About the Major
Biology, the study of life processes, is a rich
and complex discipline. At Ramapo College, Biology is studied
from molecular, cellular, organismic, community, and evolutionary
perspectives.
The Biology major is organized to give our students a firm foundation
for understanding the central principles of the study of life
processes, yet it permits student flexibility to select courses
which reflect their own particular areas of interest. In the
core biology courses, students examine principles of change
and continuity, inheritance and evolution, unity and diversity
of organisms and their interaction with the environment and
the impact of the environment on all life forms.
Ramapo’s well equipped modern laboratories include an environmentally-controlled
greenhouse, an animal care facility, computer rooms, computerized
biology and physiology labs, and a tissue culture facility all
of which allow students to explore the many aspects of biology
both within the context of courses and as participants in faculty
research.
Graduating Biology majors:
- will
have a wide ranging knowledge of biology and the ability
to apply that knowledge in a problem-solving environment.
Students will appreciate that:
- organisms
are related to each other in time and space
- organisms
share processes by which information is coded and transmitted
- organisms
live in complex and fragile interacting ecosystems
- will
be proficient in basic laboratory skills common to biology
and chemistry, such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, gel
electrophoresis cell culture and volumetric and gravimetric
methodologies.
- will
have the ability to communicate scientific information clearly
and precisely, both orally and in written form.
- will
have had the opportunity to conduct research projects, either
as part of an upper level course or as a participant in
an active individual laboratory research projects within
the College or as part of an appropriate cooperative education
assignment outside the College.
- will
have an understanding of the principles of experimental
design and data analysis and be able to formulate and carry
out strategies for solving scientific problems.
- will
have the opportunity to take field courses which provide
a direct exposure to natural biological systems.
Biology
majors are prepared for graduate school, professional schools
of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related
professions. Graduates are also prepared to work in industry,
education, and government settings such as the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as examples.
The Teacher Education Program in Biological Science prepares
students for New Jersey State Certification to teach Biology
at the secondary level.
The Major is offered by the School of Theoretical and Applied
Science and leads to a B.S. degree.
BIOLOGY/PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAM WITH
UMDNJ
This program is offered jointly by Ramapo College and the University
of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Health
Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP). The program includes three
years (full time) undergraduate education at Ramapo College
followed by three years (full time) of entry-level professional
physical therapy education at UMDNJ. At the end of the senior
year of the undergraduate curriculum, which will also serve
as the first year of the graduate curriculum, students will
receive a B.S. degree (in Biology) conferred by Ramapo College.
The program terminates at the end of the second post baccalaureate
year in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree conferred by UMDNJ.
Students meeting the following criteria will be admitted into
the professional phase of the program at UMDNJ:
- Admission
to Ramapo’s Biology/Physical Therapy track (excellent
SAT scores and high school grade point average required)
- 3.0
GPA upon completion of all math and science prerequisites
at Ramapo
- A
prescribed course of study that includes a related co-op
experience
- Excellent
composite recommendation by RCNJ faculty
Students
who do not meet the admission criteria for entry to the professional
phase but demonstrate a satisfactory grade point average and
satisfactory scores on all three sections of the Graduate Record
Exam also may apply after three years of undergraduate education
to the UMDNJ Physical Therapy admission committee for admissions
to the program through the general application process. |
