The educational goals of the Rider University Department of Biology include providing students with foundational instruction in the Biological sciences, and providing students with the opportunity to explore one or more sub-disciplines of Biology or Behavioral Neuroscience in depth.

The most important ways the Department meets these goals are through small class size, the accessibility of faculty, and individualized guidance. Our curricula are designed to develop skills that students need to pursue a life of learning in the sciences. Students are expected to acquire factual knowledge, technical and analytical skills, and writing and speaking competence. Our faculty are research-oriented, and encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunity to engage in independent research. Consult the Departmental Student Handbook for specific curricular details.

A student who successfully completes a Biology or Behavioral Neuroscience major is well-prepared to enter the workforce, professional school or graduate school. Typical areas of professional and graduate study include medical, dental, and veterinary school; allied health programs in optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, etc.; programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the life sciences; and programs in science education.

In addition to the Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience majors, the Department coordinates the pre-medical and pre-allied health programs. The Department co-sponsors the Biochemistry major with the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, and the Marine Sciences and Environmental Sciences majors with the Department of Geological, Environmental and Marine Sciences.

We hope that this overview of the Biology Department encourages you to visit us in person. To arrange a campus visit contact Rider University Admissions (609-896-5042).

To find out more about the Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience majors, contact:

Jonathan Karp Chairperson Office: Science Hall 339E Phone: (609)895-5658 Fax: (609)895-5782 Email: jkarp@rider.edu