Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences

Overview

Explore the organic universe from DNA to global systems in a supportive academic environment at the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. From the beginning, our students immerse themselves in biology through innovative coursework, hands-on, in-depth laboratories, experiential learning opportunities, and undergraduate research projects designed for real-life challenges in the life sciences.

We prepare the next generation of researchers, environmental scientists, computational biologists, medical doctors, pharmacists, and genomic data analysts. Whether it’s a cancer researcher developing a new vaccine or a biologist protecting our clean water, our students confront the toughest life science issues facing the world today and find solutions to them.

70%

Of upper-level courses have a fully hands-on, in-depth laboratory component

92%

Of all courses are taught by full-time professors

1st

RIT was first in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology

Latest News

  • February 5, 2024

    Three male tortoises engaged in aggressive behavior on the sand at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

    The Galapagos comes to life in new RIT Press book

    For more than 30 years, Robert Rothman has led hundreds of RIT students on tours to the Galápagos Islands to observe the wildlife and landscape that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Rothman’s A Paradise for Reptiles, an homage to the 19th century scientist, is an accessibly written guide for anyone interested in Darwin, the Galápagos, and reptiles in general.

Research

Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) is a scholarly field that combines disciplinary expertise in a STEM field (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) with research methods from cognitive science, psychology and the learning sciences. Researchers in this field are interested in studying and transforming STEM Education through basic and applied research. Faculty in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences are exploring how students learn concepts in molecular biology and genetics and how students apply their knowledge to novel learning and assessment tasks. Gaining insight into students’ mental models of complex molecular processes allows the team to develop new assessments and activities to measure and improve student learning. Faculty are also investigating how newly developed 3-D models of biomolecules and molecular processes can help students learn concepts related to genetic information flow.

Research Active Faculty:

Dina Newman headshot
Professor
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
Co-Director of MBER
585-475-4482

Current work in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences uses Next Generation Sequencing to elucidate genomic and proteomics aspects of phage, bacteria and plants as it relates to pathogenesis, resistance, metabolic engineering, etc.

Research Active Faculty:

Andre Hudson headshot
Dean, College of Science
Dean’s Office
College of Science
Program Faculty, School of Chemistry and Materials Science
585-475-4259
Eli Borrego headshot
Assistant Professor
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
Program Faculty, School of Chemistry and Materials Science
585-475-2184

Featured Work

Featured Profiles

Undergraduate Programs

At the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences we offer four exciting undergraduate programs. Whether it’s biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or environmental science, you become part of an active community of students, staff, and faculty working together to explore and solve complex biological problems in state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.

In this dynamic bioinformatics BS, biology and computing combine to analyze big data collected by the health industry to discover, diagnose, and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Learn more about the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BS program 

RIT’s biology BS builds on current advances in the molecular, cellular, and ecological disciplines so you can launch your career or be prepare you for graduate, medical, veterinary, or pharmacy school.

Learn more about the Biology BS program 

In RIT’s biotechnology bachelor’s degree you’ll develop technologies for genetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccine development, energy/ environment, forensics, and more.

Learn more about the Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS program 

Create a sustainable future for our planet in this innovative bachelor’s degree in environmental science, where you’ll combine a love for nature with cutting-edge research. 

Learn more about the Environmental Science BS program 

Graduate Programs

The graduate students in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences apply their advanced training in environmental science and computational biology to take a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of biological issues facing the world today. Each student works with a chosen faculty advisor to help them approach their project from a novel perspective, which prepares them to succeed in any path they choose after graduation.

A bioinformatics master’s degree prepares you to tackle complex problems in biology using big data, data mining, machine learning and modeling.

Learn more about the Bioinformatics MS program 

An environmental science master’s degree that balances environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development to tackle the biggest problems plaguing our environment.

Learn more about the Environmental Science MS program 

Minors and Immersions

Current students are encouraged to visit the Student Information System (SIS) to confirm any pre-requisite or co-requisite courses.

The bioinformatics analysis minor immerses students in the core challenges and strengths of the field of bioinformatics, as well as the ethical issues involved. Students gain hands-on experience implementing some of the core algorithms utilized by professionals in the field.

Learn more about the Bioinformatics Analysis Minor program 

The biology: cellular and molecular immersion provides students with the opportunity to experience courses in modern cell and molecular biology. Students complete a foundational course in molecular biology and the accompanying laboratory course and then go on to study additional cellular and molecular biology subjects in more detail.

Learn more about the Biology: Cellular and Molecular Immersion program 

The biology: cellular and molecular minor provides students with opportunities to experience and explore topics related to both the cellular and molecular aspects of modern biology to broaden and enhance their educational experience.

Learn more about the Biology: Cellular and Molecular Minor program 

The biology: ecology and evolution immersion provides students with the opportunity to experience courses in ecology and evolutionary biology. Students complete a foundational course in ecology or evolution and then have a choice of electives.

Learn more about the Biology: Ecology and Evolution Immersion program 

The biology: ecology and evolution minor provides students with the opportunity to experience both the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of modern biology. The minor explores these areas of biology through laboratory and field experiences.

Learn more about the Biology: Ecology and Evolution Minor program 

The environmental science minor introduces students to the complexities of environmental issues and concepts, and provides them with opportunities to further investigate many of these issues through advanced course work. Central to this minor are the development of field, analytical, and problem solving skills and an understanding of the multiple perspectives often embedded in environmental issues. Students interested in becoming citizen scientists, or those pursuing employment or an advanced degree with an environmental focus, will find this minor beneficial.

Learn more about the Environmental Science Minor program 

Upcoming Seminars

The Georgia Gosnell Seminar Series showcases speakers with broad expertise across the life sciences who present ongoing research on topics that include ecological sustainability, education, evolution, genomics, pathogenesis, proteomics, and viral therapeutics.

View our upcoming life science seminars

Student Resources

Here you will find additional resources for the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, such as newsletters, student handbooks, scholarships, etc.

See Resources

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