Introduction

Compared to students at other institutions, biology majors at Delaware State spend less time in the lecture hall and more time in the research lab. Undergraduates can get involved in research projects as early as their sophomore year, often working directly with full faculty. In addition, by the end of their senior year all students in the biology program have designed and conducted their own independent research project and presented their findings to classmates and faculty.

The strong commitment to research exemplifies Delaware State’s hands-on approach to teaching biology. Our undergraduate students develop practical lab and research skills that will serve them throughout their academic and professional careers. They also get a lot of personal interaction from professors, thanks to our small class sizes.

At Delaware State, students don’t merely study biology — they practice it.

Professional Preparation

For many biology majors, Delaware State is the first step in an educational sequence. A significant portion of our graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, biology, veterinary science, or other scientific disciplines. However, with a BS degree in the General Biology track, graduates can choose to go directly into the work force can find employment in biology-related fields such as

• environmental regulation / research
• product development
• health care
• biotechnology or bioinformatics
• pharmaceuticals
• natural resources
• science writing

Faculty

Members of the Delaware State biology faculty are highly committed to undergraduate education. Attentive and accessible, they go out of their way to cultivate students’ interest in biology, research, and the sciences. Our instructors provide individual attention to each student, acting as mentors and advisors as well as classroom educators. They help students discover their academic strengths and lay solid foundations for graduate school and career development.

Research and Experience

At Delaware State, undergraduates in the biology program are encouraged to get involved in research. In addition to completing an independent research project, as required for their Senior Capstone course, students routinely get invited to join research teams made up of senior faculty and graduate students. Senior researchers on campus are currently involved in projects in such fields as neuroscience, cancer, DNA analysis, plant breeding, and gene manipulation.

When research opportunities arise, undergraduates do more than simply wash test tubes; they play active, often significant roles in the research process. The skills they gain through this experience offer invaluable preparation for advanced degrees and/or scientific careers.