Biology: Undergraduate

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Science Building, Room 113
Tandra Chakraborty, Professor and Chair
Eugenia Villa-Cuesta Chair, Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee
p – (516) 877-4200
f – (516) 877-4209
e – chakraborty@adelphi.edu
e – stump@adelphi.edu
e - biology@adelphi.edu
w – biology.adelphi.edu

Faculty

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, information literacy, critical thinking, writing, presentation, and experimental design which 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 -BIO 112 ). To ensure that students gain a solid foundation in all areas of biology, majors must then take Genetics (BIO 222 ) and Research 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 developmental biology (category III). Seniors must complete a Capstone Experience, either a seminar course such as BIO 423 , BIO 438 , BIO 465 , BIO 475  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 , CHE 112 ), one semester of organic chemistry with lab (CHE 251 , CHE 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.

Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP)

The Biology Department in association with the Adelphi University College of Education and Health Sciences offers a unique combined baccalaureate/master’s five year program (B.A. or B.S./MA) which allows a student to major in Biology and also fulfill courses in education that will lead to New York State teaching certification. See the Master of Arts Programs in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies Education, College of Education and Health Sciences .

Pre-Health Professions Preparation

The basic courses required by most professional schools include one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of biology, and one year of physics.

All students who intend to prepare for medical, dental, veterinary, osteopathic medical, podiatry, or optometry school, should register with the Office of Pre-Professional Advising before the end of their sophomore year.

The Dental Preceptorship Program

The Dental Preceptorship Program consists of a research project in a particular area within the field of the dental sciences, coupled with clinical experience and observation. Clinical experience will include rotations in pedodontics, periodontics, oral-facial maxillary surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, dental care of the handicapped, and preventive dentistry. Inquire at the Biology Department office.

Joint Degree/Early Assurance Programs

The Biology Department, with other departments, offers the following joint degree/early assurance programs:

• Dentistry
  Adelphi University/New York University College of Dentistry, 3–4 B.S./D.D.S.
  Note: This program is open to biology major students only.
• Adelphi University/LECOM School of Dental Medicine, 4-4 B.S./D.M.D.
  Note: This program is open to students in any major.
• Medicine
• Adelphi University/SUNY Upstate 4-4 B.S./M.D.
  Note: This program is open to students in any major.
• Adelphi University/Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4-4 B.S/D.O 
  Note: This program is open to students in any major.
• Optometry
  Adelphi University/SUNY College of Optometry, 3–4 B.S./O.D.
• Pharmacy
  Adelphi University/Albany College of Pharmacy, 3-4 B.S./Pharm.D.
• Podiatry
  Adelphi University/New York College of Podiatric Medicine, 3/4 B.S./D.P.M.
• Veterinary Medicine 
  Adelphi University/Ross University of Veterinary Medicine, 4-4 B.S./D.V.M
  Note: This program is open to students in any major

Please see the section on Pre-Professional Preparation  in this Bulletin for information about these and other joint degree/early assurance programs.

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  and BIO 112 . Preprofessional 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. Students should consult their adviser.

Transfer Students

All transfer students must complete a minimum of 16 biology credits applicable to the major at Adelphi University.

Honors in Biology

To qualify for honors in biology, the student must satisfactorily complete BIO 288  (normally in the sophomore or junior year), BIO 498 , BIO 499 ; maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in biology courses; defend an acceptable thesis before a committee of biology faculty; and fulfill the regular requirements for graduation. Acknowledgment of obtaining honors in biology will appear on the student’s final transcript.

Programs

• Biology, B.A.

• Biology, B.S.
• Neuroscience, B.S. - Molecular Neuroscience Concentration

• Biology Minor

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