Biology
Overview
School of Arts and Sciences / Biology
At its core, biology is the study of life.
The combination of a Lasallian liberal arts education coupled with the biology curriculum’s intense immersion in the sciences prepares students to become leaders in their chosen profession and to explore a deeper meaning of the world around them.Course Descriptions
Students enjoy a wide range of interesting and unique courses, some including:
Life science: an environmental approach
This foundation biology course for non-majors places emphasis on the unifying concepts of ecology. It is intended to demonstrate interconnections between the life and physical sciences, provide opportunity for in-depth exploration of environmental issues, and establish a relevance to students’ lives. Topics will include human influence on patterns and products of change in living systems, energy matter and organization, and human interaction and interdependence with other living systems.
Life science: a human approach
This foundation biology course for non-majors places emphasis on the unifying concepts of human biology. It is intended to demonstrate interconnections between the life and physical sciences, provide opportunity for in-depth exploration of life, and establish a relevance to students’ lives. Topics will include: maintaining dynamic equilibrium in humans, human reproduction and inheritance, and human growth and differentiation.
Neurobiology
this course involves a lecture-laboratory study of the nervous system, including principles of membrane biophysics, cellular neurophysiology, systems neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Genetics
This course is an introduction to genetics at the molecular, cytological, and organismal level. Included are the thorough coverage of mendelian and other basic transmission genetics phenomena in the light of our knowledge of dna and cell structure and function; mutation and mutagenesis; and an introduction to recombinant dna. Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Invertebrate zoology
Topics of this course involve life processes, phylogenetic advances, and basic classification of the major pre-chordate phyla with emphasis on their evolution and ecology. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
Genomics
The genomics course will be a hybrid lecture and hands-on computer course. This course will focus on the topic of genome organization and the bioinformatic tools that are used to study genomes. We will investigate the genome structure of viral, microbial, and eukaryotic genomes and the different databases used to store and access this data. Dna sequence analysis using the blast algorithm and multiple sequence alignments will be studied. Identifying genes and genomic elements using different computational tools will be performed.
The biology of cancer
The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cancer’s hallmark phenotypes will be explored. These include proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, activating invasion and metastasis, reprogramming of energy metabolism and evading immune destruction. Within these conceptual frameworks, primary scientific literature will be examined and clinical implications of the research evaluated. Students will choose a specific area of interest, allowing them to develop an in-depth understanding of the current “state-of-the-art” in a field of research. Students will gain an informed understanding of the inherent challenges cancer presents and assess the prospects of treating and ultimately curing the disease.
Biology ranks fourth on the list of Eight College Degrees That Will Earn Your Money Back
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Blaze Your Own Path
Careers
La Salle biology alums have entered professions in a variety of fields including laboratory research, environmental studies, and teaching. Many have also pursued advanced degrees in graduate, medical, dental, and veterinary programs. Career options span pure and applied science, science education, and health and allied health including:
- Scientific ecology research
- Microbiology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
- Botany
- Zoology
- Developmental biology
- Biotechnology
- Physiology
- Marine biology
- Teachers and professors
- Medicine
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nursing
- Clinical laboratories
- Science research and technicians
Internship and Research
La Salle’s Biology Department strives to give students the opportunity to perform directed research under the mentorship of a faculty research adviser. The Department also has a strong tradition of supporting student research performed at the La Salle University campus or off-campus institutions. Students can choose to perform research for credit or on a volunteer basis. Credits will normally be awarded in the spring semester of the academic year that research is performed. Internships generally take place at off-campus institutions and facilities.
To be considered for the Biology Research or Biology Internship courses, the student must:
- Have a minimum GPA of a 2.8
- Identify a research or internship adviser/mentor
- Present a tentative research/internship proposal
- Get final approval from the Department Chair
Highlights and Facilities
La Salle’s Biology Department serves qualified students interested in an education and careers in health professions, physical sciences, life sciences, and science education by offering:
Broad theoretical and laboratory training to prepare students for graduate work in the life sciences, careers in scientific/clinical technology, or for careers in science education.
State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities that enable our students to learn and actively do 21st century biology.
Teaching laboratories equipped with modern microscopes, lab equipment, prepared samples, and reagents for individual and group work in a number of different biological disciplines.
Student-based research laboratories for molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, neurobiology, and a number of other workstations.
Computers and software for students to perform bioinformatics analysis of research data and other computational needs.
Greenhouses for both teaching and research needs.
Biology internships
Flexibility that allows students to change the direction of their career preparation through their junior year without any notable effect on their ability to complete the program in four years.
One-on-one attention
An average class size of 22 students provides the individualized attention you deserve.
An invaluable location with Center City Philadelphia at your doorstep. You’re prepared with the internship and subsequent employment opportunities among the region’s top medical, healthcare, pharmaceutical, science, and research organizations, including corporate leaders.
Guidance and dedication from professors who are recognized scholars in their industry.
A close-knit community our well-read cohort of faculty, staff, Christian Brothers, and fellow students ignite meaningful discussion and collaboration, as well as lifelong friendships.
Unbeatable value based on a proven return-on-investment. That’s why Money magazine cited La Salle fifth on its list of “50 Colleges that Add the Most Value for 2016-17, along with mentions in U.S. News & World Reports, Forbes, and The Economist.
I am an Explorer
Julia Sproch, ’18
Name: Julia Sproch Major: Biology Minor: Nutrition Graduation Year: 2018 Hometown: Harrisburg, Pa. Sports/Clubs/Organizations: Honors Program, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Service Organization (primary philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Hospital), La Salle Explorer’s Advocating Nutrition- (nutrition club), executive board, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Committee, La Salle Field Hockey, and Yellow Ribbon Club What helped you decide on majoring in […]
Julia Sproch, ’18
Name: Julia Sproch
Major: Biology
Minor: Nutrition
Graduation Year: 2018
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pa.
Sports/Clubs/Organizations: Honors Program, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Service Organization (primary philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Hospital), La Salle Explorer’s Advocating Nutrition- (nutrition club), executive board, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Committee, La Salle Field Hockey, and Yellow Ribbon Club
What helped you decide on majoring in Biology?
I was always interested in science growing up. I remember writing a letter to NASA, having a science computer game, and asking my parents for experiments kits for my birthday. That being said, I didn’t know I wanted to major in biology until high school, when I read an article about researchers creating artificial organs. I just thought it was really cool!
What do you hope to do with your degree after graduating?
I am currently applying to biomedical science Ph.D. programs with a focus on microbiology and hope to attend next fall. Future career plans are simply to go into research; I’m not sure if I want to stay in academia or go into industry when I finish grad school.
What has been your favorite class in or out of the program so far?
As an honors student, I’ve had the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes, most of which stimulate outside-the-box thinking. One of my favorites was Love in Asian Religion, Literature, and Film… I have also greatly enjoyed almost all of my higher level biology classes. I especially loved microbiology (big surprise), as well as biochemistry and molecular biology.
Who has been the most influential member of the La Salle community on your life?
Dr. Gerry Ballough has been extremely supportive over the past four years. He believed in me and encouraged me as soon as I first came to La Salle as a scared, little freshman.
If you could have dinner with any three people at La Salle, who would they be?
I would have dinner with Brother Mike McGinniss (Director of the Honors Program), because he will go out of his way to help anyone and I find that very admirable. I would also include Dr. Ballough because he is so interesting and has so much knowledge. Finally, I would invite President Hanycz because she is a role model to everyone at La Salle.
How do you think La Salle is helping to prepare you for the future beyond college?
The best thing La Salle has done to prepare me for the future is introduce me to many incredible people. From professors to security guards to my best friends and roommates, I can’t begin to explain how much the people here have enabled me to grow as a person.
Beyond the Classroom
Service Opportunities
Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission
Service Opportunities
Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission. As a biology major, you will be able to dive into a wide range of service opportunities that fall under our Fellowship of Community and University Service (FOCUS) umbrella including outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and the service and immersion trips.
The groups that fall under the FOCUS umbrella include outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and service and immersion trips. These programs strive to serve others, promote social justice, and work toward the common good. Programs include:
- Lasallian Immersion and Volunteer Experience (LIVE)
- Alliance
- Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ambassadors
- Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
- AIDS Outreach
- Circle K
- Environmental Community of Olney (ECO)
- Neighbor to Neighbor
- Pheed Philadelphia
- REACHE (Special Olympics)
- Neighborhood Tutoring
- TEAM Lasallians
83% of faculty hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.
Ranked in Forbes 2017 Top U.S. Colleges.
Listed by the New York Times in the Top 6% for median income of graduates at age 34.
Ranked 34th in the North Region on U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 list of Best Colleges.