Program Overview
Rider’s biology major educates the next generation of scientists by providing students with a foundation in the life sciences that prepares them to join the workforce or attend professional or graduate school. Rider achieves this through small class and laboratory sizes allowing direct, hands-on instruction, and faculty accessibility. Students also have opportunities to do research with faculty via work study or independent study. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides academic advice and career guidance tailored to the student's needs. Areas of professional and graduate study pursued by students in this major include medical, dental, and veterinary school; allied health programs such as optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing; programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the life sciences; and programs in science education.
Graduates of the biology program have pursued their graduate studies at prestigious institutions such as John Hopkins University, Cornell University, Princeton University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Dartmouth College and The Scripps Research Institute, among others.
Bachelor of Science Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for biology majors is structured to prepare students for a life of learning in the sciences. Students are expected to master content, develop technical skills, analytical skills and competency in oral and written communication. Foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics prepare students for the rigor of upper-level courses in microbiology, evolutionary biology, developmental biology, immunology, physiology, plant biology, ecology and neurobiology. Capstone seminars allow students to explore one area of the life sciences in depth through exploration and analysis of original scientific literature. Rider’s science faculty are research-oriented and encourage students to take advantage of opportunities to engage in independent research. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a three-week internship course through the Capital Health System Hospitals, summer research and other off-campus internships.