Biology
Introduction & Overview
The major in Biology seeks to provide a solid foundation in this traditional discipline with courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, and Evolutionary Biology.
Students may choose to major in Biology, Biochemistry, or Environmental Studies. In addition, students may minor in biology, plant biology or environmental studies. Students can also choose to follow the pre-health track within the major, which will help to prepare them for post-graduate programs in the medical sciences.
With several different teaching laboratories on campus, and a robust senior research program, you will get valuable practical experience as well as classroom time. There are also a variety of different internship opportunities, and Honor Society events, that may be explored.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Minors
Biology
Botany
Environmental Studies
Career Ideas
Biologist, Aquarium Curator, Botanist, Chiropractor, Consultant, Dentist, Environmental Scientist, Forensic Science Technician, Geneticist, Horticulturalist, Laboratory Technologist, Medical doctor, Microbiologist, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapist, Science Teacher, Veterinary Assistant and Veterinarian
Program Director
Christopher Pappas, Department Chair, (914) 323-1276, Christopher.Pappas@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
Full-Time Faculty
Wendy J. McFarlane - Comparative physiology, environmental physiology, marine biology/ecology
Christopher Pappas - Molecular biology, genetics, nutrition, parasitology, microbiology
Nancy Todd - Ecology and evolution, anatomy, forensic biology, environmental studies
Anna Yeung- Cheung - Microbiology, virology, infectious disease, and nutrition in health & disease
Adjunct Faculty
Roger Bender - introductory biology
David Cassuto - wellness, sports medicine
Volodia Georgiev - introductory biology
Denis Liveris - biochemistry, molecular biology
Anne Meore - horticulture
Maxine Montello – conservation biology
Lisa Papernik – plant biology
Sunera Rahman - environmental science
Galyna Sidyelyeva – introductory biology
Lab Manager
Jorge Cardenas, (914) 798-2715, jorge.cardenas@mville.edu
Biology Laboratories
The Department of Biology has laboratories for principles of biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, environmental biology, and senior research. The laboratories are well equipped with state-of-the-art lab equipment and teaching materials. In addition, a recently renovated rooftop greenhouse allows for additional plant biology related coursework and experimentation. There is also a comparative biology laboratory that houses reptiles and amphibians.
There is an environmentally-friendly “Eco-classroom” complete with an Ecomachine that filters water from the Holladay stream in the northeastern corner of the campus. The Eco-classroom is constructed of all recycled and green materials and is used for teaching, research and outreach. It is situated within the Ohnell Environmental Park, our “Living Outdoor Classroom” which is used for research and teaching and various interdisciplinary endeavors, and includes a composting project and organic community garden. Students have the opportunity to use these laboratories and spaces for independent research as well as a variety of course-related activities.
Laboratory Safety
To work in the biology laboratories, the department has set safety standards and regulations for use of the lab spaces. These rules are designed to ensure safety of students, staff and faculty members in laboratory settings. The Lab Safety Contract is a general guideline to follow, and is distributed and discussed in each biology lab class. In each laboratory session, there will be additional safety training and safety rules specific to the laboratory content and procedures. All students are required to abide by these rules, as they ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all.