COURSE CURRICULUM

The biology program provides students with opportunities to engage in research across a wide range of scientific fields, including aquatic biology, aquatic toxicology, cell and molecular biology, ecology, environmental science, forensic biology, genetics, neurobiology, physiology, and plant sciences. These areas allow students to develop strong specialization options while contributing to both fundamental and applied biological research. The faculty consists of internationally recognized researchers who have received honors and funding from major organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society for Microbiology, reflecting the program’s strong emphasis on high-quality research and academic excellence. Students gain important marketable skills throughout their studies, including critical evaluation of scientific literature, the ability to follow complex research protocols and methodologies, collection and analysis of large and complex datasets, understanding of research ethics and regulations, and a broad working knowledge of multiple biological sub-disciplines. The program also features strong infrastructure and specialized research centers that enhance learning and experimentation. The Life Sciences Complex, which holds Gold-level LEED certification for sustainability, includes advanced facilities such as an aquatics laboratory and climate-controlled rooftop greenhouses. Research is further supported by institutes such as the Center for Network Neuroscience, which studies neural systems using in vitro mammalian cell models and focuses on pattern generation and recognition, the BioDiscovery Institute, which integrates plant science, metabolic engineering, and materials development for applied solutions, the Center for Watershed and Reservoir Assessment and Management, which studies water systems and environmental management strategies, and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, which examines human impacts on the environment and develops scientific, engineering, and policy-based solutions. Students may also benefit from competitive funding opportunities through teaching or research assistantships supported by faculty grants. In addition, the Computational Life Science track offers specialized coursework such as biocomputing, biostatistics, computational epidemiology, advanced genetics, and advanced topics in computational biology, preparing students for data-driven biological research and modern interdisciplinary scientific careers.