Biology

The biology major introduces students to the fundamental concepts, principles, and major applications/techniques in cellular and molecular aspects of biology, as well as ecology and evolution. The major provides a solid foundation in biology and also permits students to specialize in any of the major branches of biology.

The biology major is useful for students whose career plans lie in pure or applied biology; biomedical health fields, including but not limited to, human medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, physician assistant, optometry, veterinary medicine; biotechnology; conservation; environmental quality; and graduate studies in biology or any biomedical related field; laboratory research assistant; and teaching of biology from K-12 to college level.

Students considering admission to medical, dental, veterinary, or any biomedical health-related professional schools should make an appointment to meet with an advisor in the Pre-Health Program. The office is located in 312 Hill Hall, and can be contacted via email, preprof@newark.rutgers.edu, or phone, 973-353-5800.

Eligibility for biology major declaration: completion of Concepts in Biology (120:200), one of the two Foundations of Biology lecture + lab pair (21:120:201 + 202 or 21:120/216:205 + 206).  After official declaration of the biology major, students are assigned a member of the biology faculty to serve as a permanent academic counselor; consultation with faculty advisers on a regular basis is imperative.

Information about the major is available in the biology departmental office, Boyden Hall Room 206, where the student must go to officially declare a major. Students are urged to meet with their advisers at least once each semester.