Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
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
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March 3, 2021
![two rolls of stickers that read "I got the shot."]()
Comparing The COVID-19 Vaccines
NPR's 1A program talks to Maureen Ferran, associate professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about how the different COVID-19 vaccines work.
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February 25, 2021
![two vials of vaccine.]()
How does the Johnson & Johnson vaccine compare to other coronavirus vaccines? 4 questions answered
Essay by Maureen Ferran, associate professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, published by The Conversation.
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January 27, 2021
![illustration of meter reading False: PolitiFact Truth-o-meter.]()
WHO did not say PCR tests grossly inflate positive test numbers
The Poynter Institute's PolitiFact talks to Maureen Ferran, associate professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about PCR COVID-19 tests.
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
A Team Experience That Pays Off In More Ways Than One
The Laboratory Support Team (or BioPrep) is a unique team that gets hands-on lab experience while helping the many teaching labs in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences at RIT.
Genomics Students Co-Author Published Paper in American Society for Microbiology
Andre Hudson
Students in the RIT undergraduate genomics course designed their semester long collaborative project on wild mushrooms and were given the opportunity to co-write a published paper.
RIT Biology Major Awarded Student Research Grant from Rochester Academy of Science
Erica Delles (4th year biology)
Erica Delles was awarded a student research grant for her proposal, ““Physiological Condition in Relation to Molecular Sex of Thrushes During Migration Stopover.”
Featured Profiles
From Human Pathogens to Hemp: How Research Helped Ali Find Her Path
Ali Cala ‘17 (biology)
After choosing RIT for the biology program's research opportunities, it was that experience that put Ali Cala ‘17 on her path to Cornell AgriTech as a graduate student.
The Many Different Sides of Bio at RIT
Afnan Shazwan Nasaruddin ‘11 (biotechnology)
For Afnan Shazwan Nasaruddin, an interest in plant pathology didn’t “begin to sprout,” as he says, until after taking an ‘Intro to Plant Pathology’ course during his fourth-year in biotechnology.
Bioinformatics: The Intersection of Biology and Computer Science
Spencer Richman ‘20 (bioinformatics)
Spencer Richman ‘20 switched majors when he discovered the bioinformatics program at RIT combined the two things he loved—computer science and biology.
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.
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.
Minors and Immersions
Current students are encouraged to visit the Student Information System (SIS) to confirm any pre-requisite or co-requisite courses.
