American University Catalog 2024-2025
Biology
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Website: https://www.american.edu/cas/biology/
Administration
Chair Naden Krogan
Lab Director Holly Swanson
Premedical Programs Coordinator Lynne Arneson
Full-Time Faculty
Professor V. Connaughton, C. Tudge
Associate Professor J. Bracht, D. Carlini, K. De Cicco-Skinner, N. Krogan, C. Schaeff
Assistant Professor E.D. Broder, A. Cardenas, T. Izumi
Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer M. Bentley
Senior Professorial Lecturer L. Arneson, B. Chow, R. Hazen
Professorial Lecturer W. Nesbitt, H. Swanson
Emeriti Faculty
Professor Emeritus/a D. Fong, J. Kaplan
Department Overview
The Department of Biology provides foundational courses that emphasize progress in our understanding of cell biology, genetics, and evolution. In addition, advanced courses in anatomy and physiology, development, immunology, pathogenesis, molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, neurobiology, endocrinology, genomics, and virology provide specialty training across a wide range of student and faculty interests.
Faculty members conduct research in a diversity of sub-disciplines including neuroscience, bacteriology, physiology, endocrinology, molecular evolution, immunology, embryology, cancer, computational genomics, and virology. Students are encouraged to conduct hands-on research projects in faculty laboratories, many of which are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and/or National Science Foundation (NSF). Students also have the opportunity to visit, observe, and intern at some of the nation’s most prestigious biological research centers, including the Smithsonian Institution, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aquarium in Baltimore, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
The department is committed to teaching biology as an empirical discipline that relies on the scientific method in undergraduate and graduate teaching laboratories, as well as faculty research laboratories. Students have the opportunity to gain experience with a wide variety of techniques including genomic/transcriptomic methodologies, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, microscopy, molecular genetics, and computational approaches. Training in neuroscience, endocrinology and sensory development is also available. Imaging, molecular, and histology core facilities support student and faculty research projects. Cooperative agreements with various government laboratories supplement opportunities for research in environmental, ecological, marine, and biomedical sciences.
The Department of Biology offers the Biology (BS) , Biology (MS) , and Biotechnology (MS) . The undergraduate Biology (Minor) is also available. Collaborative agreements include majors in Neuroscience (BS) and Public Health (BS) . Students are rigorously prepared for medical, dental or veterinary school, and for further graduate study in the biological sciences. Importantly, the Biology department offers courses that combine traditional education with the training necessary for today’s professional marketplace including work in private, public, and non-profit sectors.
The Biology (MS) and Biotechnology (MS) graduate degree programs emphasize the development and implementation of research techniques, permitting students to gain experience in scientific methods and experimental design both in the laboratory and in the field.
The Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences (PhD) multidisciplinary program includes the Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science departments. This doctoral program focuses on turning scientific findings into policies with societal impact through a combination of directed coursework and supervised individual research. Students receive training that prepares them for academic careers, positions at research institutes, leadership positions in the government and non-profit sectors, and careers with corporate entities working at the interface of the life and environmental sciences.
The Premedical programs of the College of Arts and Sciences , including a Postbaccalaureate Premedical (Undergraduate Certificate) , are available to help all undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate students who are considering a career in medicine or one of the allied health professions.
Special Opportunities
- Gloria Likins Scholarship for Undergraduate Women
- Stephen C. Grebe Memorial Fund for Undergraduate Research
- Teaching fellowships or assistantships
Honors in Biology
The Honors in Biology program offers Biology majors the opportunity to participate in a series of advanced courses designed to foster an immersion in supervised individual research in biology. Research experience may include hands-on laboratory work and/or field-work depending on the interests of the student and the availability of faculty supervisors.
ProgramsMajor Program (UG)Minor (UG)Master’s Program (GR)Doctoral Program (GR)
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