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 Saint Elizabeth University 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 AUA College of Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy, Methodist University and NY College of Podiatric Medicine. 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. Saint Elizabeth University 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.
Compatible with the Mission and Values of Saint Elizabeth University, 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.