Unlocking the Secrets of Life

Biology is the study of life. It is concerned with the characteristics and behaviors of all organisms. Biology includes a spectrum of academic fields that, taken together, broadly address studies of living organisms.

We have entered an era where biologists are beginning to reveal some of the greatest mysteries in the science of life. Suffolk Biology students are addressing these challenges by studying this diverse and rapidly expanding science. There are great opportunities for those who possess both knowledge and the critical thinking skills to evaluate new discoveries.

The Biology curriculum includes understanding the principles of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The courses and curriculum of the Biology Department introduce students to the most recent findings in evolution, genetics, biodiversity, ecology, physiology, bioethics, biotechnology, molecular biology, and cellular biology. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method and their competence in analyzing and presenting data. Students become familiar with the use of scientific literature and develop the ability to speak and write professionally on topics concerning scientific information.

Students are required to participate in core curriculum courses introducing and reinforcing the most fundamental concepts of the biological sciences. Learning takes place through a rich variety of lectures, laboratory, and classroom and field experiences. Small classes, with an average ratio of 20:1, assure that our faculty work closely with each individual student to motivate, advise and support in their growth in the field.

The Robert S. Friedman Field Station

The Department of Biology is located both at the Boston campus of Suffolk University and at the Friedman Field Station in Edmunds, Maine.

The Robert S. Friedman Field Station (FFS) of Suffolk University is a 50+ acre camping field station located at Cobscook Bay in Edmunds, Maine. The FFS enhances the offerings of the Biology department by providing students with marine and other field-orientated courses and research opportunities. Students have access to the diversity and complexity of a protected regional ecosystem for field-oriented studies at the field station. Classroom and laboratory facilities support the instructional program, supplemented by two circulating seawater systems and two 13’ Boston Whalers. Cobscook Bay is a part of the lower Bay of Fundy system and is noted for its great tidal fluctuation and its abundance of boreal coastal marine life. The FFS accommodates approximately 50 persons in residence. Student, faculty and staff housing is in small cabins requiring sleeping bags. A central Comfort Station provides shower and lavatory facilities. Meals are prepared by a kitchen staff and are served in a dining facility. The station is operated seasonally with a full summer offering of courses and yearly offerings for special course-related field studies.

Opportunities to excel

The Biology Department supports two student organizations. The Health Careers Club and the Chi Kappa Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society. These two organizations give Biology students opportunities to work closely with faculty while engaged in research that benefits the Department and the greater University Community.

The Biology Department also sponsors the annual Arthur J. West Alumni Seminar Series to provide the opportunity for students to meet and learn about career opportunities from Alumni who are now involved in a variety of professions. 

Career tracks

• Biology Major
• Biology Major/ Biotechnology Program
• Biology Major/ Marine Science Program
• Biology Major/Education Program
• Biology Minor

Affiliations

The Department of Biology maintains several affiliations in support of its programs and general educational interest:

Marine Studies Consortium, Inc.
Museum of Science, Boston
Organization of Biological Field Stations
Marine Invertebrate Diversity Initiative (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Internships/Job Opportunities

Below are links to some of the local internship and job opportunities for biology students.  There is also a folder of various flyers/handouts in Donahue 511 for futher referencing.

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Forum:     http://www.massbioed.org/

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center:     http://masslifesciences.com/