Alfred University’s Biology program provides students with a diverse and interactive education in a non-traditional, hands-on setting. Here, you will DO science and not just learn about it. The program promotes and supports this style of learning through laboratory and field courses, inquiry-based instruction, research activities, internships, discussions and seminars concerning modern biological research.
Want to explore Belize? Through our Tropical Biology course, you can! The student-run Biology Club also organizes field trips and other out-of-class learning activities that enhance your understanding and curiosity in the biological and health sciences.
Thanks to small class sizes, your critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed through student-centered courses and regular instructor collaborations, while your technical skills will be honed in laboratory sessions that start your first year.
The Science Center houses a variety of research-grade equipment including digital imaging systems, laminar flow hoods, fluorescent and phase-contrast microscopes, UV/VIS spectrophotometers, molecular biology equipment, field sampling equipment and environmental growth chambers.
The Biology program at Alfred University promotes and supports hands-on, interactive learning through laboratory and field courses, inquiry-based instruction, research activities, internships and discussions/seminars highlighting modern biological research. You'll have many opportunities to conduct research by becoming involved in faculty research projects or by designing your own independent research project.
You will have opportunities for hands-on research through our Undergraduate Research Forum, ARGUS and our Applied and Experiential Learning Program. The Dubois Fund provides support for research projects. Or take one of our courses based on research experience where you'll contribute to and collaborate on novel research questions and have the opportunity to present your research at regional and national meetings.
Our Biology Club is for students interested in biology, regardless of major. Activities include gardening, Biology Bingo parties, local travel to biology-related museums and attractions and biology trivia game nights. Members also assist the community and campus by sponsoring blood and organ donation drives as well as providing tutoring to other students in biology classes.
Biology as a double major is available to any AU student. Courses for the Biology double major are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
Courses for the Biology major with a concentration in Biological Sciences are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
Courses for the Biology major with a concentration in Animal Science are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
Courses for the Biology major with a concentration in Plant Biology are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
Courses for the Biology Minor are listed in our digital Undergraduate Catalog.
The Division of Biology and Biochemistry rewards deserving students for their progress, performance, and dedication to the field. Eligible students may qualify for the following awards:
The Brenda Bernstein Butner Award in Botany funds outstanding student research projects on native plants. This award provides a stipend for a semester-long or summer project.
Each year three merit-based awards are given to one sophomore, one junior and one senior student interested in animal or human medicine and who, by their academic, extracurricular and health-related practical experiences, have demonstrated a strong motivation and potential for pursuing a career in a health profession.
One of our most treasured scholarships is in memory of Diana Mossip who entered Alfred University in 1994 and was killed in a tragic automobile accident while still a student in 1996. Diana was a National Merit Scholar and a member of the Honors Program. She was majoring in Biology and had planned a career in veterinary medicine. Diana was a member of the Biology Club, assisted with blood drives, and enjoyed living in the Brick Residence Hall.
As an organ donor, Diana provided the gift of life to several people. Her family provides the gift of education by awarding the scholarship annually to two deserving students who are planning future careers in veterinary, human or dental medicine.
Independent study projects in biology provide an opportunity for students to pose original questions of interest to them and formulate responses which may be research based, literature based, or the result of a creative endeavor. Students are encouraged to have fun with their projects and enjoy the opportunity for in-depth study in an area of their choosing.
Students develop and carry out their ideas with the advice and guidance of a faculty member and the final project is presented to the Division of Biology and Biochemistry in the form of a thesis, poster, oral presentation, or other acceptable format.
The independent study is taken as either BIO 450 (Independent Study) or BIO 485 (Internship in Biology), depending on the degree of independent work.
Students may apply for an Alfred Research Grant for Undergraduate Students (ARGUS) to help fund their projects. Faculty may have other sources of funding to support student work as well.
Alfred University's Biology program has an international reputation for producing graduates who are solidly prepared to enter the workforce or continue on to postgraduate study programs.
Alfred University graduates have been admitted to numerous medical, dental, and veterinary schools as well as programs for physician assistants and physical therapy. Examples of recent health-related graduate school admissions include:
Our graduates are also successfully admitted to graduate programs for various disciplines in Biology. Examples of graduate school admissions include:
Biology graduates are successful in biology-related occupations as:
