About Temple Biology
The Biology Department is housed in the Biology Building, which is located on the Main Campus of Temple University in the heart of the city of Philadelphia.
What is Biology at Temple?
The Biology department embraces the dual responsibility of (1) providing high quality essential science experiences for all Temple students at both the professional and the non science levels and (2) contributing to the growth of knowledge through an active research program. Recently developed advances in molecular biology, cell biology and neuroscience have promoted an extraordinary increase in our understanding of basic processes in living organisms. As we contribute to this increase through our departmental research programs, we are aware that if this information is to be used properly, it is essential that educated persons be aware of these developments and their impact on themselves and society. Thus we are committed to a broad program of research and education.
The Biology department has multiple goals for undergraduate instruction; we offer educational experiences at all levels to match the needs of Temple students. Our goals are: (a) To provide a rich, substantial foundation in biology for students who will continue their education in academic or health professions. (b) To provide appropriate additional training for students who enter the work force at a technical level. (c) to provide high quality courses for those students whose majors (psychology or allied health) require a background of biology. (d) To provide courses for nonscientists that provide an understanding of the theory and materials of scientific methods and are relevant to their interests.
What does the curriculum include?
Undergraduate biology majors receive intensive training in many aspects of biology. This is accomplished through a two part program. Initially, students take a five semester core program consisting of: (a) Introduction to Biology I, (b) Introduction to Biology II. (c) Genetics, (d) Cell Structure and Function, and (e) Ecology, which introduces the student to the basic components of contemporary biological thought. Emphasis is placed on experimental data and its analysis. Stress is placed on the need to question established theories, and the use of experimental data to verify or reject concepts. The core also stresses the value of quantitation and mathematical analysis. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of the core program and are designed to complement the subjects of the lectures. The second part of the program requires three elective courses (for the BA degree), or six elective courses (for the BS degree) selected by the student from a broad offering. The different elective offerings are organized into a set of areas of specialization. This is to provide guidance to those students wishing to concentrate in an area.
A great many of the biology courses require familiarity with basic mathematics, physics and chemistry. Courses in these areas, offered by the different College departments, are required for a major in biology. The quality of these courses affects the performance of these students in biology courses and in qualifying exams, and also acts as a regulator of the numbers who survive as majors.
The departmental undergraduate research program which leads to distinction in the major at graduation is based on both grade point average and research participation. To be eligible for distinction, a student must retain a grade point average of 3.0 or better, should register for senior honors (Biology 391-392 or Biology 393-394) which count toward one elective credit for the degree in Biology or Biochemistry, and must write a final research paper and present his/her research at a departmental research poster session before graduation. A student, however, does not have to enroll in the honors program in order to participate in departmental research. Other courses (Biology 195, Undergraduate Research, and Biology 190, Extradepartmental Research) provide graduation credit and research experience and are available to students.
Who are the faculty?
The faculty have made major contributions in the fields of cell and developmental biology, molecular biology and genetics, and neuroscience and behavior. There are active research centers in neurovirology, biotechnology, as well as an inter-disciplinary neuroscience group. As a research department, about 50% of the faculty have received external grant support from federal and private sources.
What research opportunities are available?
An important component of the undergraduate concentration in Biology is the opportunity for students to carry out a program of independent research under the guidance of a member of the faculty. The undergraduate research program enables undergraduate students, from their freshman to their senior years, to participate in the research effort in the department. The program is available at both the departmental and interdepartmental levels. Research can be carried out during the academic year, through the summer, or both.
What kinds of facilities, technology does the department provide?
The department provides equipment and laboratories for most modern studies in biology, including laboratories for molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, advanced video microscopy, physiology, etc. There is a departmental computer facility with twenty new PCs and another with PowerMac computers.
What career opportunities are available to Biology graduates?
Biology is a major route for students who wish to enter the health professions. Biology majors become Physicians, Physical Therapists, Optometrists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Podiatrists. Biology also leads to advanced academic programs that culminate in the Ph.D. Some Biology graduates enter the pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields.