About the Department
 The
Department of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in biology and,
in cooperation with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a dual-degree in
biology and environmental/marine science.
The department’s mission is to provide first-rate educational opportunities for
biology and health-discipline majors in preparation for advanced degree work or
postgraduate employment. Our degree programs provide students with the knowledge
and abilities to apply the scientific process and to think critically about
contemporary issues in the biological sciences.
In support of this mission, the department has a comprehensive advising program
committed to individual guidance of each student’s academic career. Specialized
advising is provided for students who intend to pursue post-graduate work in
medical professions, teaching, or graduate school.
“During my years at Salisbury University, I not
only found a direction for my life (medicine),
but gained the skills ... and abilities to
access
the field, all while being part of a
growing, caring community of students and
faculty.”
— Gwynne Harper,
Class of 2005 |
We sponsor a number of social and academic organizations that allow students to
share their common interests in biology and interact with
faculty and other biology majors outside
the classroom.
Our weekly seminars provide an opportunity for students to learn
about current research being conducted by scientists at other institutions and
to make connections for post-graduate studies.
Our department is known for its collegial atmosphere and its student-centered
approach in providing excellent classroom instruction and research
opportunities.
Undergraduate Research
The
Department of Biological Sciences has a strong commitment to undergraduate
student research and encourages student participation at local, regional and
national science meetings. Research is an increasingly important element in
undergraduate education, and it helps our graduates gain admission into graduate
and professional schools, and obtain good jobs.
 We are located in a new, state-of-the- art science building with high-tech
equipment, enhanced space and updated teaching facilities.
Cooperative relationships with regional initiatives provide research
opportunities for our students and faculty, and increase student employability
while meeting the needs of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Salisbury
University has embraced the concept of student-centered teaching and views
undergraduate research as vital to this goal. SU hosted the
National Conference
of Undergraduate Research in April 2008.
There are several sources of funding to support student research, including the
Henson School of Science Research Grants ($350/semester), University-wide
research and travel funds ($500/semester), and grants from the Guerrieri Summer
Research Program to support students who are conducting research during the
summer. Biology majors are eligible for the prestigious Henson School
Scholarships and other scholarships available to SU students.
Academic Program
 The
biology curriculum at Salisbury University focuses on the development of
knowledge and skills that are important for biologists in the 21st century. This
requires a strong background within the discipline, competency in related
sciences, and an in-depth knowledge of modern biological concepts and
techniques.
The required Biology Core sharpens a student’s focus while developing competence
in various sub-disciplines. Upper-level courses and other relevant
experiences
provide not only depth in the student’s particular area(s) of interest, but also
the skills that are necessary to excel in postgraduate life.
“Research has been an important
part of life at SU. I helped Dr.
Hunter set up a field DNA lab in
a cloud forest in Honduras and
presented the results at
national meetings. Thank you to
SU faculty for my research
experiences.”
—
Emily Burnett, Class of 2008 |
Using state-of-the-art teaching technology and techniques, students learn the
core knowledge of the discipline not through memorization, but through
application and research activities that are inherent in every course. Finally,
students can put what they have learned into practice in an undergraduate
research experience or internship. Graduates of our program are broadly trained
biologists, and they possess the knowledge and skills vital to postgraduate
studies and future employment.
The educational experiences for biology majors at Salisbury University provide
them with a strong background on which to build their future and encourage them
to become life-long learners.
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