Department of Biology

Chairperson of Department: Cleo A. Hughes Darden

Associate Chairperson of Department: Lisa D. Brown

Professors: Chunlei Fan, Gloria E. Hoffman, Christine F. Hohmann, Farin Kamangar, Kenneth P. Samuel

Associate Professors: Yun-Chi Chen, Frank Denaro, Michael Koban, Gabrielle McLemore, Simon Nyaga, Saroj Pramanik, Mathumathi Rajavel, Gerald Rameau, Viji Sitther, Ernest C. Steele, James Wachira, Diane Wilson (Director, Medical Laboratory Science Program), and Jonathan Wilson (Director of the Baltimore Urban Systemic Initiative)

Assistant Professors: Douglas Dluzen, Sanjeeda Jafar, Yuejin Li,

Lecturers: Adedayo Ariyibi, Safae Hamdoun, Akinyele Oni, Olatunde Oladejo, Erika Whitney.

Program Overview:

Vision of the Department

The Department of Biology is a state and national leader that prepares a diverse population of students for graduate and professional training in the life sciences and STEM, and for entry in the workforce as innovators, leaders, and teachers of tomorrow. Students will develop competencies and skills preparing and enabling them to strategize and implement solutions for emerging local, national, and global issues.

Mission of the Department

Our mission is to provide a rich educational and training environment that engages students in interactive learning and exploration of the fundamental principles of biological systems. Faculty, diverse in educational and research expertise, partner with undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to the expansion and deepening of our collective knowledge and capabilities. Our primary goals of the department are: 1) to continuously produce a diverse population of exceptionally qualified and trained students who pursue graduate and professional training; and, 2) to help students identify their unique place as leaders within the full spectrum of the nation’s STEM workforce.

Departmental Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge in the fundamental concepts in biological thought and inquiry, including evolution, structure/function, information flow, transformation of energy and matter and biological systems.
Demonstrate the ability to interpret and evaluate the scientific literature.
Demonstrate competency in laboratory skills and exercises employing quantitative and computational methods to analyze and solve biological problems.
Demonstrate the ability to integrate scientific principles from the mathematical, chemical and physical sciences to better understand how biological systems function.
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication and presentation of scientific information to a diverse audience.
Demonstrate critical thinking ability in the analysis of scientific problems and interpretation of data.
Demonstrate responsible and professional conduct and sound ethical principles.

The Department offers the following degrees:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology General Track and Biomedical/Pre-Professional Track

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Medical Laboratory Science

Master of Science (M.S.) in Science, Biology Track

Ph.D. in Bio-Environmental Science

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Biology Minor