Biology

The Educational Experience

Classes are small and instruction is often on an individual basis. Professionally accomplished and research-oriented, the faculty have a special dedication to undergraduate instruction and often involve students in their research. 

Hands-On

The biology program is built on a foundation of hands-on student involvement. We offer abundant opportunities for independent laboratory and field work. And our faculty will connect you to internships in a variety of fields.

Since we’re conveniently located in Westchester County, NY—home to several biotech companies—and only 30 minutes from New York City, you’ll have a wide variety of options for internship opportunities.

And a hallmark of a Purchase College education is the Senior Project. You’ll carry out original research under the direction of a faculty member. Results from senior projects have been published in scientific journals and as a senior you’ll present your results at our annual Student Science Symposium. 

Excellent Preparation

Our graduates are will prepared for graduate school, medical school, and other health programs as well as for teaching and careers in high-tech industries.

In consultation with your faculty advisor, you’ll shape your program by choosing advanced subjects related to your individual objective.

Whether you plan to go directly to graduate school or hope to pursue a career right after graduation, Purchase prepares you.

Degrees and Concentrations

The biology program offers both BA and BS degrees. Concentrations allow you to focus your coursework in several areas of study. Whether you’re pursuing a BA or BS in biology, they’re available but not required for either degree.

If you choose a concentration, you’ll find it prepares you with a skill set you’ll use right away whatever your next move may be.

Concentrations include:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary and Behavioral Biology
• Biotechnology
• Marine Biology and Ecology
• Genetics
• Microscopy and Imaging
• Biochemistry (also open to Chemistry majors)

Facilities

You’ll have access to sophisticated scientific instrumentation. Our facilities for instruction and student/faculty research include electron microscopes, tissue culture facilities, a cell and molecular biology laboratory, ultracentrifuges, assorted analytical instruments, and environmental chambers.

Premedical Studies

Purchase College graduates have an over 80% placement rate to medical schools. Biology majors are highly prepared for medical, dental, veterinary, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, and other allied health programs. Our Career Development Center and Premedical Committee help you select programs, assemble applications, prepare for admission interviews, and write evaluation letters.

Liberal Arts

The strong liberal arts emphasis of Purchase College prepares you not only for your entire career, but for life. Our extensive yet flexible general education program provides a solid grounding in the liberal arts and fine arts.

The Faculty

Faculty strengths include cell biology and electron microscopy, genetics and evolution, microbiology and immunology, animal physiology and behavior, and marine and freshwater biology and ecology.

Elliott Abrams, PhD
Developmental biology, Cell biology

James G. Daly, PhD
Microbiology, immunology, biotechnology

Erika Ebbs, PhD
Genetics, Parasitology

Lee Ehrman, PhD
Distinguished Professor Emerita of Genetics

Jan Robert Factor, PhD
Electron microscopy, lobster biology, coral reef biology and ecology

Stephen E. Harris, PhD
Biotechnology, informatics, behavior of natural populations

Mark Jonas, PhD
Genomics, climate change

George Kraemer, PhD
Marine ecology

Maryann McEnroe, PhD
Respiratory physiology, vertebrate biology

Joseph A. Skrivanek, PhD
Biochemistry