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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March 23, 2021
How good is the AstraZeneca vaccine – and is it really safe? 5 questions answered
The Conversation asks Maureen Ferran, associate professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
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March 17, 2021
How microbes in permafrost could trigger a massive carbon bomb
Nature talks to Carmody McCalley, assistant professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about climate models not accurately accounting for microbial activity in Arctic permafrost and Arctic lakes.
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March 12, 2021
The power of science
Essay by Sophia Maggelakis, dean of the College of Science, published by the Rochester Beacon.
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 Undergraduate Students Receive Research Funding from Rochester Academy of Science
Emalee Wrightstone and Lexi Pyke (Biotechnology)
An essential part of the research process, two RIT undergraduate students, learn that the grant writing process is more of an art than a science.
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.
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.
In this dynamic bioinformatics degree, 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 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology BSBuilding on recent advances in the molecular, cellular, and ecological disciplines, this modern biology degree offers a rich framework that can launch your career or propel you to graduate, medical, veterinary, or pharmacy school.
Learn More about Biology BS
A biotechnology degree in which you'll improve human health by harnessing technology advancements and biomolecular processes to research and develop technologies in genetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, environment and energy, forensic science, genetic counseling, and more.
Learn More about Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BSCombine 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 Environmental Science BSGraduate 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 that explores the unique combination of biotechnology, programming, and computational mathematics to combat illness and create novel technologies for industry.
Learn More about Bioinformatics MSAn environmental science master's degree that produces skilled professionals who are able to tackle the biggest problems plaguing our environment.
Learn More about Environmental Science MSMinors 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 Bioinformatics Analysis MinorBiology 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 & 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 Biology ImmersionThe 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 Biology: Cellular and Molecular MinorThe 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 Biology: Ecology and Evolution MinorThe 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 Environmental Science Minor