Biology and Environmental Sciences

Chair: Eva Sapi, Ph.D.

Biology

Coordinator: Christina Zito, Ph.D.

For a list of all faculty and staff for this program, click here

Biology - the study of life - is an active and evolving field that leads to careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, public health, government, education, and related fields that draw on scientific analysis and problem solving. Biology provides one of the cornerstones of a liberal education by increasing knowledge and appreciation of oneself and fostering an understanding of living systems and their interactions within the natural world.

Our B.S. Biology program is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the broad range of biological sciences via engaging classroom learning, sophisticated laboratory experiences, and research exposure. Students can gain research experience through faculty-mentored research projects. Our faculty research interest areas include Lyme disease, cancer biology, molecular mechanisms of disease, pharmacology, neurodegeneration, metagenomics, and DNA damage and repair. Work experience opportunities are also available as tutors and classroom laboratory assistants. Many students include job related internships and study abroad as part of their program of studies.

Within the Biology B.S. program there are three areas of concentration, allowing students to focus their interest and to increase their appeal to prospective employers. All concentrations begin with coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, followed by more specialized coursework in the junior and senior years. Because the first-year coursework is shared across all concentrations, students have flexibility to explore options and switch between concentrations early in the program. Students work closely with faculty advisors to plan their program of study. Students are also encouraged to pursue a minor that aligns with their academic interests and career goals, whether to complement their Biology degree or to explore other areas. All Biology majors have the opportunity to choose to take graduate level courses as part of their undergraduate program of studies. The B.S. Biology program is an excellent preparation for continuing education in a wide range of graduate programs.

The General Biology concentration is appropriate for students interested in life and its diversity. Individuals in this concentration take classes in subject areas including ecology and evolution, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, and environmental science. The breadth of study offers deep insight into the complexity of life - both in its biological components and in the dynamic nature of the systems in which it exists. Students concentrating in general biology typically enter careers in education, science writing, or government and private organizations.
The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides students with the knowledge and laboratory skills needed for entry level positions in biomedical and pharmaceutical laboratories. It also prepares students for further study in biology and biomedical sciences, with a focus on cellular function at the molecular level, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and biochemical processes. Graduates are well prepared for careers in biological research, laboratory-based roles, health related fields, and positions in biotechnology and industry.
The Pre-Medical Science concentration is designed for students planning to pursue careers in human health, including medical (M.D. or D.O.) programs, physician assistant, dental, veterinary, nursing, and other allied health professions. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in the life sciences while maintaining flexibility to support multiple professional pathways and evolving career goals. It aligns with the requirements for the pre-medical studies designation through the Health Professions Advising Center and ensures completion of common professional school prerequisites. Students in this concentration must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 to remain in good standing. A one semester probation period is allowed if the GPA falls below this threshold.

Genetics and Biotechnology

Coordinator: Christina Zito, Ph.D.

For a list of all faculty and staff for this program, click here

Genetics and Biotechnology are at the forefront of the rapidly growing areas of personalized medicine, genetic engineering, biopharmaceutical development, genetic counseling, and biotechnical industry. Biotechnology also has applications in agriculture, the food and textile industries, forestry, animal husbandry, and environmental remediation.

The B.S. Genetics and Biotechnology program builds on a strong basic core of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, and integrates courses in genetics, molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and cell biology. Faculty use novel teaching approaches to promote student engagement and learning. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor. Several courses from the M.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology program are offered as part of the B.S. Genetics and Biotechnology degree program. Hands on laboratory courses prepare students to enter the rapidly growing Biotechnology workforce. Minors in complementary areas such as Chemistry, Information Technology, and Business Management are encouraged. Students in the B.S. Genetics and Biotechnology program have the opportunity to gain real work experience through faculty mentored research projects (including through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships). Our faculty research interest areas include Lyme disease, cancer, pharmacology, molecular measurements of environmental contamination, and DNA damage and repair. Work experience opportunities are also available as tutors and classroom laboratory assistants. Many students chose to complement their course of studies with internships in local biotechnology companies and academic laboratories. Study abroad can also complement the program of studies.

Entry-level careers for graduates include Genetic Technologist, Pharmaceutical sales representative, Research Assistant, technical writing, and pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Many graduates of the program continue their education by pursuing an advanced degree, leading to careers in the pharmaceutical, medical, and biotechnology industries or in Genetic Counseling. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor.

Marine and Environmental Sciences

Coordinator: Jean-Paul Simjouw, Ph.D.

For a list of all faculty and staff for this program, click here

Our B.S. Marine and Environmental Sciences is built completely around the student to acquire hands-on, high-impact practical learning experiences skills that will help launch your professional career. Starting in their freshman year, the student takes introductory courses in marine biology, marine policy, and environmental science and will be in, on, and around the water, building the foundation of knowledge for future courses in the program. The coastal region of Connecticut is home to an extraordinarily rich diversity of species and ecosystems and has always served as sources of food, medicine, energy, commerce, education, recreation, and well-being. This area is a marine and environmental scientist's paradise - and that paradise is only minutes from the University of New Haven campus. As the students immerse themselves in the program and in the many field trips to these ecosystems, they will learn about all of the world's oceans, terrestrial and marine environments, and organisms and the fascinating ways that humans interact with them.

Within the B.S. Marine and Environmental Sciences program there are three areas of concentration, allowing students to focus their interest and to increase their appeal to prospective employers. All concentrations begin with strong coursework in the introductory courses, biology, chemistry, and mathematics in freshman and sophomore years, with specialization of interest in the junior and senior years of study. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor.

The Marine Biology concentration is appropriate for students captivated by marine organisms and how they interact with each other and the systems in which they live. In the marine biology concentration, the student will study invertebrate and vertebrate marine animals, marine botany, oceanography, and marine ecology, personalizing your course of study to meet your career goals. The student will also benefit from our close relationships with local aquariums, museums, nonprofit organizations, and federal and state research laboratories, gaining an up-close look at the types of places where you will start the career that becomes a fascinating lifelong adventure, filled with rewards.
The Marine Policy concentration is for students that are fascinated by the myriad ways that humans interact with the marine environment and want to be involved in policy and research that address complex issues of conservation and management. The marine policy concentration is deeply interdisciplinary, preparing the student to pursue a career in the private sector, government service, public policy, or academia in areas such as marine policy, marine law, marine economics, marine resource management, marine law enforcement, international marine studies, marine-related business ventures, coastal conservation and development, and many other marine-related fields.
The Environmental Science concentration will enable the student with a passion for the environment and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life, to put that passion to work - as an exciting career and for the benefit of our planet's inhabitants. This concentration will give the student a more profound knowledge of this interconnectedness through a solid grounding in biological and earth sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Extensive field work - the hands-on aspect of your education - will support what the student learns in class through first-hand observation and experience and becomes a high-impact part of your résumé to potential employers.