Biology

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Contact Information

Phone: 401.865.2585
Fax: 401.865.1438
Location: Science Complex 106

The Faculty

Professors

Rev. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., Ph.D.
John H. Costello, Ph.D., Emeritus
Joseph A. DeGiorgis, Ph.D.
Yinsheng Wan, Ph.D.

Associate Professors

Elisabeth Arévalo, Ph.D.
David B. Baier, Ph.D.
Maia F. Bailey, Ph.D.
Patrick J. Ewanchuk, Ph.D., Chairperson
Rev. Mark D. Nowel, O.P., Ph.D.
Brett J. Pellock, Ph.D.
Marla B. Tipping, Ph.D.
Charles R. Toth, Ph.D.
James S. Waters, Ph.D.
Laura E. Williams, Ph.D.

The Program

The goal of the biology curriculum is to make students aware of the structure, function, and evolution of life as manifested on the cellular, organismic, and population levels through lecture, formal laboratories, and experiential education (e.g. research and internship).

The faculty of the Department of Biology stress the conceptual approach in course content. A core program is required for all biology majors, which relates the content of the biology courses to the scientific background obtained in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and provides the opportunity for a wide choice of biology and other elective courses.

Completion of the core meets the usual science requirements demanded for admission to both medical and other professional schools specializing in the health sciences (i.e. veterinary, physical therapy, etc.) and to graduate schools offering advanced degrees in the various research-oriented biological specialties.

The Department of Biology offers a combined degree program with the New England College of Optometry. This program allows completion of the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology and the doctor of optometry degree in seven years.

Students may prepare for careers in teaching at the secondary level by taking additional courses elected from the offerings in the Department of Education and, upon completion, will meet the requirements of the Rhode Island Department of Education and 47 other states for certification for secondary school biology teachers.

Also, students have ample opportunity for experiential learning through faculty-directed laboratory, field research, and internships.

Premedical Sciences Preparation

The B.S. and B.A. degree programs meet the science requirements demanded for admission to professional schools specializing in the health sciences such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, nursing, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. However, some students whose interests lie in other areas may elect to major in a non-science department while still successfully completing the prerequisites for medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, physical therapy, or optometry school admission. Students who are planning for a career in the medical sciences should consult with the advisor for health professions early in their freshman year. For more information, please refer to the Premedical Sciences and Health Professions Programs section of this catalog.

Neuroscience Certificate Program

Please refer to the Neuroscience Certificate Program section of the catalog for information about an integrated course of study in neuroscience for biology and psychology majors.

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