Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics lies at the interface of cutting edge science and next-generation technology, enabling discoveries that were unattainable only a few years ago. Bioinformaticists analyze the massive data sets coming out of modern biological experiments such as Next Generation Sequencing, Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Ecoinformatics.
Despite occupying this vital position, formal opportunities for education in Bioinformatics are limited. Those programs that do exist are challenging because they require students to achieve a deep understanding of both the biological processes being studied and the computational approaches needed for data analysis. Nevertheless, in the supportive environment provided by the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences at RIT, our highly motivated students thrive in their studies and go on to attend top ranked graduate schools or enter the workforce in pivotal discovery positions in the pharmaceutical, vaccine development and academic research communities.
The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs in Bioinformatics. In addition, we offer a combined BS/MS program which can be completed in a total of five years, and a Molecular Genetics Option with less computer science and more lab experience.
Typical Bachelor of Science Course Schedule
Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirements
Typical Bachelor of Science Course Schedule with Molecular Genetics Option
Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirements with Molecular Genetics Option
Master of Science Graduation Requirements
Please direct questions to Michael Osier, mvoscl@rit.edu
Biology
Biology encompasses all of the processes and patterns that characterize living cell, organisms, and ecosystems. Building on recent advances in the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological disciplines, modern biological science offers students a rich framework that can launch a career with a wide variety of skills for discoveries within cells, organ systems, species, and even ecosystems in which we live. The 21st century is an exciting time to become a biologist!
Recent advances in molecular and cellular biology have made it possible to read the complete set of genes (the genomes) of many species including our own. Genome projects range from several thousand to several billion individual letters (bases) that make up a genetic instruction set for the growth and development of all organisms on Earth. The translations of these .instructions of life. have produced marvelous results ranging from answers to questions about the origins of viral and bacterial pathogens to the orgin of life itself. The future holds great promise that this work will continue produce major advances in our understanding of the relationships among all living organisms, our own origins, and health and disease including personalized medicine tailored to our own individual genomes.
Our understanding of all life, from bacteria and viruses to multicellular organisms including ourselves will continue to group as more genomes are sequenced and analyzed. Indeed, we are drawing closer and closer to an understanding of the very essence of what it is to be alive.
The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science program in Biology that provides students with the foundation knowledge and practical experiences necessary to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in the biological sciences.
Typical Bachelor of Science Course Schedule
Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirements
Please direct questions to Nicki Bruno, lifesciences@rit.edu
Environmental Science
The focus of the Environmental Science program at RIT is on understanding natural systems and how humans impact these systems. Our program blends fieldwork, lab analyses, science, and technology with social science and humanities to help students understand and address interdisciplinary environmental issues to create a sustainable future for our planet.
Integrative fieldwork: Whether analyzing the impacts of land cover change on water quality, monitoring river otters for the success of re-introduction, or developing revitalization plans for an inner city, RIT students blend classroom time with meaningful fieldwork and interactions with the public to solve real-world problems.
Advanced technologies: RIT's stature as a top technical university gives our students a significant advantage as technology revolutionizes the way environmental data are collected and analyzed.
Interdisciplinary problem solving curriculum: Through group projects and a year-long capstone experience, our challenging academic program combining natural sciences and liberal arts prepares students to effectively use science and technology to solve environmental problems in the social/cultural context in which they arise.
Outstanding faculty: Some of the most advanced experts in their fields maintain an open-door policy to help you define and reach your highest goals.
The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs in Environmental Science. We offer a combined BS/MS program which can be completed in a total of five years, and an environmental science double major.
Typical Bachelor of Science Course Schedule
Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirements
Master of Science Graduation Requirements
Please direct questions to Nicki Bruno, lifesciences@rit.edu
Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience
Biotechnology is defined as the use of living systems to develop or make useful products that are be beneficial to animals particularly humans. RIT is a leader in biotechnology education! In 1983 we became the first university in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in what was then a very new, yet exciting discipline.
Recently, the name of the program was changed to Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience to reflect the evolving nature of the discipline giving the fact that molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, plant biology etc. are integral disciplines in the field of biotechnology.
Students enrolled in the Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience Program at RIT will be exposed to dynamic professors who are leaders in their fields both in the class room for tradition instruction and also in the classroom and research laboratories for experiential learning.
The Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science program in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience that provides students with the fundamental knowledge and practical experiences necessary to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities.
Typical Bachelor of Science Course Schedule
Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirements
Please direct questions to Nicki Bruno, lifesciences@rit.edu
