Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
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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May 20, 2025
Yes, Microplastics Are Everywhere. So What Do We Do?
The New York Times speaks to Christy Tyler, professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about how to minimize your exposure to microplastics.
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May 1, 2025
Crucial training pipeline for Deaf scientists dismantled by NIH funding cuts
Science speaks to Michelle Koplitz '08 (biotechnology), Sara Blick-Nitko '17 (professional studies), and Wyatte Hall '08 (psychology) about the impact of budget cuts on the Deaf Scientists Pipeline.
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April 28, 2025
Tackling the macro problem of microplastics
RIT experts are at the forefront of research that aims to better understand the impact of microplastics on the environment. RIT’s interdisciplinary microplastics team has received nearly $10 million in funding since 2020.
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 and Profiles
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Tackling the Macro Problem of Microplastics
Environmental science students team up with professors to research the impact microplastics have on the ecosystem and human health.
Read More about Tackling the Macro Problem of Microplastics -
RIT Co-op Experience Paves Way for Thriving Pharmaceutical Career
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.
Read More about RIT Co-op Experience Paves Way for Thriving Pharmaceutical Career -
From RIT Labs to Life-Saving Cancer Research at AstraZeneca
Dylan Weil ‘15 utilizes his RIT biotechnology lab skills to conduct life-saving cancer immunotherapy research at AstraZeneca.
Read More about From RIT Labs to Life-Saving Cancer Research at AstraZeneca -
Grad's Experience Leads to Career in Gene Therapy Research
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.
Read More about Grad's Experience Leads to Career in Gene Therapy Research -
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....
Read More about Biochemistry Student Receives Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship -
From Coding Co-op to Cancer Research: Bioinformatics Bridges the Gap
Ammar Naqvi ’06 majored in bioinformatics at RIT and leveraged his co-op to solidify an exciting career path in bioinformatics.
Read More about From Coding Co-op to Cancer Research: Bioinformatics Bridges the Gap
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.
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