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Biology is the study of life at all levels, from cells and molecules to organisms to ecosystems encompassing large parts of the Earth. Biology majors learn about areas of biology including evolution, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, development, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Majors also learn skills of quantitative analysis, writing, presentation, and experimental design that are fundamental to scientific training. Through small classes, labs, research opportunities, and personal advising, students receive a broad and deep education that prepares them for more than 200 biology-related careers and for professional training in medicine, dentistry, and other health sciences.
The biology major begins with the full-year introductory course, Concepts and Methods in Biology (BIO 111-112). To ensure that students gain a solid foundation in all areas of biology, majors must then take Genetics (BIO 222) and Genetics Project Lab (BIO 224), plus at least one class from each of three core groups: ecology/organismal (category I), anatomy and physiology (category II), and biochemistry, cell, and devel¬opmental biology (category III). Seniors must complete a Capstone Experience, either a seminar course such as BIO 423, BIO 438, BIO 465, or BIO 516, or two semesters of guided research (BIO 497 or BIO 498, followed by BIO 499). Additional courses from the core categories or from electives complete the requirements in biology. Because biological knowledge is based on an understanding of math and other sciences, biology majors must also complete courses in related areas, including a course in statistics (MTH 114), two semesters of general chemistry (CHE 111, 112), one semester of organic chemistry with lab (CHE 251, 252), and additional science and/or math courses. The B.A. and B.S. degrees have different requirements in these cognate areas; see the details below.
Biology students should take advantage of the opportunities available to participate in research with Adelphi faculty, either on a volunteer basis or for credit. This research experience is invaluable in mastering skills, expanding intellectual horizons, opening career opportunities, and sharing the thrill of discovery. Students are also invited to explore careers in the health professions by taking either Pre-Health Professions Internship (BIO 495), in which they observe in different departments at Winthrop Hospital or the dental preceptorship (BIO 498), in which they observe in a variety of dental offices.
A major in biology prepares students for biology-related careers in research, education, and diverse health professions such as medicine, dentistry, and optometry. Click here for information about pre-health preparation.
Requirements for the major in biology
Students have the opportunity to graduate with the designation of Honors in Biology.
The B.A. or the B.S.:
Which degree should I choose?
The B.S. degree (70 credits total) provides a rigorous foundation in biology and related areas of science and mathematics, and is recommended for students who plan to continue on to graduate school in biology or to professional schools in the health sciences (e.g. medicine, dentistry, and optometry). The B.A. degree (63 credits total) provides more flexibility in meeting the non-biology requirements, and is especially recommended for students with significant course requirements in other programs such as STEP (i.e. future high school science teachers) or the Honors College.
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing is granted to students who have successfully completed A.P. (Advanced Placement) courses in biology and who have achieved a passing score of 4 or 5 on the A.P. test. If Advanced Placement course work is accepted, credits will be given but no grade recorded and thus the Advanced Placement course will not be part of the GPA. Students may not take Advanced Placement credit and also receive additional credit for BIO 111, 112. Pre professional students should be aware that an increasing number of medical and dental schools will not accept Advanced Placement credit in the place of a full-year biology course offered at a college.
Transfer Students
All transfer students must complete a minimum of 16 biology credits applicable to the major at Adelphi University. |
Contact
For additional information, please contact:
Department of Biology
Science Building, Room 103
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY 11530
p - 516.877.4200
f - 516.877.4209
This page last modified on August 24, 2009.
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