Resources

Biology

Biology

 

Biology

The biology major offers students the opportunity to study the biological basis of life from a wide range of perspectives, from ecosystems to organisms to cells and molecules. A critical component of our curriculum is active, inquiry-based learning, including classroom and laboratory experiences that provide not only in-depth exposure to core concepts in biology but also development of skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and scientific writing.

We offer a rigorous scientific curriculum grounded in the liberal arts tradition of making connections with many areas both within and outside of the sciences, as students learn to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Please view the college catalog for a full and up-to-date list of requirements and courses for this program.

Related Majors and Minors

In addition to the biology major, there are several related majors and minors in related areas, including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Neuroscience and Public Health.

Drew also offers many special programs linking work at Drew with advanced schooling, such as:

Please note that there are specific requirements for admission to these programs and those considering cooperative programs should work closely with their advisers since early planning is important.

Microbiology, Immunology and Virology were taught by taking everything you learned and combining it together to answer a question rather than it being a memory dump. ”
Christian Maggio C’11
on Microbiology, Immunology and Virology

Opportunities for Research and Earning Your MD

The Charles A. Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE) at Drew University will offer you unique opportunities to engage in undergraduate research under the supervision of retired industrial scientists. Experiential learning at its finest, RISE projects cover topic areas, including drug discovery, industrial microbiology, mathematics and more.

Drew can also put you on a path towards earning your MD. A formal articulation agreement between the College of Liberal Arts of Drew University and the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) makes it possible for prospective first-year students to apply directly to a special, seven-year dual-degree program in medicine. Students are admitted simultaneously to both Drew and New Jersey Medical School. They then spend three years of study at Drew and four years at NJMS, completing both the BA and MD degrees in seven years.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RISE LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BA/MD PROGRAM

Recent Outcomes

About 80 percent of our biology majors intern during their time at Drew. The rest are doing intern-like projects. We’re one of the few liberal arts universities where students shadow doctors in a busy emergency room—this really helps when applying to med school.

Despite the economy, nearly 100 percent of our grads are employed or in medical or graduate school. Our students excel at getting jobs in their field. And we’re pleased to say that they excel equally well at finding satisfaction in their jobs.

For students interested in medical school, veterinary school and related areas, Drew’s Health Professions Advisory Committee provides curricular guidance and support throughout the application process.

Here is a sampling of where some of our graduates are right now:


• Lab Technician at Roche Molecular Systems
• Ophthalmology Veterinary Technician at Oradell Animal Hospital
• Pursuing MPH at Boston University
• Pursuing MD at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Contact Biology

Roger Knowles

Professor and Chair

Hall of Sciences 107
973-408-3561
rknowles@drew.edu

Ready to Launch Your Life?

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADMISSIONS
PLAN A VISIT
REQUEST INFORMATION

Spend Summer Studying Life

The Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI) pairs students with faculty mentors for an intensive, personal experience working full time on a research project pursuing real-world scientific questions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUMMER RESEARCH AT DREW

Real research. Real rewards.

At Drew, you can have the kinds of real-world lab research experiences that most students won’t get until attending graduate school or working in the professional world.

Learn more