紐澤西學院

The Department of Biology at The College of New Jersey provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive modern education in biology, with subject matter ranging in biological complexity from molecular and cell biology, through organismal biology, and on to ecology and evolutionary biology. The general objectives of the department are: 1) to develop in students an understanding of the biological principles that underlie all living things; 2) to instill in students a sense of inquiry; and 3) to sharpen the analytical thinking skills of students. The major is a liberal arts-based program that prepares students for a variety of opportunities after graduation, including entry into biology-related professional occupations, pursuit of advanced graduate study in biology, enrollment at medical and allied health professional schools, and teaching at the primary and secondary levels.

Students in the Department of Biology learn firsthand about the work of a biological scientist. They learn about both classic experiments and cutting edge research in biology from the classic literature, the finest textbooks, and current primary scientific literature. In the classroom, in the field, and in laboratories, scientific inquiry is the basis for learning, enhanced and encouraged by experienced, dedicated professors and the shared experiences of the class. Students construct hypotheses, develop research proposals, and hone their investigative and analytical skills through their work in course laboratories, research with faculty members, and mentored research at other institutions. Biology students discuss each other’s work, write research papers, and submit their findings via scientific poster presentations. This rich set of experiences allows each student to realize the concept goals of the biology program noted below.

The biology program has been designed to give all majors in the department exposure to the complete range of disciplines within biology. The biology core courses, which are required of all biology students, provide a solid foundation within biology from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Students then supplement this core curriculum through the selection of upper-level biology option courses in their particular areas of interest.

Program Concept Goals: The study of biology is increasingly complex and multi-disciplinary. However, there are central concepts which are fundamental to all biological systems. These concepts constitute the biology program’s Concept Goals, which are instilled in each student. Within biological systems, structure and function are interdependent. Within biological systems, structure and function are interdependent. Energy transformations underlie all biological processes. Expression of a unique subset of genes from an organism’s inherited DNA genome determines a cell’s particular characteristics. Biological diversity is the result of a continuous process of evolution in an ecological context.

Programs within Biology major: liberal arts, secondary education

BIOLOGY: SEVEN-YEAR BS/OD (OPTOMETRY) PROGRAM

This accelerated program works in conjunction with the State University of New York’s State College of Optometry in Manhattan and is available to entering first-year students and to enrolled biology first-year students and first-semester sophomores.