Bachelor of Science in Biology
Stevens's bachelor's program in biology delves broadly and deeply into the science of living systems while maintaining the solid foundation in chemical and physical sciences necessary for innovative research and development in the health sciences. Students will have the opportunity to do original research with Stevens faculty in modern cancer research, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and antimicrobial research.
Program Description
The curriculum integrates biology as well as integral math, physics, and chemistry courses every semester. Compared to many undergraduate biology programs, the Stevens biology bachelor’s program retains a distinctive institutional focus on computational and clinical skills by incorporating research methodology, statistics, programming and physical science training. This approach ensures a high degree of comfort with the molecular underpinnings of biological phenomena and well positions our graduates for careers in research and industry that increasingly value these skills.
Concentrations
No concentrations are offered for the Biology undergraduate program.
Program Objectives and Outcomes
- Be able to create and evaluate scientific solutions to important biotechnology and healthcare problems and articulate their anticipated societal impact.
- Be able to work collaboratively with peers from a variety of cultural and scientific backgrounds and to promote an inclusive and supportive professional environment.
- Become life-long learners from the perspectives of furthering career advancement, embracing technology, and generating societal impact.
Student Objectives and Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of biology, chemistry, math, and physics to investigate and evaluate biological data using statistical methods to analyze cellular processes and solve life science problems by creating innovative solutions (Scientific Foundations)
- Apply modern molecular and cellular biology techniques to characterize the structure and function of the cells (Technical Foundations)
- Employ an inquiry-based approach to science to form and articulate testable hypothesis, to design and conduct experiments with current biological techniques and bioinformatics, particularly in the context of human disease such as cancer (Experimentation)
- Examine, analyze, and critique primary biological literature (Critical Thinking)
- Communicate and articulate scientific ideas effectively both in writing and orally (Scientific Communication)
- Work effectively as a leader or member of a multidisciplinary team creating an inclusive and supportive environment (Teamwork, Leadership, and Inclusiveness)
- Conduct basic and applied scientific research in an ethical and professional manner (Professionalism)
- Develop innovative ideas using knowledge in biological sciences for societal impact (Innovation)
- Recognize the impact of biological research in our society, and understand how policy decisions are shaped by new scientific discoveries (Societal Issues)
Biology Curriculum
Term I
| BIO 181 | Biology and Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIO 182 | Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 117 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CH 179 | Career Pathways in Chemical and Biological Sciences | 1 |
| HASS 103 | Writing and Communications Colloquium | 3 |
| MA 121 | Differential Calculus | 2 |
| MA 122 | Integral Calculus | 2 |
| PRV 101 | First Year Experience | 1 |
Term II
| BIO 291 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| CH 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 118 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CH 189 | Seminar in Chemistry and Biology | 1 |
| HASS 105 | Knowledge, Nature, Culture | 3 |
| MA 125 | Vectors and Matrices | 2 |
| MA 126 | Multivariable Calculus I | 2 |
Term III
| BIO 301 | Professional Ethics for Scientific Research | 1 |
| BIO 382 | Biological Systems | 4 |
| CH 243 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 245 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| ENGR 241 | Probability and Statistics with Data Science Applications | 4 |
| PEP 111 | Mechanics | 3 |
| PRV 20X | Frontiers of Technology | 1 |
Term IV
| CH 244 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 246 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| | |
| CS 105 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3 |
| Or | |
| CS 115 | Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| | |
| PEP 112 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PEP 221 | Physics Lab I for Scientists | 1 |
| PRV 20X | Frontiers of Technology | 1 |
| Humanities | 3 |
Term V
| BIO 307 | Fundamentals of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIO 484 | Genetics | 4 |
| CH 580 | Biochemistry I - Cellular Metabolism and Regulation | 3 |
| MGT 103 | Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinking | 2 |
| PEP 222 | Physics Lab II for Scientists | 1 |
| Humanities | 3 |
Term VI
| BIO 392 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 398 | Research Proposals for Undergraduate Research | 1 |
| BIO 509 | Clinical Research Methodology and Design | 3 |
| PRV 20X | Frontiers of Technology | 1 |
T.E.
| Technical Elective | 3 |
T.E.
| Technical Elective | 3 |
Term VII
| BIO 498 | Senior Capstone Research Project I | 3 |
| | |
| BIO 568 | Computational Biology | 3 |
| Or | |
| BIO 583 | Physiology | 3 |
| | |
| IDE 401 | Senior Innovation-II:Value Proposition | 1 |
G.E.
| General Elective | 3 |
T.E.
| Technical Elective | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
Term VIII
| BIO 499 | Senior Capstone Research Project II | 3 |
| BIO 586 | Immunology | 3 |
| IDE 402 | Senior Innovation III: Venture Planning and Pitch | 1 |
G.E.
| General Elective | 3 |
G.E.
| General Elective | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
Notes:
(1) Technical Elective: Can be selected from available CH and BIO 300, 400, and 500-level courses that are not already included in your degree program requirements. Suggested technical electives for the Biology program include the following:
If you are interested in a taking a course related to biology in another department not on this list, please contact your academic advisor.
(2) General Electives can be selected from available courses offered by programs in SES, SOB and HASS (including CH courses). Approval from the student’s advisor and the course instructor may be required.
- Recommended general elective if planning to pursue an engineering master's would be: MA 221 Differential Equations.
- Recommended general elective courses connected to the major include: EN 250 Quantitative Biology and PEP 242 Modern Physics.
(3) Humanities: Please see Humanities Requirements for specific requirements.
(4) SUCCESS Core Curriculum: Students must complete requirements including PRV 101, and three (3) courses from PRV 201, PRV 202, PRV 203, PRV 204, PRV 205.