Biology : Robert Morris University Biology | Robert Morris University

Undergraduate

Biology

biology labBiology is a discipline of science dealing with the origin, history, physical characteristics, life processes, and habits of living organisms. Modern biologists work in a variety of careers, including medical research, conservation, and public health. Biology also allows students to pursue careers as physicians, dentists, or veterinarians. Robert Morris has an extensive pre-medicine program, as well as a teaching certification program for students who major in biology.

 

Research biologists study the natural world, using the latest scientific tools and techniques in both laboratory settings and the outdoors, to understand how living systems work. Biologists may develop public health campaigns to defeat illnesses such as tuberculosis, AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. Others work to prevent the spread of rare, deadly diseases. 

Biologists in management and conservation careers are interested in solving environmental problems and preserving the natural world for future generations. Park rangers protect state and national parks, help preserve their natural resources, and educate the general public. Zoo biologists carry out endangered species recovery programs.

Forensic biologists work with police departments and other law enforcement agencies using scientific methods to discover and process evidence that can be used to solve crimes. Science advisors work with lawmakers to create new legislation on topics such as biomedical research and environmental protection. Their input is essential, ensuring that decisions are based upon solid science. Biologists work with drug companies and providers of scientific products and services to research and test new products. They also work in sales, marketing, and public relations positions.

Trained professionals work with the government and other organizations to study and address the economic impacts of biological issues, such as species extinctions, forest protection, and environmental pollution. Biologists in fields such as bioinformatics and computational biology apply mathematical techniques to solve biological problems, such as modeling ecosystem processes and gene sequencing.

Journalists and writers with a science background inform the general public about relevant and emerging biological issues. All the illustrations in biology textbooks, as well as in newspaper and magazine science articles, were created by talented artists with a thorough understanding of biology.

Average starting salaries:

By type of employer

By job function

Educational Services

$31,528

Agriculture/Natural Resources

$18,000

Healthcare Services (For Profit)

$47,712

Medical Technology

$32,575

Hospitals

$32,782

Research (Technical/Scientific)

$30,891

Pharmaceuticals and Medicine Mfg.

$44,440

Teaching

$33,585

Retail/Wholesale Trade

$32,738

Other Health Related

$48,427

Scientific Research and Development

$27,873

 

 

 

 

Below is a typical four-year course of study for biology students, including major requirements and some electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests and concentration.

FRESHMAN/Fall Semester FRESHMAN/Spring Semester
Principles Of Biology I Principles Of Biology II
Reading & Writing Strategies Chemistry II
Chemistry I Survey of Economics
Intro Decision Support Systems Argument & Research
Humanities: Art and Music Pre-Calculus
SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester
Organic Chemistry I Organic Chemistry II
Botany Zoology
Principles of Sociology Business Professional Communication
Public Speaking and Persuasion General Physics I
Calculus W/Analytic Geometry I  
JUNIOR/Fall Semester JUNIOR/Spring Semester
Ecology Fundamentals Cell and Molecular Biology
General Physics II Open Elective
Microbiology Open Elective
Elective                       World Literature
  World Civilization I
SENIOR/Fall Semester SENIOR/Spring Semester
Comparative Vertebrae Anatomy Embryology
Human Genetics Senior Thesis/Internship
Statistics         General Psychology
Open Elective Comparative Vertebrae Physiology
                                  
Students earning a bachelor of science degree in biology may pursue a significant, undergraduate research experience in their senior year, which results in the completion of a senior thesis. The senior thesis consists of three (3) credit hours of undergraduate research in a student's senior year. Completion of a senior thesis can be a significant component of the program for those students who elect to participate. In addition or in place of the thesis, a student may elect to take internship credits to gain practical experience in an area of interest.

 

 
The program has five new science laboratories designated for study in Biology/Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science. The science department also has three designated research areas. These laboratories have state-of-the-art instructional technology, including wireless connectivity and multimedia instruction. The life sciences have several existing analytical instruments that are currently incorporated into the curriculum. Students in the science program currently get exposed to Atomic Absorption spectroscopy, Ion chromatography, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, and more.
The School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science unites faculty members from diverse disciplines and provides  opportunies for collaboration in teaching and research between faculty and students. We provide students with real-world experiences that give them the skills they need to compete in the job market. The results show: a 96% job placement rate for our graduates. We emphasize a global curriculum and have a diverse student and faculty body. We make sure our students are engaged citizens of the globe and experienced professionals in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement. 

For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)

Higher education is an investment in your future. 

At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options. 

Talk to us—we can help! 
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu

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