Introduction to the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences is located in Bowers Hall near the center of the Cortland campus. Bowers Hall contains classrooms, teaching laboratories, faculty and staff offices, research laboratories, computer laboratories, a planetarium, and a science museum.

The Department conducts a number of activities at College-owned environmental areas. Hoxie Gorge is a nearby 170 acre nature preserve. Cortland's Outdoor Education Center is a residential facility located at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks.

The Department of Biological Sciences has 22 faculty and staff members, representing a wide range of biological specialties. We are dedicated to providing our students with an academic experience of the highest quality, and we are proud of our commitment to excellence in teaching.

The Department strives to maintain moderate class sizes for biology majors and to provide them with meaningful field and laboratory experiences. Biology is an observational and experimental science, and it is through participation in field and laboratory activities that students understand the value of scientific methodology, gain an appreciation for the wonderful diversity of life, and develop important technical skills.

In addition to commitment to teaching, the Department recognizes the benefits of scholarly activity. Department faculty have a wide variety of scholarly interests, among which are field and laboratory research. Scholarly endeavors benefit our students by contributing to faculty vitality and currency. Scholarly activities also allow students to gain valuable experience by participating in the research activities of individual faculty members.

The Department's academic programs provide a strong, comprehensive, foundation in the central areas of biology, while permitting students to pursue their personal goals. All Biology majors complete a series of courses, which include Biological Sciences I and II, Cellular Biology, Genetics, and Ecology. They also take supporting courses in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. In addition, students take courses appropriate to their individual interests. Some prepare for entrance into health careers, such as medicine or physical therapy. Others pursue an environmental science emphasis or become certified to teach in the secondary schools.

Department graduates have attended medical, dental, physical therapy, and other professional schools. They have gone to graduate school, and they have embarked on a variety of careers, including secondary education, environmental biology, and biological research.

Finally, I suggest that you visit the Department Newsletter.  Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, an alumnus or a curious visitor the newsletter will give you some idea about what goes on in our department.