Skip to Main Content

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

Request More Info (Undergrad Short Program Form)

Request More Info

Choose a Saint Rose Biology Degree to Begin Your Scientific Career

Our science faculty are deeply committed to student success, teaching in both classrooms and labs, ensuring that students have valuable time with their professors and mentors.

Students are prepared for laboratory and field work, research, teaching, medical school, veterinary school, allied health professions such as physical therapist or physician’s assistant, or graduate study.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Saint Rose provides a solid and thorough grounding in the science of biology, enabling you to prepare for careers and graduate programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, the pharmaceutical industry, environmental science, and public health.

Our location in Albany, the state capital, means we’re close by to major research facilities, including the New York State Department of Health laboratories, as well as major biomedical research and pharmaceutical companies. Is environmental science your thing? The Capital Region is filled with natural beauty, and it’s just a short drive away from the Adirondack National Park.

Get Your Guide

Take a deep dive into our science programs. We prepare the next generation of scientists — are you ready to make your discovery?

Download Guide

Program Highlights

  • We offer various options for conducting undergraduate research on campus with Saint Rose faculty or off-campus in a credit-bearing internship at locations around the Capital Region.
  • Students have the opportunity to publish research in the Journal of Undergraduate Research and present research at the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
  • Take advantage of our articulation agreements with physical therapy, nutrition, and occupational therapy programs.

Two concentration options allow students to specialize in:

  • Cell and molecular biology
    for students interested in medical-related fields, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, microbiology, genetics, animal biology, and other areas
  • Ecology/environmental science
    for students interested in a field-oriented degree that emphasizes how organisms interact with their environment.

Our Well-equipped Facilities

Biology majors enjoy use of our facilities and equipment, including a cell culture facility, cryostat, fluorescence microscopy, digital physiographs (digital data-acquisition hardware), gel electrophoresis apparatus, micro-plate photometer (plate reader), standard and quantitative (q) PCR machines, and YSI multimeter.

Curriculum and Internships

Valuable research opportunities are available both on campus at Saint Rose and for internship credit at labs in the Capital Region.

The department also offers support for student travel to conferences, awards summer research grants, publishes an annual Undergraduate Research Journal, and holds an all-College undergraduate research symposium each spring.

Our Natural Science Association is an active student-run club that provides students interested in science with an opportunity to participate in science activities during weekly meetings. The Doctors’ Guild, our alumni organization, provides a network to exchange information, connect with alumni and faculty, and foster professional contacts.

View Course Requirements

  • The effective and correct use of biology scientific terminology
  • The collection and analysis of data

Under the guidance of Dr. Zeeh, Saint Rose granted me the necessary skill set to flourish in my current program. Dr. Zeeh, along with the other professors in the department, helped me tap into my passion and ensure that I would succeed in achieving my goals.

Saint Rose gave me the foundation and support I needed to feel prepared in taking the next step in building my career as a scientist.”

Caitlin Miller ’19

Ph.D. candidate, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Saint Rose provided me with copious opportunities that allowed me to delve deeper into my interests and discover my passions beyond academics. I received continuous support throughout my four years from the faculty in the science department, which has extended past graduation.

I credit the commitment displayed by the faculty to not only education but to challenge their students, toward my academic and personal accomplishments."

Nia Brown '20

Research fellow, The National Association to Advance Black Birth, Washington, D.C

Whenever you’re dealing in science, whatever policy or program you’re working with, you’re trying to elevate to the forefront of awareness. Education is really the beginning of that process.

Saint Rose, from the early onset of my career to now, provided me a platform that allowed me to become elevated."

Tim McAuley '01

U.S. Navy (Ret.) Ph.D. Environmental science and engineering from Clarkson Founder Owner of Change Environmental LLC, Saratoga Springs, New York

Meet Our Physical and Biological Sciences Faculty

Our faculty are great scholars, but your success is their top priority. Unlike large research institutions, Saint Rose is a place where professors invest in their students and put their energy into teaching, making for compelling classes and great learning outcomes.

Sara Alvaro Associate Professor of Chemistry

My research interests range broadly within the field of analytical chemistry, including environmental chemistry, food chemistry, and forensic chemistry. When working with students in my research, I like to find out what interests them and, together we design a viable research experience around that interest. My students regularly present research posters at Saint Rose’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, and some students have presented posters at the local American Chemical Society Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Sigma Xi induction ceremony.

Brad Bauer Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry

My research interests include computational and theoretical chemistry. I use molecular dynamics simulations to study properties of various aqueous solutions and interfaces at the atomic/molecular level. I have published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and have presented at national and regional conferences of the American Chemical Society. I like to incorporate highly motivated undergraduate students into my research projects. These students have presented their findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at The College of Saint Rose, and also at meetings of the Eastern New York Section of the American Chemical Society and the Albany Chapter of Sigma Xi.

Paul Benzing Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Philip M. Crim Assistant Professor of Biology

My research has revolved around plant physiology and ecology, with a more recent focus on terrestrial woody plants. Broadly, I am interested in the conservation of woody plant species, especially via ex situ cultivation, as well as gaining a better understanding of difficult species complexes such as oaks, willows, brambles, and hawthorns.

Sara AlvaroAssociate Professor of Chemistry

My research interests range broadly within the field of analytical chemistry, including environmental chemistry, food chemistry, and forensic chemistry. When working with students in my research, I like to find out what interests them and, together we design a viable research experience around that interest. My students regularly present research posters at Saint Rose’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, and some students have presented posters at the local American Chemical Society Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Sigma Xi induction ceremony.

Brad BauerAssociate Professor of Physical Chemistry

My research interests include computational and theoretical chemistry. I use molecular dynamics simulations to study properties of various aqueous solutions and interfaces at the atomic/molecular level. I have published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and have presented at national and regional conferences of the American Chemical Society. I like to incorporate highly motivated undergraduate students into my research projects. These students have presented their findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at The College of Saint Rose, and also at meetings of the Eastern New York Section of the American Chemical Society and the Albany Chapter of Sigma Xi.

Paul BenzingAssistant Professor of Environmental Science

Philip M. CrimAssistant Professor of Biology

My research has revolved around plant physiology and ecology, with a more recent focus on terrestrial woody plants. Broadly, I am interested in the conservation of woody plant species, especially via ex situ cultivation, as well as gaining a better understanding of difficult species complexes such as oaks, willows, brambles, and hawthorns.

Kelly Hallstrom Assistant Professor of Microbiology

I earned my bachelor’s in biology at Clark University, where I was first introduced to academic research under the guidance of enthusiastic and supportive mentors. It was this experience that made me want a career where I, too, could teach and mentor students. After a few years as a technician in a cancer biology lab, I pursued graduate studies at UMass Medical School and earned my Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. As a result of my previous experiences, I am interested in the ways in which environmental changes affect microbial growth and physiology. I have taught and mentored students at the graduate and undergraduate levels and find that research and teaching are best when paired together. I am also committed to science outreach and communication in the community and enjoy finding ways to incorporate science communication skills in the classroom.

Brian Jensen Professor of Biology

My academic background is diverse. I am currently interested in how organisms cope with environmental stressors. I have worked in labs that focused on teleost reproduction and development, adipogenesis in a mammalian cell line, and ischemia reperfusion in mammalian lungs. Students in my lab are currently determining the physiological effects of the toxin carbaryl on zebrafish development.

Patrick Jokiel Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry

I teach first and second semester organic chemistry, lecture, and laboratory and an upper-level laboratory course in organic chemistry. In addition to the organic chemistry offerings, I also teach a course in medicinal chemistry. I include my students in my research which includes the synthesis of heterocyclic organic molecules via transition-metal catalyzed oxidative C-H amination. Two Saint Rose students have been awarded summer research grants to work on these projects.

My research students have also presented posters on their work at the undergraduate research symposium here at the College of Saint Rose, at the annual meeting of the Albany chapter of Sigma Xi  and at the annual undergraduate research symposium hosted by the Eastern New York Section of the American Chemical Society.

Rebecca Landsberg Associate Professor of Biology

My research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the precerebellar system. This essential system is found in the brainstem and functions to regulate balance, posture, and motor control by relaying information from the central nervous system to the cerebellum. I also focus on understanding how exposure to teratogens, such as alcohol, during gestation impacts the development of the precerebellar neurons.

Kelly HallstromAssistant Professor of Microbiology

I earned my bachelor’s in biology at Clark University, where I was first introduced to academic research under the guidance of enthusiastic and supportive mentors. It was this experience that made me want a career where I, too, could teach and mentor students. After a few years as a technician in a cancer biology lab, I pursued graduate studies at UMass Medical School and earned my Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. As a result of my previous experiences, I am interested in the ways in which environmental changes affect microbial growth and physiology. I have taught and mentored students at the graduate and undergraduate levels and find that research and teaching are best when paired together. I am also committed to science outreach and communication in the community and enjoy finding ways to incorporate science communication skills in the classroom.

Brian JensenProfessor of Biology

My academic background is diverse. I am currently interested in how organisms cope with environmental stressors. I have worked in labs that focused on teleost reproduction and development, adipogenesis in a mammalian cell line, and ischemia reperfusion in mammalian lungs. Students in my lab are currently determining the physiological effects of the toxin carbaryl on zebrafish development.

Patrick JokielAssociate Professor of Organic Chemistry

I teach first and second semester organic chemistry, lecture, and laboratory and an upper-level laboratory course in organic chemistry. In addition to the organic chemistry offerings, I also teach a course in medicinal chemistry. I include my students in my research which includes the synthesis of heterocyclic organic molecules via transition-metal catalyzed oxidative C-H amination. Two Saint Rose students have been awarded summer research grants to work on these projects.

My research students have also presented posters on their work at the undergraduate research symposium here at the College of Saint Rose, at the annual meeting of the Albany chapter of Sigma Xi  and at the annual undergraduate research symposium hosted by the Eastern New York Section of the American Chemical Society.

Rebecca LandsbergAssociate Professor of Biology

My research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the precerebellar system. This essential system is found in the brainstem and functions to regulate balance, posture, and motor control by relaying information from the central nervous system to the cerebellum. I also focus on understanding how exposure to teratogens, such as alcohol, during gestation impacts the development of the precerebellar neurons.

Steven Strazza Professor of Chemistry

Keith Sturgess Associate Professor of Physics

I gained leadership experience through a 23-year career as an officer in the U.S. Army in the Field Artillery from Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel. As an Army physicist, I worked at the Army Research Laboratory on foliage and ground-penetrating radar design and testing. I have attended a number of workshops on innovative techniques for improving student performance and understanding in undergraduate physics courses, to include peer instruction, workshop physics, and studio physics. I use physics education research to inform my classroom presentations, and I am open to working on any physics problem that a student is interesting in investigating.

Ann Zeeh Professor of Biology

My teaching interests include genetics, cell biology, principles of biology, human heredity, and my research interests include antibiotic resistance in our environment, human traits influenced by androgen sensitivity, and HIV resistance in humans, Internships and fieldwork.

Steven StrazzaProfessor of Chemistry

Keith SturgessAssociate Professor of Physics

I gained leadership experience through a 23-year career as an officer in the U.S. Army in the Field Artillery from Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel. As an Army physicist, I worked at the Army Research Laboratory on foliage and ground-penetrating radar design and testing. I have attended a number of workshops on innovative techniques for improving student performance and understanding in undergraduate physics courses, to include peer instruction, workshop physics, and studio physics. I use physics education research to inform my classroom presentations, and I am open to working on any physics problem that a student is interesting in investigating.

Ann ZeehProfessor of Biology

My teaching interests include genetics, cell biology, principles of biology, human heredity, and my research interests include antibiotic resistance in our environment, human traits influenced by androgen sensitivity, and HIV resistance in humans, Internships and fieldwork.

Career Outlook

Organizations employing Saint Rose graduates:

  • Sierra Club
  • RNA Institute at University at Albany
  • Wadsworth Center
  • New York State Department of Health
  • Albany Pine Bush Preserve
  • New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center
  • Office of Forensic Services
  • New York State Division of Criminal Justice
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Best Jobs for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

The jobs available to biology graduates are plentiful, leaving students to weigh their options — which can be a good situation to find yourself in. Entry-level positions and long-term career opportunities are ripe for the picking for students with the right educational background.

Together, the instructors and career advisors at Saint Rose can provide the resources students require to succeed in their chosen field — including the field of biology.

Explore Careers in Biology

Contact Us Today

Of course, if you have any questions, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Got Questions?

Got Questions? (Undergrad Short Program Form)