two separate dates. The first day of the exam includes objective questions that consists of multiple choice questions covering Fundamentals of Biology I and II, Microbiology and Cell Biology. In addition, a separate exam section covers basic solution calculations. The second day consists of essay questions in upper-level elective courses specific to the B.A. program and B.S. program.
Graduates
Students who have graduated from the Biology Program have followed numerous career paths. Graduates have been accepted and/or entered professional schools in veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State Veterinary School and Ross University Veterinary School.
Other students have been accepted in medical schools such as Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA). Some have entered Ph.D. programs in various areas of science or Physician Assistant programs. Recent graduates are attending programs at Rutgers University and Seton Hall University.
Other graduates of the program have chosen other career paths, such as careers in pharmaceutical research, state public health/environmental and clinical laboratories, biostatistical analysis, documentation management, and privately owned pet stores.