Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences


Thomas H. Gosnell School of
Life Sciences
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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
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November 10, 2023
Veterans and their dependents seek new beginnings and awareness at RIT
The Office of Veteran Student Success was created to help veterans and their families navigate the paperwork, finances, and social adjustments that come with college.
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October 15, 2023
Will we still have antibiotics in 50 years? We asked 7 global experts
The Conversation asks Andre Hudson, dean of the College of Science, whether we will have antibiotics 50 years from now.
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October 3, 2023
Tenacious curiosity in the lab can lead to a Nobel Prize – mRNA research exemplifies the unpredictable value of basic scientific research
Essay by Andre Hudson, dean, College of Science, published by The Conversation.
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
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.
Climate Change Course: Complex Teams Solving Complex Problems
Mary Pryor
RIT students from all majors learn creative and interdisciplinary problem-solving through the perspectives of a diverse set of faculty members.
Accessible First-Year Research Opportunities
McKenzie Watts (biotechnology)
McKenzie Watts, a first-year student, says the best part about RIT is that research is accessible. Today, she's working in a research lab with Dr. André Hudson.
Featured Profiles
Finding Career Success and Achieving Great Things at RIT
Nadya Rose ’14 (environmental science)
Inspired by a community of people on a mission to achieve great things, Nadya Rose ‘14 shares how RIT helped foster her success while pursuing her environmental science degree.
Embracing the Journey of Medical School
Teresa Ayela-Uwangue '02 (biology)
On her path to working with underserved communities in Arizona, Dr. Teresa Ayela-Uwangue ’02 learned the value of exploring a wide range of interests.
Biotechnology: Lab-based Biology at a Cellular and Molecular Level
Katherine Varandas ’10 (biotechnology)
Katherine Varandas ’10 wanted a biology major to prepare her for a job. RIT’s biotechnology program provided hands-on lab experiences that led her to a career in academic research.
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 programCombine a love for nature with cutting-edge research to create a sustainable future for our planet in this innovative environmental science degree.
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 programBiology is the study of living organisms, including their structure, systems, function, evolution, and ecology. The immersion provides students with the opportunity to experience courses in a variety of areas of modern biology. Students complete a foundational course in Cell and Molecular Biology, General Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology (which all include laboratory experiences) and then go on to study at least one area in more depth.
Learn more about the Biology Immersion 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 modeling minor introduces students to the process of spatial modeling as part of a tool set for investigating environmental issues and provides opportunities to apply these skills through advanced course work. Courses are designed to give students a solid foundation of environmental issues and concepts. Central to this minor are the development of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the multiple stakeholder perspectives often involved with environmental issues.
Learn more about the Environmental Modeling 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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