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DEGREES
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
CAREER IDEAS
Agronomist, Animal Scientist, Aquarium Curator, Biochemist, Biologist, Botanist, Dentist, Environmental Engineer, Forensic Science Technician, General Internist, Geneticist, Horticulturalist, Microbiologist, Oceanographer, Pharmacist, Soil Scientist, Zoologist
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS
Christopher J. Pappas, Department Chair
1 (914) 323-1276
christopher.pappas@mville.edu
Biology is the study of life. As broad as that sounds, it’s a science that can lead to just as wide a range of careers: Knowledge of biology is a gateway to curing disease, and understanding illness, and learning more about the millions of species we share the planet with. At its core, biology involves the study of cells, the basic building blocks of life; genes, which govern heredity; and evolution, which examines how species change, and new species are created. As a biology student at Manhattanville, you’ll engage with each of these topics in-depth. You’ll also gain real-world experience by working on projects in research labs on campus, completing a senior research project, and, in many cases, pursuing off-campus internships – all of which are invaluable preparation for grad school or careers in the field. In the past, Manhattanville students have completed medical school, dental school, and other advanced programs, and found jobs in research labs, aquariums, and museums.
As a biology student at Manhattanville, you’ll build a foundation in the discipline by studying core topics such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular and evolutionary biology. You’ll also have the opportunity to take more specialized courses, such as:
- Bioethics
- Environmental Ecology
- Global Environmentalism
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology Techniques
- Vertebrate Biology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Nutrition in Health and Disease
You can major in biology, biochemistry, or environmental studies. Minors are available in biology, botany, or environmental studies. If you’re interested in medical, dental, or veterinary school, you can also follow the pre-health concentration within the major, or minor in pre-health or health sciences. You’ll work closely with your faculty advisor – and, later, a research mentor – to help develop your skills and laboratory experiences. In addition to department faculty, you will develop close ties to your fellow biology classmates that will stay with you long after graduation. The Biology Department has a strict Honor Code for students, which covers academic and personal conduct in classes, labs, and departmental activities.
Below, hear student Polin Petkova share her research and learning experience within the department!
Manhattanville offers a BS and a BA in Biology to allow students to tailor their major to their particular career goals.
Students who graduate with a major in Biology are expected to:
- Write clear, concise research papers with well-constructed hypotheses, scientific methodology (introduction, methods, results and conclusions), correct in-text citation, and analysis of primary and secondary sources, and evaluate and apply information in these sources to a specific research question or topic.
- Understand quantitative reasoning as it applies to learning skills in the biological sciences, understanding the process of scientific method, and implementing this in their laboratory and class projects at the introductory level as well as in advanced biology electives.
- Make oral presentations confidently and professionally to an audience of their peers, mentors and colleagues
Current information about the BA requirements can be found in the official College Catalog
For information about our new BS in Biology, please contact Dr. Christopher Pappas.
Full-time Faculty
Jorge Cardenas
Anna Yeung-Cheung
Wendy J. McFarlane
Christopher Pappas
Nancy Todd
Aaron Bush
Adjunct Faculty
Roger Bender
Andre Botero
David Cassuto
Laura Feinblum
Volodia Georgiev
Tara Jarboe
Lucia Maestro Martinez
Anne Meore
Marie Meore
Sunera Rahman
Arpita Ray
James Van Sandwyk
Lab Manager
Please contact any of the above faculty or the Division Chair for more information.
Division Chair: Christopher J. Pappas, Christopher.Pappas@mville.edu, (914) 323-1276
Manhattanville offers many routes for students seeking to enter health professional schools in such areas as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health-related fields. Please find more information by clicking the following links:
Manhattanville has an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program. In addition to that program, the college has a bridge agreement with New York Medical College so exceptional undergraduates can be challenged by advanced coursework and prepare themselves for graduate school. To qualify for this opportunity students must meet the following criteria:
1. Minimum of 2 elective courses completed with a grade of B+ or better for their biology degree
2. Applicable pre-requisites are completed with a grade of B+ or better
3. Minimum science GPA is a 3.2, overall GPA minimum is a 3.4
4. Demonstration of an advanced writing ability beyond an undergraduate level, as well as advanced technical laboratory skills above that of a typical undergraduate
5. Approval of Division Chair and Faculty member teaching the course is required.
The program allows a maximum of 4 courses or 12 credits to count towards their undergraduate biology degree lifetime as an undergraduate (either here or at a bridge school)