Overall Program Description

The Department of Biology offers a major and a minor in Biological Sciences and a major in Medical Technology. The biolgical sciences major and minor programs are designed for students with an interest in the life sciences, and who wish to pursue careers in biomedicine, health and secondary education. The major in Medical Technology program is designed for students with an interest in advance hospital technology and who wish to pursue a career as medical technologists.

Students build a scientific foundation for understanding how biological systems function through courses taken during the freshman and sophomore years. In the junior and senior years, students may concentrate in one of several areas: pre-health professional, biotechnology, secondary education, or an individualized program. Research opportunities with departmental faculty as well as internships and cooperative programs with public and private organizations afford students the opportunity to apply their skills outside the classroom.

(1) B.S. Biology

This major program is designed to provide excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies (M.S. or Ph.D.) in biomedical science, or careers in health, secondary education, or fields that require an understanding and practice of scientific methods. The department provides the following concentration areas to help students prepare for their respective careers: pre-health (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science), biotechnology and secondary education certification. Click on the above "B.S. biology" link to learn more.

(2) Combined B.S. and M.S. Biology (3+2)

This major program is designed to provide excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies (M.S. or Ph.D.) in biomedical science, or careers in health, secondary education, or fields that require an understanding and practice of scientific understanding and methods. The department provides the following three concentration areas to help students prepare for their respective career tracks: pre-health (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science), biotechnology and secondary education certification. Click on the above "B.S. Medical Technology" link to learn more.

(3) B.S. Medical Technology

This major program is designed to provide excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies (M.S. or Ph.D.) in biomedical science, or careers in health, secondary education, or fields that require an understanding and practice of scientific understanding and methods. The department provides the following three concentration areas to help students prepare for their respective career tracks: pre-health (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science), biotechnology and secondary education certification. Click on the above "B.S. Medical Technology" link to learn more.

(4) Minor in Biology

A minimum of 18 credits, of which at least 10 must be at the 300/400-level, is required for the minor. Students declaring a minor in biological sciences must earn at least nine credits of biological sciences courses at SUNY Brockport. Since no specific courses are designated, a variety of tracks are possible and it is important that students seek advisement through the Undergraduate Coordinator. (Inquire in Room 103, Lennon Hall.) Many students working toward teacher certification and/or majoring in other disciplines elect to complete a minor in order to strengthen their degrees.

Practical Experience

The department offers excellent opportunities, either locally or out of campus, for a rich practical experience to equip our students for the next step in their careers or education. Students majoring in biological sciences have a choice of numerous research projects with faculty members of the biology department (click here for research). Students majoring in medical technology culminates in a 12-month internship in a hospital laboratory-based education program, which results in eligibility for certification and licensure as a medical technologist. Click on the above "Research Opportunities" link to learn more.

Scholarships and Financial Aids

This major program is designed to provide excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies (M.S. or Ph.D.) in biomedical science, or careers in health, secondary education, or fields that require an understanding and practice of scientific understanding and methods. The department provides the following concentration areas to help students prepare for their respective careers: pre-health (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science), biotechnology and secondary education certification.

Declaring of a Major and Advisement

Students should declare a major as early as possible in order to receive proper advisement to meet their career goals. It is preferable that the student declares their major in the freshman year. Majors are declared with the department secretary, Room 103, Lennon Hall. We have created a checklist to help advise our undergraduate majors on designing their course work. Click here to download a copy of the advisement checklist.