Biology – BS

Program Overview:

The programs in Biology provide excellent preparation for laboratory work, research, teaching, medical school, veterinary school, allied health professions (such as physical therapy or physician’s assistant), or graduate study. The curriculum provides a thorough grounding in modern biology from the molecular to the organism level. After completing their introductory courses, students will choose one of two tracks. The first is a Cell and Molecular Biology track that prepares students for careers or graduate study in medically-related fields, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, microbiology, genetics, animal biology, and other areas. The second, an Ecology and Environmental Science track, is offered to students who wish to pursue a more field-oriented degree that emphasizes how organisms interact with their environment.

Once a student has matriculated, all major requirements must be taken at The College of Saint Rose unless formal written permission to do otherwise is given by the advisor and Dean of the School of Mathematics and Sciences with consultation of the instructor.

Students may opt to combine a science major with minors from disciplines such as political science, psychology, art and business. These combinations acquaint the student with important knowledge of a world increasingly influenced by science. Saint Rose graduates have had career opportunities in varied fields such as forensic science, law, medical illustration and genetic counseling.

Program Contacts:

Dr. Brian Jensen

Co-Chair, Physical and Biological Sciences Department

Email: jensenb@mail.strose.edu

Dr. Brad Bauer

Co-Chair, Physical and Biological Sciences Department

Email: bauerb@strose.edu

Program Webpage: Biology, BS

Program Requirements:

Major in Biology (68 credits)

Students must complete all of the CORE courses and the requirements for one of the tracks. The tracks may not be combined.

One Animal Biology course:

One Ecology course:

Those students opting for the Cell/Molecular Biology Track will also take the following courses:

Those students opting for the Ecology/Environmental Science Track will also take the following courses:

All 4-credit science courses have a required laboratory component.

A student who has taken BIO 100 or equivalent and changes to a Biology major may test out of BIO 190 and substitute one biology elective or may take BIO 190, BIO 191. Testing out satisfies prerequisites.

The Department of Physical and Biological Sciences highly recommends that all students majoring in the sciences take CSC 202 in fulfillment of their L08 Liberal Education requirement.

Students failing a course in the major three times will be dismissed from the major.

For those interested in pre-professional programs such as pre-medical or pre-veterinary studies, refer to the Academic Programs and Options section of this catalog.

For those interested in honors-level undergraduate research, please refer to the Research Honors section.

Internship/Field Experiences/Service:

Required Course

Suggested 4 Year Course Plan:

This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of a minimum of 122 overall credits.  It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide, not a definitive list of courses that must be taken as written. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.

Cell/Molecular Biology Track

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

 Year 4

¹ Students must take BIO 201, BIO 210, or BIO 234. BIO 201 and BIO 234 are generally offered in alternating fall semesters. BIO 210 is offered every spring semester.

 ² Students must take BIO 240, BIO 241, or BIO 242. BIO 240 and BIO 242 are generally offered in alternating fall semesters. BIO 241 is generally offered every spring semester.

Ecology/Environmental Track

Year 1

Year 2

Year 4

* Students must take an animal biology course (BIO 201 or BIO 234), and two ecology course (BIO 240, BIO 241, or BIO 242). The courses a student chooses to take in any given semester will depend the student’s progress in meeting these requirements.

 ²A liberal education or general elective course may be taken if the three biology course requirements above have been met*.

Professional Accreditation:

The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.

The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org

Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:

The program in biology provides excellent preparation for laboratory work, research, medical school, veterinary school, allied health professions, or graduate study.

Getting the undergraduate experiences necessary to qualify a student for medical, dental, or veterinary school can be challenging. While no specific undergraduate major is required, Biochemistry combined with field specific courses is strongly recommended. Faculty members at The College of Saint Rose help to ensure that students who want to go to medical, dental, or veterinary school have the advice, coursework, and support they need to help them prepare an effective application. Students are guided by the Pre-Med committee, a group of six faculty members who are dedicated to keeping students on-track for their chosen field.

Admissions and Financial Aid Information:

The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of First-Year applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete application as early as October. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.

What Makes an Application Complete

• Online or Paper application (fee waived for all applicants!)
• Official High School Transcripts
• Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
• SAT or ACT scores  (See Test Optional FAQ's)
• Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
• Essay or Graded Paper
• Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
• Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.
• Music applicants are required to complete an audition.

Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)

Scholarships and Financial Aid

See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.

The Bottom Line

The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we award more than $34 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.

Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.

More about Financial Aid

Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make your education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.

The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.

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