Biology Bachelor of Science Degree
RIT’s biology BS builds on current advances in the molecular, cellular, and ecological disciplines so you can launch your career or be prepare you for graduate, medical, veterinary, or pharmacy school.
$46K
Average First-Year Salary of RIT Graduates from this degree
28
Department Faculty Members
$1M+
Equipment in Genomics Lab
Overview for Biology BS
Why Study Biology at RIT
Industry Technology: Sequence and annotate whole genomes of a variety of organisms using the Illumina MiSeq in the Genomics Lab.
Work Experience: RIT’s cooperative education and internship program includes science co-ops that offer opportunities to gain real-world experience.
Participate in Undergraduate Research: Engage in research projects starting as early as your first year, preparing you for a wide range of careers with hands-on experience.
Strong Career Paths: Join biology BS graduates in becoming highly competitive applicants for acceptance into veterinary school, medical and dental school, and graduate programs in health care professions.
Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Biology encompasses the processes and patterns that characterize living cells, organisms, and ecosystems. In the College of Science, biology is something that students do, rather than something they merely learn. RIT’s biology BS emphasizes hands-on laboratory work and field experience conducted by career biologists.
RIT’s Biology Bachelor of Science Curriculum
You’ll start with foundation courses in biology, math, chemistry, and liberal arts and then immerse yourself in the biological sciences, studying:
- Animals
- Micro-organisms
- Plants at the level of molecules, cells, tissues, organisms, populations, and the environment
You will acquire a comprehensive set of practical skills, from the proper way to prepare cultures in the lab to gathering and analyzing ecological data in the field.
And since scientific knowledge is based on research, students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate biology research projects to enhance their educational experience and prepare them for graduate school or full-time employment.
Furthering Your Education in the Biological Sciences
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Students enrolled in the biology bachelor’s degree will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and chiropractic medicine, as well as a wide range of graduate programs in the life sciences. Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
- Biology BS/Environmental Science MS: In this combined accelerated dual degree pathway, the biology BS degree provides a robust background in molecular, cellular, and ecological disciplines of biology. This dynamic course work is coupled with lab courses that provide hands-on bench skills and access to technology used by industry professionals. Blend your foundation in biology with a master’s in environmental science to add unique field work, interdisciplinary coursework, and cutting edge research that will set you apart when applying for jobs. Graduates of this program are working to address global issues like climate change, habitat loss, species conservation, pollution, and more.
- +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
If you’re interested in pursuing medical school and/or graduate programs in the health professions, two advising programs can guide your planning for advanced study in these competitive areas of study:
- Pre-Health Professions Program: Through guidance and personalized advising, you’ll become a competitive candidate for admission to graduate programs in the medical and health professions.
- Pre-Vet Advising Program: Maximize your candidacy for admission to veterinary schools with customized advising and guidance.
-
Apply for Fall 2025
First-year students can apply for Early Decision II by Jan. 1 to get an admissions and financial aid assessment by mid-January.
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Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Research Laboratory Technician | Veterinary Assistant | Lab Technician |
| Microbiology Laboratory Technician II | Doctor's Assistant | Quality Control Lab Technician |
| Medical Scribe | Clinical Research Scientist |
Industries
Cooperative Education
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Science co-ops include a range of hands-on experiences, from co-ops and internships and work in labs to undergraduate research and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide the hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
As a biology undergraduate, you have the option to pursue co-op and internship opportunities in research, lab support, or data analysis in private businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Biology BS students have worked for hospitals, wildlife centers, veterinary clinics, food companies, and pharmaceutical firms.
National Labs Career Events and Recruiting
The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.
Featured Work and Profiles
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![Kevin King]()
RIT Academic Journey Paved the Way to Monitoring Drug Safety
After earning a BS in biology and MS in clinical chemistry, Kevin King ’10 has established himself as a proficient Pharmacovigilance professional, responsible for overseeing the safety of...
Read More about RIT Academic Journey Paved the Way to Monitoring Drug Safety -
![Ashley Tucker in an RIT lab,]()
Fulbright Scholar Works to Improve Malaria Diagnostics in Nigerian Communities
RIT student Ashley Tucker was awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to conduct research in Nigeria, focusing on improving malaria testing accuracy.
Read More about Fulbright Scholar Works to Improve Malaria Diagnostics in Nigerian Communities -
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Embracing the Journey of Medical School
On her path to working with underserved communities in Arizona, Dr. Teresa Ayela-Uwangue ’02 learned the value of exploring a wide range of interests.
Read More about Embracing the Journey of Medical School -
![headshot of Michael Stanton]()
From Biology & Basketball to Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Michael Stanton '03 (biology) Dr. Michael Stanton ’03 was recruited for basketball and studied biology at RIT. Now he continues both passions as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.
Read More about From Biology & Basketball to Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine -
![Kelsey Lawton standing in front of College of Science sign]()
Dual Degree at RIT: Accelerating a Career in Veterinary Medicine
Kelsey Lawton ’21 graduated with a dual biology BS/environmental science degree and is now an in vivo toxicology technician at iuvo Bioscience, a pharmaceutical and medical device industry research...
Read More about Dual Degree at RIT: Accelerating a Career in Veterinary Medicine -
![Mark Cicero standing on top of a mountain]()
Biology: The Intersection of Discovery, Ethics, Equity and Wellness
Mark Cicero ’97 (biology) Dr. Mark Cicero ’97 leveraged his degree in Biology to pursue a career in medicine, research, education, training, and advocacy.
Read More about Biology: The Intersection of Discovery, Ethics, Equity and Wellness
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Biology BS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Biology, BS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| BIOL-123 | Introduction to Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education) This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating. Small-group recitation sessions will develop study skills, introduce faculty research opportunities, and foster communication between students, peer mentors and teaching faculty. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Fall). |
3 |
| BIOL-124 | Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells (General Education) This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the molecular and cellular level. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| BIOL-125 | Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education) This course is an introduction to laboratory work in life sciences. The laboratory work is project-based, and may involve field work as well as laboratory experiments. The course is designed to show the huge scope of biology and will encompass how some molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques connect with organismal and ecological biology. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.
Co-requisites: BIOL-123 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall). |
1 |
| BIOL-126 | Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Molecules and Cells (General Education) This course is an introduction to laboratory work in life sciences. The laboratory work is project based, and the subject matter of the project(s) may vary. The course is designed to show the huge scope of biology and will encompass some molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques connect with organismal and ecological biology. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.
Co-requisites: BIOL-124 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring). |
1 |
| CHMG-141 | General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) This is a general chemistry course for students in the life and physical sciences. College chemistry is presented as a science based on empirical evidence that is placed into the context of conceptual, visual, and mathematical models. Students will learn the concepts, symbolism, and fundamental tools of chemistry necessary to carry on a discourse in the language of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the transformation of these bonds through chemical reactions. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are introduced throughout the course to emphasize the connection between chemistry and the other sciences. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| CHMG-142 | General & Analytical Chemistry II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective) The course covers the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions. The relationship between energy and entropy change as the driving force of chemical processes is emphasized through the study of aqueous solutions. Specifically, the course takes a quantitative look at: 1) solubility equilibrium, 2) acid-base equilibrium, 3) oxidation-reduction reactions and 4) chemical kinetics. (Prerequisites: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| CHMG-145 | General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-141 lecture material. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques and data analysis skills. Topics include: gravimetric, volumetric, thermal, titration and spectrophotometric analyses, and the use of these techniques to analyze chemical reactions. (Corequisite: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1 |
| CHMG-146 | General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab (General Education) The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-142 lecture material. The course emphasizes the use of experiments as a tool for chemical analysis and the reporting of results in formal lab reports. Topics include the quantitative analysis of a multicomponent mixture using complexation and double endpoint titration, pH measurement, buffers and pH indicators, the kinetic study of a redox reaction, and the electrochemical analysis of oxidation reduction reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-131 or CHMG-141 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMG-142 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1 |
| MATH-161 | Applied Calculus (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A) This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills. (Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH-101, MATH-111, MATH-131, NMTH-260, NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or Math Placement Exam score greater than or equal to 45.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
General Education – Artistic Perspective |
3 | |
General Education – Social Perspective |
3 | |
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| BIOL-206 | Molecular Biology (General Education) This course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Class discussions, assignments, and projects will explore the structure and function of biologically important molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) in a variety of cellular and molecular processes. Students in this course will explore the molecular interactions that facilitate the storage, maintenance and repair of DNA and processes that drive the flow of genetic information and evolution. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. The foundational molecular concepts in this course will be built upon in a variety of upper-level biology courses. (Prerequisite:(BIOL-101,BIOL-102,BIOL-103&BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121&BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123,BIOL-124,BIOL-125&BIOL-126)or equivalent courses with a grade of C- or higher.
Co-requisite:(CHMG-141&CHMG-145)or(CHEM-151&CHEM-155) or CHMG-131 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| BIOL-216 | Molecular Biology Laboratory (General Education) This laboratory course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Students in this laboratory will complement their understanding of core concepts in Molecular Biology through the implementation and practice of laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists. Laboratory techniques and projects will focus on recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. (Prerequisite:(BIOL-101&BIOL-102&BIOL-103&BIOL-104)or(BIOL-121&BIOL-122)or(BIOL-123&BIOL-124&BIOL-125&BIOL-126)or equivalent courses w/ grade of C- or higher.
Co-requisite:BIOL-206&((CHMG-141&CHMG-145)or(CHEM-151&CHEM-155)orCHMG-131)or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring). |
1 |
| BIOL-302 | Cell Biology This course will address the fundamental concepts of cell biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will 1) Explore the structure-function relationships that drive cellular processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. 2) Investigate the mechanisms of cellular signaling and the transmission of genetic information. 3) Examine energy transformation strategies and the biochemical pathways used for synthesis and breakdown of ATP and other important biomolecules. 4) Investigate the organizational strategies used by cells to form functional tissue and organ systems. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| BIOL-499 | Biology Co-op (summer)* Cooperative education experience for undergraduate biological sciences students. CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| CHMO-231 | Organic Chemistry I (General Education) This course is a study of the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of the following functional groups: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes. This course also introduces chemical bonding, IR and NMR spectroscopy, acid and base reactions, stereochemistry, nucleophilic substitution reactions, and alkene and alkyne reactions. In addition, the course provides an introduction to the use of mechanisms in describing and predicting organic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-142 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMO-235 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| CHMO-232 | Organic Chemistry II (General Education) This course is a continuation of the study of the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of the following functional groups: aromatic systems, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, and carbonyls. This course will introduce the use of mechanisms in describing and predicting organic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMO-231 or CHMO-331 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMO-236 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| CHMO-235 | Organic Chemistry Lab I (General Education) This course trains students to perform techniques important in an organic chemistry lab. The course also covers reactions from the accompanying lecture CHMO-231. (Corequisite: CHMO-231 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1 |
| CHMO-236 | Organic Chemistry Lab II(General Education) This course teaches students to apply basic lab techniques to organic synthetic experiments reactions covered in the accompanying lecture COS-CHMO-232. This course will also help students to solidify the concepts taught in lecture. The course will continue to instruct students in maintaining a professional lab notebook. (Prerequisites: CHMO-235 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMO-232 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring). |
1 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B) This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used. (Prerequisites: Any 100 level MATH course, or NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or (NMTH-250 with a C- or better) or a Math Placement Exam score of at least 35.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| STAT-155 | Introduction to Biostatistics (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B) |
|
| Choose one of the following: | 4 |
|
| BIOL-240 | General Ecology (WI-PR) This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| BIOL-265 | Evolutionary Biology (WI-PR) This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
General Education – Ethical Perspective |
3 | |
General Education – Global Perspective |
3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| PHYS-111 | College Physics I (General Education) This is an introductory course in algebra-based physics focusing on mechanics and waves. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s laws, gravitation; rotational kinematics and dynamics; work and energy; momentum and impulse; conservation laws; simple harmonic motion; waves; data presentation/analysis and error propagation. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings. Attendance at the scheduled evening sessions of this class is required for exams. There will be 2 or 3 of these evening exams during the semester. Competency in algebra, geometry and trigonometry is required. Lab 4, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
4 |
| PHYS-112 | College Physics II General Education) This course is an introduction to algebra-based physics focusing on thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and elementary topics in modern physics. Topics include heat and temperature, laws of thermodynamics, electric and magnetic forces and fields, DC and AC electrical circuits, electromagnetic induction, the concept of the photon, and the Bohr model of the atom. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings. Attendance at the scheduled evening sessions of this class is required for exams. There will be 2 or 3 of these evening exams during the semester. (Prerequisites: PHYS-111 or PHYS-211 or equivalent course.) Lab 4, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| BIOL-321 | Genetics Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| BIOL-365 | Introduction to Population Genetics This course consists of a study of DNA, genes, inheritance, genetic variation, genetic architecture, and change within and among populations. Fundamental genetics topics include DNA, gene, and chromosomal structure and function along with, transmission genetics, Mendelian inheritance patterns, sex-linked inheritance, genetic linkage, and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. Population based topics will include genetic variation, its importance, how it originates and is maintained as well as inbreeding, random mating, mutation, migration, selection, genetic drift, the effects of small population size, fitness, population subdivision, the shifting balance theory, inter-deme selection, kin selection, neutral theory, molecular evolution, molecular clocks, multi-gene families, gene conversion, artificial selection, the genetic basis of quantitative traits and the fundamental theorem of natural selection. (Prerequisites: BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
|
| Choose one of the following: | 4 |
|
| BIOL-322 | Developmental Biology This course is a study of the processes of growth, differentiation and development that lead to the mature form of an organism. The course will also address how developmental biology is integrated with other aspects of biology including disease, ecology, and evolution. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| BIOL-313 | Comparative Animal Physiology This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
|
Program Electives |
12 | |
Open Elective |
3 | |
General Education – Immersion 1 |
3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| BIOL-500 | Experiential Learning Requirement in Life Science The experiential learning (EL) requirement may be fulfilled through a variety of methods including co-op, undergraduate research, summer research experiences, study abroad relevant to the major, designated EL courses, etc. All experiences must be approved by the GSOLS EL Committee. Lecture (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
0 |
Program Electives |
17 | |
Open Electives |
9 | |
General Education – Immersion 2, 3 |
6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 |
|
* Biology Co-op is for co-op track students only.
Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
Biology Electives
| Course | |
|---|---|
| BIOL-205 | Animal Behavior This course is a comparative study of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Lectures will examine the organization of behaviors including survival behaviors, social dynamics, and human behavior. Labs will demonstrate methods of gathering and interpreting behavioral data in the laboratory and in the field. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-207 | Galapagos: Ecology and Evolution A semester-long lecture course followed by a 14-day field trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Students meet weekly on the RIT campus during spring semester to learn about the wildlife and geology of the islands, and about their influence on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Galápagos is still an area of vibrant research and students will be introduced to current ecological, genetic, and geological studies. We will explore ongoing difficulties of balancing human needs with environmental conservation in the Galápagos. The field trip occurs shortly after the close of the semester in which the course is given. We will visit various sites in the islands, with excursions focusing on the unique wildlife and the geology. There are frequent snorkeling opportunities. The course provides outstanding opportunities for nature photography. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. A travel fee is required. (Permission of instructor) (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Lecture 1 (Fall). |
| BIOL-211 | Invertebrate Zoology A study of the biology of invertebrate animals with emphasis on phylogeny and functional morphology. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-212 | Vertebrate Zoology This course provides a synthesis of the ecological, behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of vertebrates in an evolutionary context. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-218 | Biology of Plants This course will focus on aspects of plant anatomy and diversity and their impact on plant physiology. Adaptations to the environment and biotechnological approaches to unraveling the physiology of plants will be explored. A feature of this course will be discussion groups on plant topics from the popular scientific literature- e.g. Biofuels, Bioengineered Plants. The laboratory classes will follow the lectures closely, to give an opportunity to examine the structure and physiology of different plant genera. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| BIOL-220 | Biology of Fungi and Insects This course provides a foundational understanding of fungal and insect biology. The first half of the semester will explore fugal cell biology, diversity, and reproduction, the role of fungi as pathogens and beneficial symbiotes, and fungal interactions with humans. The second half of the semester will explore insect morphology, physiology, reproduction, and the interaction of insects with other organisms (e.g., plants, fungi, humans, and other animals). (Prerequisites: BIOL-102 or BIOL-122 or BIOL-123 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-230 | Bioinformatics Languages This is an introductory course in languages commonly used in bioinformatics and their application to biological data. We will investigate the use of multiple languages for processing sequence and "-omics" data, building analysis pipelines, integrating languages, managing a variety of biological data types, and providing effective interfaces to existing tools for analysis of these data. The course is largely based around live-code demonstration, in-class assisted coding assignments, and a student-designed final class project. (Prerequisites: BIOL-135 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2, Studio 2 (Spring). |
| BIOL-296 | Ethical Issues in Biology and Medicine This course explores major ethical issues in medicine and biology via lecture, readings, films, and presentation and discussion of cases. Students report on current events in ethics as researched on the internet or other news media. The first portion of the course is in a lecture format. Students learn about various theories of ethical analysis that are in current use. Subsequent classes are devoted to particular ethical areas. Relevant cases are given to the students for presentation in both written and oral formats. Any additional background material that may be required to discuss the cases is presented by the instructor and the remainder of the period is discussion based on the philosophical foundation provided at the beginning of the course. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-305 | Plants, Medicine, and Technology Plants have played a significant role in the shaping of our world. This course will explore the utilization of plants for foods, fuels, materials, medicine, novel genetic information, and social aspects of different cultures. All cultures depend on about fifteen plant species, most of which have been changed by plant improvement methods to enhance human benefits. This course will explore these changes in important crops, plant constituents used in medicine, and the technology used to produce important plant-produced medicines. (Prerequisite: BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Spring). |
| BIOL-306 | Food Microbiology This course presents the microbiology of foods. Topics include microbial food spoilage, foodborne pathogens, food preservation techniques, and environmental parameters found in foods important in the survival of food spoilage microbes and foodborne pathogens. The lab will include exercises on isolating heterotrophs from all kinds of food, isolation of fungi from various foods, and the survival of various pathogens in food and beverages. (Prerequisites: BIOL-204 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-309 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy This course is a comparative study of the evolution of organ systems among vertebrate animals with an emphasis on structural changes in homologous characters among representative vertebrate lineages. The course will explore the concepts of allometry, biomechanics, biophysics, ontogeny, phylogeny using examples from vertebrate integument, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urogenital, endocrine, nervous, and sensory systems. (Prerequisites: BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 1 (Spring). |
| BIOL-311 | Introduction to Microbiology This course is an introduction to microorganisms and their importance. Principles of structure and function, metabolic diversity, taxonomy, environmental microbiology, and infectious diseases of bacteria and human immunology are discussed. Current concepts in microbiology including microbial communities and the microbiome will also be covered. Students will learn how to read and use the primary literature for microbiology. The class will also discuss political and ethical issues associated with microbiology. Basic laboratory techniques for bacteriology will be learned. These techniques include the use of a microscope to characterize organisms that have been stained using the Gram stain or the spore stain. Students will learn to isolate individual organisms from a mixture of bacteria. Students will learn to use metabolic tests and clinical and commercial testing protocols to identify specific bacteria. Students will detect and enumerate bacteria in food and water samples. The control of bacteria will be performed by testing antibiotic resistance and determining the efficacy of various disinfectants. Finally, each student will develop a hypothesis about a microbiological topic, design experiments, perform the work in the laboratory and write a paper about their findings. (Prerequisites: BIOL-206 and BIOL-216 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-315 | Tissue Culture Laboratory This course will address the fundamental skills and concepts required to culture and maintain mammalian cells in culture. Laboratory discussions, assignments and projects will allow students to develop basic eukaryotic tissue culture techniques and explore tissue culture techniques in modern research and medical applications. (Prerequisites: BIOL-202 or (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or equivalent courses and students in BIOTECH-BS, BIOL-BS or NEURO-BS programs.
Co-requisites: BIOL 302 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-327 | Fundamental Bioinformatics Analysis This course addresses the fundamental concepts of bioinformatics, focusing on computational analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. Utilization of computational programs for analysis of individual and multiple sequences for functional and evolutionary information will be discussed. The computational laboratory will highlight the applications available for analysis of molecular sequences. (Prerequisite: BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2, Studio 2 (Fall). |
| BIOL-335 | Phage Biology Viruses that infect bacteria (phages) are ubiquitous wherever their hosts reside– whether in soil, a hot spring or our own digestive tract. Phages are also the most abundant and diverse biological entities, consequently phage research is relevant to health, industry, agriculture, ecology and evolution. Phage Biology is a research-intensive course designed to explore the fundamental properties of phages, how they interact with their bacterial hosts, the major techniques used to characterize them and their applications. Since phage particles are comprised of DNA and protein the techniques employed in this course have relevance to many other biological disciplines. This course will develop both laboratory and analytical skills as students will isolate and characterize mutant phages in a novel model system, becoming mutation sleuths to determine mutation locations and their effect. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-340 | Genomics The overall goal of this course is to familiarize students with the theory and analysis of genomics data. Students will survey topics including the structure, organization, and expression of the genome in a diverse array of organisms ranging from microbes to humans. Students will also become familiar with the analysis of next generation ‘omics-type data through a series of computational activities and problem sets. A hands-on laboratory component will guide students through a rigorous investigation of genomes. (Prerequisites: BIOL-321 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-343 | Tropical Ecology |
| BIOL-345 | Molecular Ecology This course explores the biology of populations and communities of organisms using molecular data. As DNA, RNA and proteins are nearly universal between organisms, the principles taught in this course will have wide applications, both within ecology and throughout many sub-disciplines of biology. Furthermore, this course will prepare students to apply the techniques in numerous research fields. The primary literature and worldwide applications of the field of molecular ecology will be incorporated into the course. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-371 | Freshwater Ecology This course will explore the ecology of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands; with an emphasis on ecosystems in Western New York. The chemical and physical environment of each system and the resulting biological communities will be explored. Threats to the ecosystem services supplied by freshwater resources will also be investigated. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-372 | Biology Without Walls Join a team of Life Science students to delve into a real-world field course. We will explore terrestrial, aquatic, invertebrate, vertebrate, plants and fungus together to understand the impacts of climate change and humans on ecosystems from the perspective of a glaciated, protected field site. Learn to work in the field, collect and analyze samples of all kinds, network with scientists, and build a skill set that will prepare you for your future. This course will have online and in person components in the semester, and we will travel to the field site at for an immersive field experience. Students must attend all sessions, including several days at the field site, to earn the credits for this course. Because this is a field-based course, travel to the selected field site is a requirement (e.g. a long-term field station in Northeast Pennsylvania). There will be an additional course fee assessed that will cover your expenses for travel, on site lodging, and food while away from RIT. Questions regarding travel or the fee should be directed to the course instructors. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or equivalent courses.) Activity, Lab 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-375 | Advanced Immunology This course is an in-depth treatment of the molecular and cellular events associated with innate and adaptive immune responses. The response of the host to the environment of microbes and pathogens will be emphasized. Recognition and response of the host to the infectious agents and the resolution of the disease state will be examined at the cellular and molecular levels. The laboratories will focus on the cellular and molecular techniques employed in the modern immunology laboratory, including culturing cells, isolating RNA, performing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and completing enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). (Prerequisites: BIOL-302 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-385 | Seneca Park Zoo Internship This course will combine in-class lecture from specialists in the zoological field with volunteering in a zoo. This course will require the use of knowledge gained to design an exhibit for a selected species as a group. Topics covered will include the purpose of zoos, the history of the Seneca Park Zoo, wildlife medicine, population (conservation) genetics, biological exhibit design, zoo research, animal behavior, zoo management, zoo community education, and zoo ethics. There will be an opportunity to develop an understanding of the biological basis of the zoo’s activities. This course will provide an intensive hands-on experience by assisting zoo staff in one department area for 8 hours, plus 2 hours of classroom work, per week over the semester. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| BIOL-401 | Biological Separations: Principles and Practices This is a laboratory-based course that teaches classic concepts and techniques to enable the use of these techniques to purify small molecules and macromolecules from whole organisms. Detection techniques will include the use of bacterial biosensors, coomassie-blue staining, silver staining, and immunoblot analysis. Separation techniques will include SDS Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis, thin layer chromatography, and paper electrophoresis. Purification techniques will include ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography, and thin layer chromatography. (Prerequisites: BIOL-321 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-403 | Fundamentals of Plant Biochemistry and Pathology This course is primarily focused on biochemical and pathological aspects of a plant's life. This course provides an understanding of why protein catalysts are important in the field of plant biochemistry and plant pathology. More specifically, the role enzymes play in the basic cellular processes of plant growth and development is presented. Topics related to plant pathology are presented; such as plant disease epidemics, plant diagnosis, plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses, and plant-pathogen interaction, at the ecological, physiological and genetic level. (Prerequisites: BIOL-321 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
| BIOL-404 | Microbiology of Fermentation Microbial fermentation is a hands-on course that will explore the use of fermented foods by early humans and the eventual control of the fermentative process by human culture. An understanding of the metabolism of fermenting microorganisms will be developed including an appreciation for metabolic engineering, starter cultures, and the genetic engineering of fermenting organisms. The course will also examine various fermentation processes including dairy products, cheese, meat, vegetables, bread, beer, wine, distilled spirits, vinegar, cocoa, and coffee. The course includes a laboratory component. (Prerequisites: BIOL-204 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| BIOL-408 | Biology of Cancer (WI-PR) What are the differences between cancer and normal cells? What cellular pathways and molecular mechanisms do cancer cells exploit to gain proliferative advantage, circumvent programmed cell death pathways and evade the host surveillance system? In this course, students will answer these fundamental questions through activities, class discussion, readings and other assignments. Students will explore how the products of tumor suppressor genes, proto-oncogenes and oncogenes help or hinder the process of tumorigenesis in mammalian cells. Students will gain an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cancer cell growth, communication and organization. Students will become familiar with landmark findings and current research in the area of Cancer Biology and will use experimental data to formulate scientific conclusions. Students will participate in several writing assignments to practice scientific writing and learn how to clearly communicate ideas related to Cancer Biology. (Prerequisites: BIOL-201 or BIOL-302 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-412 | Human Genetics (WI-PR) The course provides an overview of concepts and applications in human genetics. Topics include classical and complex mechanisms of inheritance, the human genome, human origins & evolution, forensic applications, personalized medicine, and ethical issues. (Prerequisites: BIOL-321 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-414 | Animal Nutrition Students will explore applied topics in companion, agriculture, and wildlife animal nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on an overview of nutrient classes and methods of nutrient analysis, biological nutrient requirements, comparative digestive strategies, and specialized adaptations of animal taxa with different feeding strategies. Class discussions will focus on reading and interpretation of primary literature and investigating applied nutritional research questions. (Pre-requisite: BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOL-212 or BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-415 | Virology This course is an introduction to virology with specific emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of virus infection of eukaryotic cells and virus-cell interactions. Virus structure, genetics, the infectious cycle, replication strategies, pathogenesis, persistence, effects on host macromolecular synthesis, viral oncogenesis, viral vectors, emerging viral diseases, and strategies to protect against and combat viral infection will be discussed. (Prerequisites: BIOL-201 or BIOL-302 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-416 | Plant Biotechnology In this course aspects of plant biotechnology will be investigated. Areas of concentration will include: tissue culture, genetic transformation of plant cells, regeneration of transgenic plants, and the construction and characterization of transgenic plants for food production, experimental biology investigations, and novel product(development. The laboratory will provide experiences to complement(the lecture information in plant cell culture and experiences in the use of Agrobacterium as the gene shuttle to introduce novel genetic information into plants. (Prerequisites: BIOL-204 and BIOL-321 and BIOL-327 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-418 | Plant Molecular Biology The course will introduce molecular biology concepts and encourage the application of these concepts to the particular plant gene being studied. This upper-level elective course has a strong laboratory element. Small groups will study different plant genes during the semester. The laboratory element will be a self-paced group project to amplify, clone, sequence, and examine the expression profiles of plant genes. Gene databases such as TAIR and NCBI, as well as sequence analysis software, will be used throughout the course. The groups will be guided to make week-by-week project plans, to troubleshoot problems, and record results in laboratory notebooks. In addition, weekly results and progress will be shared via an interactive wiki. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-420 | Bacterial-Host Interactions: Microbiomes of the World This course focuses on the bacterial and host (human, insect, plant, animals and fungi) mechanisms used in interactions with hosts during both pathogenesis and symbiosis. We will explore molecular, microbiome and genomic levels, drawing on the disciplines of genomics, biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. Several of the agonistic and antagonistic interactions will illustrate broader principles and contribute to our fundamental understanding of biological processes. The results of these interactions have a strong impact on biological productivity, and so are also ever increasing important in human health. An emphasis will be on the roles of molecules and cell structures in determining the outcome of an interaction. Course is intended to allow students to develop knowledge of host-bacterial interactions at the molecular to organismal level, with an emphasis on several model symbiotic- and patho-systems. Knowledge about bacterial mechanisms use to associate with host organisms and the different strategies bacteria employ to gain entry, damage host tissue and obtain nutrients for growth will be explored. We will also illustrate several mutualistic relationships between eukaryotic hosts with partner symbiotic bacteria. Genomic approaches to describe microbiomes (microbial communities) on host organisms and in environments will also be explored. (Prerequisites: BIOL-204 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer). |
| BIOL-427 | Microbial and Viral Genetics (WI-PR, WI-GE) The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of the genetic systems of prokaryotes and their viruses. There are two major foci: (1) the mechanisms bacteria and their viruses employ to preserve the integrity of their genomes and regulate gene expression, and (2) the mechanisms by which these entities acquire new genetic material. The relevance of these processes to evolution and the development of new traits that facilitate survival under new environmental conditions (e.g., antibiotic resistance) is highlighted, especially with regard to clinically, industrially and agriculturally important microbes. Molecular processes whose discovery led to the formation of important research and/or biotechnological tools will also be discussed. Students will participate in laboratory projects which highlight important mechanisms, such as transformation, transduction, lysogeny, conjugation and CRIPSR-Cas acquired adaptive immunity. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-428 | Eukaryotic Gene Regulation and Disease This course presents an overview of gene expression in eukaryotic systems, with an emphasis on how disease can result when gene regulation is disrupted. Points of control that are examined include: chromatin structure, transcription initiation, transcript processing, stability and modification, RNA transport, translation initiation, post-translational events, and protein stability. The mechanisms involved in regulating these control points are discussed by exploring specific well studied cases. The significance of these processes is highlighted by a discussion of several diseases that have been shown to be due to defects in gene regulation. (Prerequisites: BIOL-201 or BIOL-302 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-441 | Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology (WI-PR) This is a laboratory-based course on the introduction to the theoretical basis, laboratory techniques, and applications of genetic manipulations. In the lecture sessions, students will explore the molecular methods, applications of recombinant DNA technology and the issues regarding their use on the effect of genetic engineering in medicine, agriculture, biology, forensics and other areas of technology. The laboratory session has major components: 1) techniques used in the generation of recombinant molecules, 2) use of DNA sequence information and bioinformatics in recombinant DNA applications, 3) use of inducible expression systems for production of biotechnological products, and 4) discussions of potential ethic concerns of genome modifications or enhancements. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
| BIOL-444 | Ornithology This course will cover the major principles in ornithology from evolutionary origins to the study of physiology, flight, behavior, life history traits and conservation. Exploration of current topics in avian biology and exploration of bird diversity will be key features of the lecture and lab. Labs will introduce current techniques in applied avian research and monitoring in both the field and lab. (Prerequisites: BIOL-212 or BIOL-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
| BIOL-455 | Biogeography This course is the study of the distribution of biodiversity on the earth. Patterns of past and present animal and plant distributions are used to help understand the mechanisms of basic biological processes including speciation, dispersal, divergence, and extinction. This course will cover the character and history of the science of biogeography, as well as its basic principles and applications. We will also examine the assumptions, methods, and conclusions of historically significant biogeographic studies. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-460 | Infectious Disease: Impact on Society and Culture This course is an introduction to the probabilistic models and statistical techniques used in computational molecular biology. Examples include Markov models, such as the Jukes-Cantor and Kimura evolutionary models and hidden Markov models, and multivariate models use for discrimination and classification. (Prerequisites: CHMB-402 or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240. Students may not take and receive credit for BIOL-460 and CHMB-460. If you have earned credit for CHMB-460 or you are currently enrolled in CHMB-460 you may not enroll in BIOL-460.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-471 | Environmental Microbiology This course presents the relationships between microbes and their environments, as well as techniques to study them. It will cover the diverse microbiology of different habitats, ranging from soils and aquatic environments, to anthropized and extreme environments. Topics include the roles of microbes in nutrient and biogeochemical cycles, evolutionary aspects, as well as the relationships between environmental microbes and humans with regard to health impacts and biotechnological applications. Laboratory experiments will explore the types of bacteria in different environmental samples using a range of techniques from culturing and coliform counting, to metagenomic approaches. Impacts of microbes on the environment and human health will be highlighted through biogeochemical techniques and antibiotic resistance testing. (Prerequisites: CHMB-402 and MATH-182 and PHYS-111 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-495 | Advanced Biology Research This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Research (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| BIOL-498 | Advanced Biology Independent Study This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their final two years of study. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| BIOL-530 | Bioinformatics Algorithms Bioinformatics Algorithms will focus on the types of analyses, tools, and databases that are available and commonly used in Bioinformatics. The labs will apply the lecture material in the analysis of real data through computer programming. (Prerequisites: BIOL-230 and BIOL-327 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| BIOL-550 | High Throughput Sequencing Analysis (WI-PR) Students will utilize commonly used bioinformatics tools to analyze a real High Throughput Sequencing data set starting with raw data, proceeding with quality control, either aligning to a reference genome or performing de novo assembly, assessing differential gene expression determination, and finally annotating their results. Weekly lab reports will be required, and a group manuscript is expected at the end of the semester. (Prerequisite: BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| BIOL-573 | Marine Biology This course explores marine biology by focusing on the diversity of life and influence of oceanographic phenomena on the various ecosystems. Morphological and physiological adaptations along with environmental threats will also be investigated. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-575 | Conservation Biology This course focuses on the application of ecological principles to conservation issues. Human impact on species diversity is emphasized as it relates to agricultural, forest, coastal and wetland ecosystems. Case studies of management practices used to manage and restore disturbed ecosystems are included. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-594 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics This course will explore two facets of protein molecules: separation and structure. The separation component will address common protein separation techniques such as 2D gel electrophoresis and chromatography. The structure component will follow the levels of protein structures, focusing on both experimental and computational methods to determine protein structures. Methods for determining primary structures such as Edman degradation method, Sanger method and mass spectrometry will be taught in lectures. Algorithms of predicting secondary structures will be introduced and implemented. Tertiary structure determination techniques such as NMR will be covered, with an emphasis on proton NMR, 13C NMR and multi-dimensional NMR. Homology modeling will be used to predict protein tertiary structures. (Prerequisite: BIOL-327 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| BIOL-599 | Research Based Writing (WI-PR) This course is intended for students with significant research experience to work closely with their faculty mentors to prepare a manuscript for publication or write a proposal for external funding. Students will devote significant time to writing, revision and peer review. A submission-quality manuscript or proposal is expected at the end of the semester. (Prerequisites: BIOL-495 or BIOL-570 or equivalent course and permission of instructor.) Research 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| BIOL-601 | Genetic Diseases and Disorders The identification of genetic causes of disease has been one of the major modern scientific breakthroughs. This course examines a range of inherited diseases, how causative genetic variations were or are being identified, and what this means for the treatment of the diseases. Scientific literature will be utilized, both current and historical. (Prerequisites: BIOL-321 or equivalent course or graduate student standing.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| BIOL-635 | Bioinformatics Seminar The course provides opportunities for students and faculty to develop and share professional interests while discussing current trends and developments in bioinformatics. Material for this course will be drawn from the current scientific literature. (This course is restricted to students in the BIOINFO-MS, BIOINFO-BS/MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| BIOL-694 | Molecular Modeling and Proteomics This course will explore two facets of protein molecules: their separation and their structure. The structure component will build upon information from earlier bioinformatics courses. Protein separation techniques will be addressed in lectures with descriptions of 2D gel electrophoresis and chromatography. Algorithms of protein secondary structure prediction will be implemented. Experimental techniques for tertiary structure determination such as NMR will be covered. The course will also include the analysis of inter-molecular interactions, such as ligand/receptor pairing, by employing software that permits modeling of molecular docking experiments. (Prerequisite: BIOL-327 or equivalent course or student standing in BIOINFO-MS.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| CHMA-650 | Chemical Separations and Mass Spectroscopy This course will teach state of the art chemical separations and methods which are coupled to mass spectroscopy for the modern analysis of pharmaceutical and biotechnology samples in industrial and academic laboratories. These include gas chromatography (GC, GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, LC-MS), solid phase extraction (SPE and SPME), size exclusion/gel permeation (SEC, GPC), and ion exchange chromatography (IXC). Aspects of mass spectroscopy including ionization methods of electron impact (EI), chemical ionization (CI), positive and negative electrospray (ES+, ES-), APCI, and MALDI and techniques involving single and multiple ion/reaction methods (SIM, SRM, MRM) will be included. The separation and analysis of peptides, proteins and pharmaceuticals by LC and LC-MS will be a major focus. Isolation of drug metabolites from serum by SPE followed by HPLC analysis or using size exclusion chromatography to separate biomolecules, or labeling a peptide with a near infrared (NIR) dye are examples of important skills that are learned. (Prerequisites: (CHMG-111 or CHMG-131 or CHMG-141 or CHEM-151) and (CHMG-145 or CHEM-155) and (CHMO-231 or CHMO-331) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I This course introduces the structure and function of biological macromolecules and their metabolic pathways. The relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their function in enzymatic catalysis will be examined. Membrane structure and the physical laws that apply to metabolic processes will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: CHMO-231 or CHMO-331 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| ENVS-250 | Applications of Geographic Information Systems Through hands-on projects and case studies, this course illustrates concepts and applications of raster and vector geographic information systems (GIS) in a variety of disciplines, such as environmental science, biology, geology, geography, sociology, and economics. Students will learn how to use GIS software and spatial analyses, plan a project, create a database, and conduct an independent project. Students should have completed a foundational course in their major and be comfortable working with computers. Experience with programming is also useful. (Foundational course in student's major field of study or permission of instructor). Lec/Lab 6 (Fall). |
| ENVS-301 | Environmental Science Field Skills Environmental Science Field Skills presents an integrated approach to the interrelated, interdisciplinary principles of environmental science through case studies, site visits and field work. In this course, the focus will be on learning methods for environmental analysis, including experimental design, water and soil quality, primary production and biodiversity, land use/land cover change and ecosystem restoration. The course will culminate in a stressed stream analysis of a local watershed. Additional topics may include geographic information systems, wetlands, environmental education and sustainable food production. The interdisciplinary nature of environmental science will be illustrated through elements of government/political science/policy, ethics, economics, sociology, history and engineering. (Prerequisites: ((BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126)) and CHMG-141 and CHMG-145 and ENVS-101 and ENVS-102 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ENVS-311 | Wetlands This is a course on the interactions of vegetation, soils, and hydrology that characterize wetlands. Ecosystem characteristics and processes are emphasized. Wetland policies, regulations, classification, and value systems are also covered. Field work and hands-on learning are integrated into the course through projects and field trips. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall). |
| ENVS-531 | Climate Change: Science, Technology & Policy This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and inter-related nature of global climate change. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ENVS-540 | Ecological Models in Geographic Information Systems This course will introduce students to different types of ecological and environmental models, spatial problem solving analyses, and decision analysis methods used in the fields of ecology, conservation planning, and environmental science. The course will utilize the IDRISI TerrSet software to explore case studies and applications in Land Change, Habitat and Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Climate Change. These will be supplemented by analyses using ArcGIS Pro and InVest software. Students will adapt one or more models for a final project and present their project in a Storymap format. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-575 or ENVS-531 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
| ENVS-640 | Ecological Models in Geographic Information Systems This course will introduce students to different types of ecological and environmental models, spatial problem solving analyses, and decision analysis methods used in the fields of ecology, conservation planning, and environmental science. The course will utilize the IDRISI TerrSet software to explore case studies and applications in Land Change, Habitat and Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Climate Change. These will be supplemented by analyses using ArcGIS Pro and InVest software. Students will adapt one or more models for a final project and present their project in a Storymap format. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-575 or ENVS-531 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
| MEDS-245 | Medical Genetics This course will serve as an introduction to the field of medical genetics. Throughout the course we will survey several human variations and diseases of medical importance. Clinical case reports will be incorporated to illustrate the underlying genetic principles. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
| MEDS-250 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I This course is an integrated approach to the structure and function of the nervous, endocrine, integumentary, muscular and skeletal systems. Laboratory exercises include histological examination, actual and simulated anatomical dissections, and physiology experiments with human subjects. (Pre-requisite: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or MEDG-102 or equivalent course or NUTR-BS or NUTRSC-BS students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MEDS-251 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II This course is an integrated approach to the structure and function of the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems with an emphasis on the maintenance of homeostasis. Laboratory exercises include histological examinations, anatomical dissections and physiological experiments using human subjects. (Pre-requisite: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or MEDG-102 or equivalent course or NUTR-BS or NUTRSC-BS students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MEDS-310 | Introduction to Pharmacology This course provides an overview of the pharmacy profession (educational requirements, professional responsibilities and opportunities, role of the pharmacist in the health care team) and a detailed look into basic pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic, and pharmaceutical principles. The pharmacodynamics principles covered include mechanisms of drug action, drug-receptor interaction theory, dose-response relationships, structure-activity relationships, and principles of drug metabolism. Pharmaceutical topics include formulations, drug product design, excipients, dosage forms, and elimination rate. Lastly, specific disease states will be covered that will clearly, and effectively demonstrate many of the topics taught. The diseases will be approached by presenting the etiology followed by the pharmacotherapy, including the details of the multiple drug classes that are used for any one-disease state. (Prerequisites: MEDS-250 and MEDS-251 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MEDS-313 | Introduction to Infectious Diseases This is an advanced course in the mechanisms by which bacteria and fungi cause disease in humans. The course topics include the clinical signs of each disease, diagnosis of each disease, pathogenic mechanisms used by the organisms to cause disease, treatment of the disease, and prevention of the disease. The laboratory component of this course will consist of a mixture of methodologies used in the identification of the infectious agents, evaluation of the host response to the infection, case studies, student presentations of articles related to infectious disease and other assignments aimed at deepening the understanding the infectious disease process. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (MEDG-101 and MEDG-102 and MEDG-103 and MEDG-104) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MEDS-421 | Parasitology Introduction to parasites of medical importance and the diseases they cause. It includes study of a variety of parasites classified by diseases such as blood and intestinal protozoan parasites, nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes. Examples of important parasitic diseases to be covered include malaria, sleeping sickness, elephantiasis, river blindness, leishmaniasis, amebic dysentery, and babesiosis. Coursework includes an examination of the distribution and transmission, pathogenesis, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and control. Contribution of parasitic infections to economic and health inequities between developed and developing countries will be analyzed. (Prerequisites: (MEDG-101 or MEDG-102 or BIOL-101 or BIOL-102 or BIOL-121 or BIOL-122 or BIOL-123 or BIOL-124) or equivalent course and at least 3rd year student standing.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MEDS-422 | Endocrinology This course will combine lecture, literature review, and small group discussions/presentations to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of human endocrinology. Topics covered will include: digestion and metabolism; growth and aging; arousal/mood; sexual dimorphism and reproduction; and neuroendocrinology. Discussion of relevant human diseases/disorders will be used to illustrate related biochemical/anatomical pathways and mechanisms. (Prerequisites: MEDS-250 and (MEDS-242 or BIOL-201 or BIOL-302) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MEDS-490 | Human Gross Anatomy This course exposes students to details of human anatomy through cadaver dissection. Lecture material stresses functional and clinical correlates corresponding to laboratory exercises. (Prerequisites: MEDS-250 and MEDS-251 or equivalent courses.) Lab 6, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MEDS-515 | Medical Pathophysiology This course is designed as an introductory course in pathophysiology, the study of disease and its consequences. It covers the basic mechanisms of disease, concentrating on the diseases that are most frequently encountered in clinical practice. The major topics of discussion will emphasize the general pathologic processes; this will provide a basis for understanding diseases affecting specific organ systems. Clinical correlations will be made as examples of how physiological processes can go awry in the generation of a particular disease. (Prerequisites: MEDS-250 and MEDS-251 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
| MEDS-520 | Histology & Histopathology This foundational course in the study of human biology and medicine provides students with a detailed exploration of the microscopic and structural anatomy of normal human tissues and organs, with special emphasis given to the relationships between the cellular architecture of human organs and organ systems and their functions. The course also examines human pathologies as a manifestation of the loss of cellular integrity leading to alterations in the histological features of diseased organs. (Prerequisites: MEDS-250 and MEDS-251 and MEDS-242 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MEDS-530 | Human Immunology Introduction to the fundamental facts and concepts on immunology to include: innate and adaptive immunity; cells, molecules, tissues and organs of the immune "system"; cell communication and interaction; antibody structure and function; and the application of these concepts to infectious diseases, vaccine design, autoimmune diseases, cancer, transplantation, regulation of the immune response, allergic reactions and immunosuppression. Students will gain an understanding of immunological principles and techniques, and their application to contemporary research, with results from instructor’s research laboratory (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-126) or (MEDS-250 and MEDS-251) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for combined accelerated degrees available with this bachelor's degree.
Biology, BS degree/Environmental Science, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | |||
| BIOL-123 | Introduction to Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education) This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating. Small-group recitation sessions will develop study skills, introduce faculty research opportunities, and foster communication between students, peer mentors and teaching faculty. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Fall). |
3 | |
| BIOL-124 | Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells (General Education) This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the molecular and cellular level. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 | |
| BIOL-125 | Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education) This course is an introduction to laboratory work in life sciences. The laboratory work is project-based, and may involve field work as well as laboratory experiments. The course is designed to show the huge scope of biology and will encompass how some molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques connect with organismal and ecological biology. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.
Co-requisites: BIOL-123 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall). |
1 | |
| BIOL-126 | Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Molecules and Cells (General Education) This course is an introduction to laboratory work in life sciences. The laboratory work is project based, and the subject matter of the project(s) may vary. The course is designed to show the huge scope of biology and will encompass some molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques connect with organismal and ecological biology. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.
Co-requisites: BIOL-124 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring). |
1 | |
| CHMG-141 | General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) This is a general chemistry course for students in the life and physical sciences. College chemistry is presented as a science based on empirical evidence that is placed into the context of conceptual, visual, and mathematical models. Students will learn the concepts, symbolism, and fundamental tools of chemistry necessary to carry on a discourse in the language of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the transformation of these bonds through chemical reactions. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are introduced throughout the course to emphasize the connection between chemistry and the other sciences. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 | |
| CHMG-142 | General & Analytical Chemistry II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective) The course covers the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions. The relationship between energy and entropy change as the driving force of chemical processes is emphasized through the study of aqueous solutions. Specifically, the course takes a quantitative look at: 1) solubility equilibrium, 2) acid-base equilibrium, 3) oxidation-reduction reactions and 4) chemical kinetics. (Prerequisites: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 | |
| CHMG-145 | General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-141 lecture material. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques and data analysis skills. Topics include: gravimetric, volumetric, thermal, titration and spectrophotometric analyses, and the use of these techniques to analyze chemical reactions. (Corequisite: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1 | |
| CHMG-146 | General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective: General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-142 lecture material. The course emphasizes the use of experiments as a tool for chemical analysis and the reporting of results in formal lab reports. Topics include the quantitative analysis of a multicomponent mixture using complexation and double endpoint titration, pH measurement, buffers and pH indicators, the kinetic study of a redox reaction, and the electrochemical analysis of oxidation reduction reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-131 or CHMG-141 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMG-142 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1 | |
| MATH-161 | Applied Calculus (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A) This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills. (Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH-101, MATH-111, MATH-131, NMTH-260, NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or Math Placement Exam score greater than or equal to 45.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring). |
4 | |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
0 | |
General Education – Artistic Perspective |
3 | ||
General Education – Social Perspective |
3 | ||
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI) |
3 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| BIOL-206 | Molecular Biology (General Education) This course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Class discussions, assignments, and projects will explore the structure and function of biologically important molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) in a variety of cellular and molecular processes. Students in this course will explore the molecular interactions that facilitate the storage, maintenance and repair of DNA and processes that drive the flow of genetic information and evolution. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. The foundational molecular concepts in this course will be built upon in a variety of upper-level biology courses. (Prerequisite:(BIOL-101,BIOL-102,BIOL-103&BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121&BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123,BIOL-124,BIOL-125&BIOL-126)or equivalent courses with a grade of C- or higher.
Co-requisite:(CHMG-141&CHMG-145)or(CHEM-151&CHEM-155) or CHMG-131 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 | |
| BIOL-216 | Molecular Biology Laboratory (General Education) This laboratory course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Students in this laboratory will complement their understanding of core concepts in Molecular Biology through the implementation and practice of laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists. Laboratory techniques and projects will focus on recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. (Prerequisite:(BIOL-101&BIOL-102&BIOL-103&BIOL-104)or(BIOL-121&BIOL-122)or(BIOL-123&BIOL-124&BIOL-125&BIOL-126)or equivalent courses w/ grade of C- or higher.
Co-requisite:BIOL-206&((CHMG-141&CHMG-145)or(CHEM-151&CHEM-155)orCHMG-131)or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring). |
1 | |
| BIOL-302 | Cell Biology This course will address the fundamental concepts of cell biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will 1) Explore the structure-function relationships that drive cellular processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. 2) Investigate the mechanisms of cellular signaling and the transmission of genetic information. 3) Examine energy transformation strategies and the biochemical pathways used for synthesis and breakdown of ATP and other important biomolecules. 4) Investigate the organizational strategies used by cells to form functional tissue and organ systems. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 | |
| BIOL-499 | Biology Co-op (summer)* Cooperative education experience for undergraduate biological sciences students. CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
0 | |
| CHMO-231 | Organic Chemistry I (General Education) This course is a study of the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of the following functional groups: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes. This course also introduces chemical bonding, IR and NMR spectroscopy, acid and base reactions, stereochemistry, nucleophilic substitution reactions, and alkene and alkyne reactions. In addition, the course provides an introduction to the use of mechanisms in describing and predicting organic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-142 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMO-235 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 | |
| CHMO-232 | Organic Chemistry II (General Education) This course is a continuation of the study of the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of the following functional groups: aromatic systems, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, and carbonyls. This course will introduce the use of mechanisms in describing and predicting organic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMO-231 or CHMO-331 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMO-236 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 | |
| CHMO-235 | Organic Chemistry I Lab (General Education) This course trains students to perform techniques important in an organic chemistry lab. The course also covers reactions from the accompanying lecture CHMO-231. (Corequisite: CHMO-231 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1 | |
| CHMO-236 | Organic Chemistry II Lab (General Education) This course teaches students to apply basic lab techniques to organic synthetic experiments reactions covered in the accompanying lecture COS-CHMO-232. This course will also help students to solidify the concepts taught in lecture. The course will continue to instruct students in maintaining a professional lab notebook. (Prerequisites: CHMO-235 or equivalent course.
Corequisites: CHMO-232 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring). |
1 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
||
| STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B) This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used. (Prerequisites: Any 100 level MATH course, or NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or (NMTH-250 with a C- or better) or a Math Placement Exam score of at least 35.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
||
| STAT-155 | Introduction to Biostatistics (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B) |
||
| Choose one of the following options: | 4 |
||
| BIOL-240 | General Ecology (WI-PR) This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
||
| or | |||
| BIOL-265 | Evolutionary Biology (WI-PR) This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
||
| BIOL-265R | Evolutionary Biology Recitation Evolutionary Biology lecture is a mandatory co-requisite for this course. This recitation is a writing intensive course focused on the improvement and diversification of scientific writing. The students will be guided through a comprehensive development of an evolution project that culminates in an extensive research paper / proposal. Throughout the semester the students will work in pairs and teams to review writing, conduct peer-evaluations, and receive comprehensive instructor feedback regarding their own writing development. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or equivalent courses.
Co-requisites: BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Recitation 2 (Fall). |
||
General Education – Global Perspective |
3 | ||
General Education – Ethical Perspective |
3 | ||
Open Elective |
3 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| PHYS-111 | College Physics I (General Education) This is an introductory course in algebra-based physics focusing on mechanics and waves. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s laws, gravitation; rotational kinematics and dynamics; work and energy; momentum and impulse; conservation laws; simple harmonic motion; waves; data presentation/analysis and error propagation. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings. Attendance at the scheduled evening sessions of this class is required for exams. There will be 2 or 3 of these evening exams during the semester. Competency in algebra, geometry and trigonometry is required. Lab 4, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
4 | |
| PHYS-112 | College Physics II (General Education) This course is an introduction to algebra-based physics focusing on thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and elementary topics in modern physics. Topics include heat and temperature, laws of thermodynamics, electric and magnetic forces and fields, DC and AC electrical circuits, electromagnetic induction, the concept of the photon, and the Bohr model of the atom. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings. Attendance at the scheduled evening sessions of this class is required for exams. There will be 2 or 3 of these evening exams during the semester. (Prerequisites: PHYS-111 or PHYS-211 or equivalent course.) Lab 4, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring). |
4 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
||
| BIOL-321 | Genetics Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
||
| BIOL-365 | Introduction to Population Genetics This course consists of a study of DNA, genes, inheritance, genetic variation, genetic architecture, and change within and among populations. Fundamental genetics topics include DNA, gene, and chromosomal structure and function along with, transmission genetics, Mendelian inheritance patterns, sex-linked inheritance, genetic linkage, and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. Population based topics will include genetic variation, its importance, how it originates and is maintained as well as inbreeding, random mating, mutation, migration, selection, genetic drift, the effects of small population size, fitness, population subdivision, the shifting balance theory, inter-deme selection, kin selection, neutral theory, molecular evolution, molecular clocks, multi-gene families, gene conversion, artificial selection, the genetic basis of quantitative traits and the fundamental theorem of natural selection. (Prerequisites: BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
||
| Choose one of the following: | 4 |
||
| BIOL-322 | Developmental Biology This course is a study of the processes of growth, differentiation and development that lead to the mature form of an organism. The course will also address how developmental biology is integrated with other aspects of biology including disease, ecology, and evolution. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-206 and BIOL-216) or BIOL-201 or BIOL-202 or BIOG-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
||
| BIOL-313 | Comparative Animal Physiology This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
||
Program Electives |
12 | ||
Open Elective |
3 | ||
General Education – Immersion 1 |
3 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| BIOL-500 | Experiential Learning Requirement in Life Science The experiential learning (EL) requirement may be fulfilled through a variety of methods including co-op, undergraduate research, summer research experiences, study abroad relevant to the major, designated EL courses, etc. All experiences must be approved by the GSOLS EL Committee. Lecture (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
0 | |
| ENVS-601 | Environmental Science Graduate Studies I This course helps graduate students learn how to assess journal articles, government reports, whitepapers, and essays as well as other relevant sources of information. Students will also refine their discussion and presentation skills and gain experience in effective communication to a diverse audience. This course will introduce students to careers in environmental science, to graduate studies in environmental science at RIT, and to the process of defining, conducting, presenting, and defending a thesis proposal. (This course is restricted to students in the ENVS-MS, ENVS-BS/MS program.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
2 | |
| ENVS-602 | Environmental Science Graduate Studies II A continuation of Grad Studies I, which helps graduate students learn how to assess journal articles, government reports, whitepapers, and essays as well as other relevant sources of information. Students will continue to refine their discussion and presentation skills and gain experience in clarifying their comments and responding to questions from an audience. Student will complete the process of defining, creating, presenting, and defending a thesis proposal. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 1 (Spring). |
1 | |
Graduate Professional Elective |
3 | ||
Graduate Science Core Elective |
3 | ||
Program Elective |
11 | ||
Open Electives |
6 | ||
General Education – Immersion 2, 3 |
6 | ||
| Fifth Year | |||
| Choose one of the following options: | 9 |
||
| ENVS-780 | Environmental Science Project This course will result in an Environmental Science project accomplished by the MS student for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the project advisor. Credit 1-6 (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Project (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
||
Graduate Professional Electives (6SCH) |
|||
| or | |||
| ENVS-790 | Environmental Science Thesis (6SCH) The thesis option will be available to environmental science graduate students only with prior written approval of program faculty. Students will submit a proposal to a faculty member who agrees to serve as the student's thesis committee chair. The proposal will describe the basic research question to be investigated and the experimental protocols to be employed. Proposals will be reviewed by the program faculty who will give permission to register for thesis credit. This course may be taken several times over the course of a student's graduate program, for variable credits. A written thesis and oral defense are required at the completion of the thesis research. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
||
| ENVS-795 | Environmental Science Graduate Research This course is a graduate level, faculty-directed, student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in Environmental Science graduate program. Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
||
Graduate Professional Elective |
3 | ||
Graduate Public Policy/STS Elective |
3 | ||
Graduate Statistics Elective |
3 | ||
Graduate GIS Elective |
3 | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 146 |
||
Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
* Biology Co-op is for co-op track students.
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is STEM designated when studying on campus and full time.
First-Year Admission
A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies and/or history
- 3 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus is recommended.
- 2-3 years of science is required and must include biology and chemistry.
Transfer Admission
Transfer course recommendations without associate degree
Courses in liberal arts, sciences, and math
Appropriate associate degree programs for transfer
AS degree in biology or liberal arts with biology option
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Research
Undergraduate Biology Research Opportunities
Many students join research labs and can engage in research projects starting as early as their first year. Participation in undergraduate research leads to the development of real-world lab techniques, enhanced problem-solving skills, and broader career opportunities. Our students have opportunities to travel to national conferences for presentations and also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts. Explore the variety of life science undergraduate research happening at RIT.
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Several RIT students from a variety of colleges and academic disciplines have been awarded prestigious international fellowships and scholarships.
Contact
Program Contact
- L. Kate Wright
- School Head
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
- College of Science
- 585‑475‑4669
- lkwsbi@rit.edu
Offered within
the
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences