Biology Program Information

ISC exterior day

The mission of the Biology program at Geneseo is to provide students with a broad background in biology, which can be used as a solid foundation for various careers in the biological sciences and medicine. Students in the program gain an understanding of the basic principles of genetics, ecology, evolution, cell biology, anatomy and physiology. Students also gain skills in scientific decision-making, and in presenting scientific research in oral and written formats. We also want students to appreciate and value biological diversity and to leave the program with an increased sense of stewardship for the earth.

Academic Programs in Biology

Integrative Curricular Microcredential in Science Communication

This microcredential will allow students to engage with science topics with an eye to communication and prepare for professional opportunities in science communication including freelance writing, journalism, and graduate study. Students will complete 9-12 credits of academic coursework: 1) one course that builds knowledge and skills in storytelling (ENGL 102, 201, 202, 305, FMST 270, COMN 107, COMN 212, COMN 213, COMN 251, COMN 275, COMN 277, DANL 310); 2) one STEM course in a discipline of interest to the student; and 3) BIOL 384: Communicating Science. Following BIOL 384, students will develop and carry out an integrative, high-impact project in science communication via either a Directed Study or an internship; the high-impact project will involve disseminating science to a broader public, such as through a publication, presentation, podcast, etc. During the microcredential, students will engage in active reflection on science communication through metacognitive activities including dialogue with others in the program. For any questions or to begin the Science Communication Microcredential, please contact Dr. Smith (smithlj@geneseo.edu) and/or Dr. Gerringer (gerringer@geneseo.edu).

Microcredential in Aquatic Biology

This microcredential will allow students to develop expertise and experience in aquatic ecosystems, from rivers and lakes to coastal oceans and the deep sea. Students will complete 9-12 credits of academic coursework: 1) BIOL 312 Aquatic Community Ecology; 2) BIOL 313 Marine Biology; and 3) one skills-based course in methods applicable to marine research, such as Biology 314: Biodiversity of Coral Reefs, BIOL 340 Modeling Biological Systems, BIOL 378 Microscope Techniques, BIOL 384 Communicating Science, GEOG 295 Intro to GIS. In addition to coursework, students will develop and carry out an integrative, high-impact project in aquatic research via either a Directed Study or an internship. The high-impact project will involve active research experience and sharing of scientific findings, such as through a publication, presentation, poster, podcast, etc. During the microcredential, students will engage in active reflection on the relationship between freshwater and marine ecosystems and society, including through communication with local communities on lake health and developing posters on human impacts. For any questions or to begin the Aquatic Biology Microcredential, please contact Dr. Bosch (bosch@geneseo.edu) and/or Dr. Gerringer (gerringer@geneseo.edu).