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Introduction to the B.S. in Biology Program

The B.S. in Biology program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute emphasizes modern molecular and cellular-level biology, providing a strong background in quantitative, physical, and chemical biology. This vast field examines the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things.

Program Overview

The program trains students in analytical problem-solving skills using cutting-edge research approaches and technologies. Students obtain knowledge in a diverse range of biological sub-disciplines, including molecular and cellular-level biology or ecology and evolution. The curriculum provides a strong background in quantitative, physical, and chemical biology.

Career Opportunities

Many biology majors pursue careers in the health professions (medical, dental, vision, veterinary), while others plan for careers in ecological or environmental fields. Many pursue graduate school and conduct biological research. Others plan for careers that will relate to biology, such as management or law.

Program Outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students will:

• demonstrate proficiency in the foundational topics of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, and evolution.
• demonstrate additional competency in advanced Biological Sciences topics relative to their academic interest.
• be able to apply skills such as reading primary literature, developing testable hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and using statistical and quantitative methods.
• be able to communicate effectively on scientific topics in written and oral formats.
• be able to apply knowledge and skills from across the curriculum to current problems in biological sciences to generate integrative papers, proposals, or other types of projects.

Curriculum

The undergraduate curriculum (128-Credits) offers sufficient flexibility and course choices to allow students to tailor their education.

Academic Year Biology, B.S. Curriculum

The curriculum is rigorous and provides a comprehensive education in biology.

Research

Research is an important component of the B.S. in Biology. The program introduces students to biological research in basic and advanced laboratory courses, and most students pursue independent research in a faculty laboratory or through an internship or co-op during their Arch Away Semester.

Minors

Rensselaer students can minor in just about any degree area offered on campus. Minors of particular interest to those majoring in Biology include:

• Astrobiology
• Biochemistry & Biophysics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Mathematics
• Psychological Science
• Public Health

The Arch

The Arch is a unique approach to education that provides flexibility in the semester schedule, allowing students to pursue professional and personal development opportunities that prepare them to meet the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century.

Summer Here

During The Arch, students remain on campus for the summer after their sophomore year, taking junior-level classes, and receive focused attention from professors at this pivotal point in their academic progression.

The World Away

Then, students leave the Troy campus for a semester during the traditional junior yeareither fall or springto pursue their passions in the form of co-ops, internships, civic engagement, research, or international experiences. Students who pursue these opportunities during their academic career are better prepared for future professional careers and graduate school.

Faculty

The Biological Sciences faculty provide a variety of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in our degree programs.

Academic Opportunities

• Undergraduate Research: Student researchers play a critical role in the world-changing discovery, innovation, and breakthroughs taking place across campus.
• Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society: For undergraduate students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study, and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
• Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society: The National Health Preprofessional Honor Society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in preprofessional health scholarship.