Biomedical Sciences Program

Biology: Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor of Science
  • 120 Credits
  • School of Health and Natural Sciences
  • Westchester
  1. Academics
  2. Programs & Degrees
  3. Biology: Biomedical Sciences
Learn about our Health Science Promotions program

Biology Overview

The Biology B.S. degree with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences is an ideal track for students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry and scientific research. The coursework fulfills the prerequisite requirements for most medical, dental and graduate schools in biology and prepares students for postgraduate admission exams including the MCATs, DATs, and GREs. The biology curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills, quantitative reasoning and authentic research experiences. 

Students are required to complete at least one semester of research with a faculty mentor. Areas of faculty research include:

· Mechanisms of neuroprotection
· Developmental neurobiology
· Assembly of synaptic contacts     
· Chromosome stability 
· Vascular biology
· Plant pathogenesis

Core research equipment and facilities include:

· DNA sequencer
· HPLC system
· Fluorescence microscopes
· Tissue culture facility
· Microinjection and electroporation system
· Real-time PCR machine
· Green house

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Career Opportunities

The Biomedical Sciences sets up students to apply to:

- Medical School
- Dental School
- Physician Assistant Programs
- Graduate Schools in Biological Sciences

Students with a B.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences may also work as research technicians in academic or pharmaceutical research laboratories

Learn about the Biology Major Tracks

Dr. Renee Haskew Layton describes the biology major tracks at Mercy University.

Meet Roodley Francois '23: Undergraduate Student Commencement speaker, School of Health & Natural Sciences

Roodley Francios, a biology major, was selected as the undergraduate speaker at the 2023 School of Health and Natural Sciences commencement ceremony.  Listen to his powerful speech.

Meet RJ- a Biology Major at Mercy

Mercy undergraduate RJ Bradley-Ortiz is excited to finally be back on campus and in the science lab. She is also thankful for where her Mercy degree is taking her and looks forward to the future!

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STEM

Participate in STEM related activities such as the summer enrichment program
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Research

Be part of research lab internships to complete degree
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120 Credits

Total Credits to Earn Your Degree

Classes in chemistry, microbiology and neuroscience
Learning about becoming a Biology Teacher

The Mercy Advantage

  • Full-time or part-time enrollment
  • Meaningful academic advising from faculty
  • Cell culture facility
  • DNA sequencer
  • Participate in cooperative education
  • Preparation for Medical College Admission Test 
Michael Berrios

Alumni Spotlight

Mike Berrios, Biology class of 16’, was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States with his family while he was still a baby. He is currently a medical student at SUNY Downstate, class of 2022.

"Studying at Mercy University allowed me to develop a very strong foundation in the biological sciences that has allowed me to integrate molecular biology with pharmacology, physiology, and pathology in a way that helps everything make sense. This has made learning medicine more interesting, wholesome, and complete with less memorization and more understanding."

Biology students showcase their research at national conference

Mercy Student Researcher Wins First Prize at Professional Conference

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Mercy Faculty Showcase Innovative Curriculum at Anatomage Conference

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Biology Major Makes the Most of Her Prestigious Fellowship in Environmental Res…

Contact
Information

Renee Haskew-Layton, PhD
Program Director of Biology 
RHaskewLayton@mercy.edu

Devdutta Deb, PhD
Premedical Advisor 
DDeb@mercy.edu

Biology program outcomes

Program Outcomes

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Synthesize and explain core concepts to demonstrate a broad and in depth knowledge of the biological sciences

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Utilize the scientific method to formulate hypothesis, design and conduct experiments, perform quantitative analysis, and critically evaluate experimental results

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Access and understand the scientific literature, prepare, and deliver clear and cogent presentations of experimental results, and obtain proficiency in scientific writing

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Work independently and collaboratively to think critically about scientific questions, create problem solving strategies, and present scientific findings

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Exhibit proficiency in laboratory techniques in the biological sciences, troubleshoot experiments, and demonstrate safe laboratory practices

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Demonstrate proficiency in data entry and statistical analysis relevant to the biological sciences

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Exhibit ethical behavior in science and to evaluate the implications of unethical scientific conduct

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Apply their core scientific knowledge to examine basic, applied and societal topics in biology and to explain how life science professionals use strategies and techniques to address these issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

A program that prepares students for careers in the life sciences, medicine and biomedical sciences, as well as teaching, graduate school, or medical school, where there is a strong need for integration of the biological and physical sciences will be prepared.

No. Because of the rigor of the program a combination of General Education courses and major-level courses is recommended. Students should contact a PACT Mentor as early as possible to plan their course of study.

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Yes. You can take as little as one course per semester. The program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate working adults and many students attend part-time. Day, night and weekend classes are available.

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.

As early as your freshman year. If you’re considering it, contact the Chair or Program Director as early as possible to plan courses.

Yes. The program will prepare you for both Master's and Doctorate level work. Additional courses in mathematics or physics may be required.

Because the curriculum is rigorous, the program is designed for people who can work across disciplines, among them Biology, Chemistry and the Biomedical Sciences.

Program Details & Curriculum

General Education Requirements*: 60 Credits 
Major Concentration Core Courses: 49 Credits 
Natural Science: 5 Credits 
Open Electives: 6Credits

Total: 120 Credits

Students who choose the major concentration in biology must complete all the biology core courses along with the courses in their track:*

* Students must complete MATH 116 (rather than MATH 115) as part of their General Education  requirements.

** See the academic sequence map for general education requirements.

To complete major concentration, corequisite lab courses must be taken.

Students who have not taken Regents High School Biology and obtained a score of 75 or higher are advised to take BIOL 122 prior to BIOL 160.

There is a 15-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of biology that must be completed with courses numbered BIOL 230 and above. CHEM 354 may also be used to meet this requirement.

Students enrolling in natural science courses must earn at least a letter grade of C in all prerequisite courses. It is recommended that students be at the level of English 111 when enrolling in all natural science courses. Students in the biology major may not repeat a course more than once.

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

Innovative curriculum that engages students in authentic classroom based research experiences and project-based learning.

Students engage in research with faculty in the areas of:

  • Neuroscience - Mechanisms of neuroprotection from oxidative stress
  • Genetics – Mechanisms of telomere regulation
  • Cell and Molecular Biology - Regulation of the assembly of synaptic contacts
  • Developmental Biology - Regulation of neural crest cell migration during development
  • Computational Biochemistry - Development of fluorescent nucleic acid bases

Newly renovated teaching and research labs, including a dedicated cell culture facility and green house.

State-of-the-art equipment, including: DNA sequencer, HPLC machine, real-time PCR machine, in vivo microinjection and electroporation instruments, and fluorescence microscopes.

  • Complete an internship with a research lab
  • Enrichment programs through STEM
  • Wide-range of courses and topics
  • Prepares graduates to work or continue studying in many different fields
  • Master the requisite core concepts and competencies necessary for biological literacy and practice.
  • Be proficient and ethical in standard laboratory or field research including: use of standard instrumentation, performing routine calculations, maintaining laboratory notebooks, and interpreting experimental results.
  • Access and understand the scientific literature, prepare and deliver clear and cogent presentations of experimental results, and obtain proficiency in scientific writing.
  • Understand the impact of science on society and its application to community, global service, and sustainability.

Step Up to STEM

Each summer, faculty and students come together at Mercy University to work on authentic research projects in the Summer Research academy. This program is for STEM Scholars at WCC but is also open to Mercy students who are interested in gaining research experience. Summer research has many benefits for students: gaining hands on experience in STEM fields will aid in success in graduate school and other career pathways.  Go to our STEM Scholars page to learn more.

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