Incoming Freshman
This course is designed for incoming freshmen – especially, but not exclusively, for Biology, Zoology, and related majors. The class is capped at 16, so sign up soon if you’re interested. It will be taught by a team of UNH professors with expertise across a wide range of marine sciences, from invasive species to marine policy.
In addition to marine sciences, you’ll get an introduction to undergraduate life and research at UNH, and practice some of the skills (from writing to time management to understanding how the university is organized) that will help you make the most of your college experience. Current UNH students and recent graduates will discuss their own research and experience, and answer your questions about what life here is really like.
Why Major in Biology?
When people talk about Biology, they often talk about developments on the cutting edge. WELCOME TO THE EDGE! The core biology sequence in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture was developed to provide you with a solid grounding in the physical, quantitative, and biological sciences. The Biology major has four options: General, Marine & Freshwater, Mollecular, Cellular, and Developmental, and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. The biology core curriculum consists of -
Perspectives in Biology (BIOL 400)
Introductory Biology (BIOL 411 & BIOL 412)
Ecology (BIOL 541)
Microbiology (MICR 503)
Genetics (BIOL 604)
Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 403 & CHEM 404)
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 545/546 & Biochemistry (BCHM 658/659)
OR
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 651/653 and CHEM 652/654)
Calculus I (MATH 424B or MATH 425)
Statistics (BIOL 528 or MATH 426)
Physics (PHYS 401 & PHYS 402)
Students must choose 8 courses in addition to the Biology Core Curriculum in order to fulfill the requirements for any of the four options. A list of these courses are provided in the various curriculum guides.
How large are the classes?
The lectures in the biology core curriculum are medium sized. However, our labs have no more than 26 students. Small laboratory sections are taught by graduate teaching assistants and include all students in developing and conducting experiments. The laboratory experience allows students to explore as a scientist would.
Are the lectures in the Biological Sciences taught by Graduate Students?
NO! Our faculty members teach you from the introductory through the advanced levels.
Will I be assigned an academic advisor?
YES!Þ We have 63 Faculty members in the Biological Sciences who advise our Biology majors. Your faculty advisor will -
- Advise and recommend appropriate courses for your particular Biology option.
- Meet with you at least twice a year, prior to registration and you will be able to request additional meetings throughout the semester.
- Also recommend the best order to take courses in, always considering students' interests and needs. This "order" can vary.
- Advise and recommend procedures for the Biology Honors in Major degree.
- Advise students on how to get involved in research in laboratories or field work across campus.
- Be able to advise the student in other Biology options.
- Can recommend tutoring it it seems advisable for particular courses.
Will my Biology degree help me find a career in Science?
Yes, although many of our Bachelor of Science degree graduates go on to medical school, graduate schools, and other professional schools, there is still ample opportunities to work in the Biotechnology labs throughout the U.S.
Will I be able to work with Faculty members in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture?
All faculty in the Biological Sciences are active researchers, publishing in the major international scientific journals. Grant support has led to hundreds of major publications by our Biological Sciences faculty over the past ten years. Every faculty member welcomes undergraduate participation in this research -- this research is done through our Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at UNH. Students are able to participate in these unique laboratory/research experiences as early as their sophomore year. Undergraduates have access to state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. These projects often result in our students being a co-author on a scientific paper or papers.
