Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
Thomas H. Gosnell School of
Life Sciences
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Explore biological and environmental phenomena from biomolecules all the way up to dynamic ecosystems while using cutting-edge technology and computational tools to support research and tackle complex problems.
Overview
As a student in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, you will be immersed in active-engagement classrooms and participate in exciting hands-on laboratory and field exercises to become the next generation of researchers, environmental stewards, policymakers, medical doctors, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, pharmacists, bioinformaticians and so much more!
Good to Know
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology majors integrate concepts from biology, statistics, and computer science to analyze "big data" and gain deeper insights into the natural world, from personalized medicine to microbial diversity and evolutionary processes.
- Biology majors explore the study of life, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems, through extensive laboratory and field courses, making it an excellent choice for those preparing for medical, veterinary, or pharmacy school.
- Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience majors delve into the world of molecules and microbes, learning how they communicate, respond to stressors, and can be manipulated for applications in genetics, agriculture, conservation biology, and more, through cutting-edge laboratory techniques.
- Environmental Science majors immerse themselves in the interdisciplinary study of the natural world, combining science, field work, statistics, and policy to understand the impact of human actions and climate change on the delicate environmental balance, with opportunities to explore wetlands, chemical pollutants, and GIS technology for land management.
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
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September 5, 2024
RIT recommended for additional federal funding for stormwater debris interception
The new funds are on behalf of the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program’s $23 million investment to intercept and remove marine debris with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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August 1, 2024
Upstate NY research center investigates impact of microplastics on human health
Spectrum News speaks to Christy Tyler, professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about how microplastics enter our body and what they do when they are there.
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July 30, 2024
RIT and NY Sea Grant to expand marine debris and plastic pollution research and education
A team of researchers at RIT is expanding its work in studying the impact of marine debris beyond the Rochester region and into nearby Great Lakes communities.
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:
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:
Featured Work
RIT Student Research Featured on the NASA Landsat Science Website
Bianca Cilento (environmental science)
Bianca Cilento, a student at RIT, caught the attention of a program developer which led to her research work being featured on the NASA Landsat Science website.
Tackling Real-World Issues with Biotechnology Research
Sydney Purcell (biotechnology)
Sydney Purcell is conducting real-world research in the Viral Genetics Lab at RIT alongside Dr. Maureen Ferran, whose work centers on using viral genetics to create cutting-edge cancer treatments.
Internship in Brazil Builds Research Skills and Connections Abroad
Veronica Fell (biotechnology)
Veronica Fell, a third-year biotechnology student, knew she wanted real-world lab experience and to see the world. A research internship in Brazil allowed her to do that and much more.
Featured Profiles
RIT Co-op Experience Paves Way for Thriving Pharmaceutical Career
Sayali Kadam ‘10 (biotechnology)
Sayali Kadam ’10 turned co-op experiences into a thriving career at Merck! Now Director of Launch Strategy and Operations, she credits RIT's hands-on learning for her success.
Grad's Experience Leads to Career in Gene Therapy Research
Allison Keeler '05 (biotechnology)
Allison Keeler has turned her lifelong interest in science into a career in medical research. She is now the lead researcher in the Keeler Lab at the Horae Gene Therapy Center.
Biochemistry Student Receives Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
Aidan Miller has been awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate research award in the United States. Miller is the tenth RIT biochemistry student to win the award....
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 programRIT’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 programIn 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 programCreate 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 programGraduate 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 programAn 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 programMinors 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 programThe 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 programThe 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 programThe 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 programThe 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 programThe 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 programWould you like to donate to our school?
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