Biological Sciences:

        Student Opportunities

Student Research Opportunities.  One of the most exciting opportunities you will have is to participate in research projects with faculty members.  The scope of projects ranges from cellular and molecular to organismal and ecological.  Beyond the terrific learning experience, you may present your work at campus seminars or regional scientific meetings and you may even become a co-author of an article in a scientific journal.  Some research positions may also provide a salary funded by grants to you or a faculty member.  It is through these research projects that students often form their closest and most enduring ties with other students and the faculty.

Off-Campus Studies.  In several of our elective courses you may become immersed in the study of exotic ecosystems at locations outside of New York State.  Through the Marine Biology course, coral reefs and tropical rain-forests are studied on-location in the Central American country of Belize.  Closer to home, internships are commonly arranged with a variety of organizations such as the Department of Environmental Conservation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service as well as with pharmaceutical companies and local veterinary practices.  Not all internships are nearby, however; through Cortland’s special connections, students have studied as far away as England and Belize.

Student Activities.  Beyond the formal academic course work we encourage you to join the Biology Club.  The Biology Club sponsors invited speakers, field trips, faculty-student social events and recreational weekends at the Outdoor Education Center.  In addition, The National Honor Society for Biology, Beta-Beta-Beta, is very active and sponsors field trips and seminar speakers from graduate and professional schools.  Through both academic and social activities you will become part of the Biological Sciences Department “family” and form lasting friendships with classmates, faculty and staff.