Rutgers University

This is a remarkable time to be a biologist. The 21st century will arguably be remembered as the “Century of Biology.” Boundless frontiers in such areas as genetics, cell, developmental and molecular biology, neurobiology and cognitive science, stem cell research, bioinformatics, biomaterials, environmental science and ecology, and evolution hold great promise for changing our lives in extraordinary ways. Rutgers, as a major research university in New Jersey, is firmly positioned as one of the key contributors to the shaping of the “Century of Biology.” We confidently believe that the undergraduate biology student at Rutgers will not only be a beneficiary of this exciting environment but also a potential contributor to it.

Biology instruction has evolved significantly in recent years. These changes reflect the intellectual revolution of the last decade, as well as the technical advances that have expanded greatly the tools available to life scientists. Today, students studying biology at Rutgers–New Brunswick experience an exciting atmosphere of learning that exposes them to the concepts and methods of these intellectual and technological advances. The students have open to them a wealth of learning opportunities, ranging from inspiring lecture presentations to original and cutting-edge research opportunities in state-of-the-art laboratories. An excellent instructional program made possible by first rate life sciences faculty, use of interactive teaching tools, and modern instructional laboratory equipment, reflects the university’s commitment to provide its students with the best learning environment. Along with our dedication to a strong instructional mission, we are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive advising program.

The major in Biological Sciences is a program offered by the Division of Life Sciences. Because this program shares a Core Curriculum with the three department-based majors in the Division of Life Sciences (Cell Biology and Neuroscience; Genetics; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry), all students end up with the same solid background. While a distinct advantage of the Biological Sciences major is the flexibility it affords the student in designing a course of study in biology beyond the Core Curriculum, our objective is that our graduates should end up with not only a solid foundation in biological sciences but also a suitable preparation for their intended post-baccalaureate career.