BIOLOGY
Much like the cells that make up the world’s largest
creatures,
our
internationally-
recognized Department of Biology is part of a much larger Drexel organization. And
DEGREES OFFERED
DREXEL CO-OP
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BS, MS, PhD BS degree offers 5 concentrations in:
Drexel University’s nationally recognized cooperative education program (Co-op) combines periods of full-time professional employment with periods of academic study.
Cell/Molecular Biology/Genetics/Biochemistry Organismal Biology/Physiology Ecology/Evolutionary Biology/Paleobiology General Biology
it is here, among your professors and fellow
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE BS, MS, PhD
students, that you’ll advance your study of
ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAMS BS/MD
life in all of its forms. As one of the largest departments in the University, our comprehensive study options include Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Organismal Physiology, Developmental Biology, Neurobiology, Ecology, Environmental Science and Paleobiology. Drexel scientists and faculty members, each passionate about teaching and conducting research, have made many significant discoveries. And soon, so will you.
CO-OP OPTIONS
Pathobiology
BS/MS in Biological Sciences BS/MS in Environmental Sciences MINORS Biology
Bioinformatics
Bioscience and Society
Ecology
ABOUT THE CURRICULUM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES As a biologist, you’ll learn how to examine the structure and functions of life — from isolated cells to full organisms, existing alone and collectively in communities. Your coursework will introduce you to new milestone discoveries across disciplines within the biological sciences. And you’ll discover how to address unique concepts that impact our daily and future lives. Concentrations within the biological sciences will allow you to focus your coursework and electives towards your career goals. Courses on everything from DNA to dinosaurs are covered in the five concentration areas. Students interested in medicine or research may select courses in molecular studies and disease processes, while others may opt to study the dynamics of ecosystems and the diversity of life on Earth. The Biology curriculum offers focus & flexibility that lets you choose your path.
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Y E A R CO - O P
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE The Environmental Science program integrates biology, chemistry, physics and atmospheric science. You’ll take an active role in examining and resolving environmental issues using extensive hands-on laboratory, computer and field investigations. Electives in physiological and community ecology, biodiversity and conservation, paleontology, environmental policy and economics will prepare you for careers addressing pressing current and future environmental concerns that will greatly impact the world we live in. ACCELERATED BS/MD The BS/MD program allows students to enter the Drexel University College of Medicine after three years of undergraduate study. This accelerated program is open to majors in Biological Sciences and to all majors in the College of Arts and Sciences (4-year non-Co-op), excluding International Area Studies. For students outside the accelerated BS/MD program, Drexel offers early assurance of admission to the Drexel College of Medicine. International applicants are not eligible for this program and qualified students must complete the College of Medicine Supplemental Application.
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Y E A R CO - O P
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Y E A R CO - O P
You’ll gain valuable work experience with Co-op opportunities, study abroad and research programs across the region and around the world. Past employers include Merck, Exelon Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia Water Department, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Delaware Canal State Park and others. Past Co-op positions have included field engineer, laboratory technician assistant, medicinal chemist and rehabilitation technician.
“I had a wide diversity of Co-ops. I had a job in chemistry, in vivo working with animals, and a business position in clinical operations and supply chain management. All were great opportunities and helped me to learn what I like/dislike and my strengths/weaknesses. Also, all were at major corporations and were great networking opportunities. Co-op was probably one of my favorite parts of Drexel.” – Biology Major, Senior Exit Survey
THE DEPARTMENT OF
CAREERS IN BIOLOGY In the last twenty years, the number of career opportunities in biology, including biotechnology and genetic engineering, has exploded; all the result of discoveries in the biological and environmental sciences. Drexel’s undergraduate Biology concentrations prepare you for a variety of careers in the private sector, government and research laboratories. Career paths can include medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, allied health professions, research, commercial laboratories, various private and government agencies or education. You’ll also be ready for advanced study in graduate and professional programs in medicine, other health-related areas, law or education. For Environmental Science students, the world’s growing concerns about global warming, sustainability, loss of biodiversity and environmental health mean that you’ll find unprecedented career opportunities in environmental monitoring, conservation and policy. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for jobs in the private and government sector, as well as for advanced graduate studies in ecology, law or education.
1- 800-2-DREXEL 215-895-1805
Department of Biology 215-895-2624
coas@drexel.edu www.drexel.edu/coas
biology@drexel.edu www.drexel.edu/biology/
DREXEL BIODIVERSITY ON BIOKO ISLAND This study abroad program takes you to an island in the Spanishspeaking central African country of Equatorial Guinea. You’ll study with experienced field biologists, examining tropical biodiversity and conservation efforts within pristine rainforests from sea level to over 10,000 ft in altitude. Individual research focuses on the island’s seven species of rare monkeys and four species of nesting sea turtles. TROPICAL FIELD STUDIES In Costa Rica, you’ll explore the ecology of tropical rain forests as they compare to dry forests, studying the physical and biological factors that initially formed them. Conservation efforts focus on the nesting territory of the leatherback sea turtles that utilize these tropical beaches. The program also addresses the impact of humanity on the forests and coastal areas, and how to manage this impact now and in the future.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES You’ll conduct relevant and current research alongside faculty in the department and the medical school to supplement and strengthen your coursework. Research opportunities include the STAR program, Co-op positions, volunteer opportunities and approved course credit. Faculty-mentored research is funded by the NIH, NSF, NASA, the ExxonMobil Foundation, National Geographic Conservation Trust, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pew Charitable Trust and US Army Research, among others.
THE LIGHTHOUSE CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCE EDUCATION The Biology Department’s established marine field station on the western shore of Barnegat Bay in New Jersey includes 180 acres of diverse coastal habitat. Here you’ll study amidst maritime and upland pine-oak forests, tidal creeks, a salt marsh, freshwater pond and sandy beach. Beyond local habitat and fauna, departmental field research programs are established worldwide. In Costa Rica, Greece, Equatorial Guinea and Patagonia, Drexel is leading research programs to aid the conservation efforts of sea turtles and primates and the excavation of prehistoric fossil remains.
COOL COURSES BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION This course addresses the problem of declining biological diversity around the world, and presents you with the criticalthinking skills required to address them. STEM CELL RESEARCH This course examines nuclear reprogramming and epigenetics, aging, cancer and stem-cell-based therapies for heart and neurodegenerative disorders— and the politics surrounding this relevant research. BIOLOGY OF CANCER This course outlines how normal biological processes go awry, causing healthy cells to develop into cancerous tumors. Current approaches for therapeutics are also discussed. FIELD METHODS OF PALEOECOLOGY This course introduces you to methods for collecting and analyzing data in a Cretaceous vertebrate fossil excavation site.
life. experience.
THE PAPADAKIS INTEGRATED SCIENCES BUILDING This is the new home of the Department of Biology. A dramatic landmark on Drexel’s campus, the central atrium features a four-story biowall of plants to filter air within the building while reducing energy consumption. Nine state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, twenty-four research labs, along with modern equipment and lecture halls fuel the discovery process in a wide range of biological disciplines. The building’s Cell Imaging Center and RNAi Resource Center provide additional resources for scientific discovery.
“The Biology faculty members are helpful, but also encouraging. They love seeing their students develop into scientists and always motivate us to think of our own ideas to research.” – Jenna Mancinelli, B.S. Biological Sciences, 2011
Through Co-ops and study abroad programs, Drexel students have uncommon access to collaborative work, and career-defining opportunities to build personal credentials and contacts.
Photo by Joel Sartore
FACILITIES
“The research opportunities at Drexel have given me numerous opportunities to travel and complete fieldwork. I’ve done everything from preparing dinosaur fossils for museum research to releasing leatherback turtle hatchlings...” – Kelsey Joy Gibbons, B.S. Environmental Sciences, English minor, 2010
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society AMSA American Medical Student Association Sankara Eye Foundation Student Chapter Sierra Club American Red Cross Drexel Against Cancer Drexel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Association Environmental and Occupational Health Club Minority Association of Premedical Students
BIOLOGY