
Division of the Sciences
Biology
To inquire about this program:
sciences@mmm.edu | 212-517-0656 | E-mail
Degree Programs: B.S. in Biology B.A. in Biology Minors Biology Chemistry Neuroscience Environmental Studies
The MMC Advantage
Why Choose MMC?
The Department of Natural Sciences at Marymount Manhattan Colleges prepares students to excel in the Biological, Chemical, and Physical Science. The academic program incorporates innovative and interdisciplinary course work to enhance a traditional scientific curriculum. The students are provided with an exceptional foundation in both analytical and quantitative skills and rigorous life science course work. In addition they have the opportunity to engage in faculty guided research. So what's unique about the MMC Biology experience? Our students' science education is enhanced by a broad exposure to non-science, liberal arts classes. Moreover, this experience is provided in an intimate college setting located in an exciting big city environment. Taken together, this combination provides an education that facilitates the successful application of life science skills to future careers and experiences. All in all, the overall nature of the department, a mixture of professors from all disciplines of the Natural Sciences, creates a unique and intimate educational venue for students. 
Learning Goals for the Major in Biology
- Demonstrate knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
- Demonstrate understanding of natural sciences from both a contemporary and historical perspective.
- Demonstrate enhanced critical thinking skills.
- Integrate and apply scientific information.
- Utilize research strategies to address scientific questions.
- Fully comprehend and clearly communicate scientific principles.
- Actively participate in the scientific community.
- Demonstrate appropriate training for the pursuit of post baccalaureate careers, advanced degrees or professional programs.
- Complete requirements necessary for admittance to Medical, Dental, and Veterinary schools, as well as graduate Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical, and Nutrition programs (B.S. majors).

Top Faculty
The Department of Natural Sciences has exceptional faculty from all fields, including Botany, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science and Physics. Our faculty is dedicated to providing the best educational environment for our students. With their excellent teaching skills, the opportunities they offer to conduct high-level research, and their open door policy to all MMC students, our faculty has but one goal: to provide our students with a solid life-science education, balanced with a liberal arts curriculum, enabling them to pursue fulfilling post baccalaureate careers.
Pre-Med and Beyond
For many years, a Pre-Med or Pre-Professional track has been a major focus of the biology major at MMC. Our Bachelor of Science in Biology provides excellent educational training for those who wish to go on to professional programs after graduation including Medical, Dental, and Veterinary school as well as graduate school in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Nutrition. This degree is also excellent for students who intend to pursue a career directly after baccalaureate graduation in the Health Sciences field or the Biomedical industry. The department offers many levels of support to its Pre-Med students, from pre-professional committees, which aid and guide students, in their preparation for professional programs, to seminars which bring current professionals in health fields to the students in our program. Students following the pre-med track are advised about coursework and personally guided toward internships and volunteer activities. Students are also provided a time frame for taking the required entrance examinations (e.g., MCAT, DAT, GRE).
The Pre-Med track may also be followed by students majoring in other disciplines at MMC. Our individual advisement allows all students from any major the opportunity to create their own program and take the courses necessary for admission to the graduate program of their choice.

The Department also offers a degree path with preparation for alternative career paths as an options to the traditional Pre-Med track. Our B. A. in Biology provides a solid foundation in Biology and the Natural Science with less emphasis on the analytical aspects of the traditional B. S. degree. Our B. A. is appropriate for students intending to pursue studies in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Physician Assistant Programs. When coupled with a minor in education, it provides outstanding preparation for a career in Science Education. The department has dedicated its efforts to supporting students interested in these types of career paths and offers many opportunities on site for students to explore these avenues. Our program is also excellent for students who have already received a bachelor’s degree. Through one on one advisement, you will be guided to the coursework within our program that is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the various professional programs mentioned above. Contact the department for more information. The Department also offers minors in Biology, Chemistry, and interdisciplinary minors in Neuroscience, Environmental Studies, and Body-Science-Motion, excellent options for students from various majors and with a variety of career goals. Contact the department to discuss how these minors may be right for you.
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Student Involvement: Undergraduate Research
The Department of Natural Sciences strongly encourages students to participate in science through guided scientific experiences. Internships and Independent Study Projects, co-mentored by Department faculty and various members of the many excellent NYC biomedical facilities, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical Center, Columbia University, Hospital for Special Surgery, Museum of Natural History, and Rockefeller Center, have been a hallmark of the Department for years. There also exist many opportunities for student-centered scientific experiences on the MMC campus. Students can gain valuable experience in their chosen field through peer advising or tutoring, through assisting in the preparation or execution of laboratory courses, and by conducting significant scientific research guided by our excellent faculty in many of the new laboratory spaces available in the Department of Natural Sciences. Some of the current research topics in the Department include botanical systematics, computational chemistry, molecular neuroscience, geophysics, genetics, environmental chemistry, ecology, medicinal microbiology and neurodegenerative disease. | Biology Major Requirements: | | | | | BIOL 222 General Biology II (w/laboratory) | 4 | | BIOL 240 Cellular and Molecular Biology (w/laboratory) | 4 | | CHEM 233/234 General Chemistry I (w/laboratory) | 4 | | CHEM 235/236 General Chemistry II (w/laboratory) | 4 | | *MATH 210 Calculus I | 4 | | PHYS 261 General Physics I (w/laboratory) | 5 | | PHYS 262 General Physics II (w/laboratory) | 5 | | CHEM 317/318 Organic Chemistry I (w/laboratory) | 5 | | CHEM 319/320 Organic Chemistry II (w/laboratory) | 5 | | BIOL 320 Microbiology (w/laboratory) | 4 | | BIOL 329 Physiology (w/laboratory) | 4 | | BIOL 425 Genetics | 4 | | BIOL/CHEM 441 Biochemistry | 4 | | BIOL 490 Senior Seminar | 1 | | *NOTE: B.S. Biology majors should not take MATH 113, Quantitative Reasoning. They are required to take mathematics courses up to and including MATH 210, Calculus I. Depending on mathematical background, Biology majors should start at the appropriate place in the following sequence of courses: | | | | | MATH 129 Intermediate Algebra | (3) | | MATH 139 College Algebra | (3) | | MATH 140 Trigonometry and Functions for Science Majors | (2) | | MATH 139 and 140 should be taken concurrently | | | MATH 141 Precalculus may substitute for MATH 139+140 | (4) | | MATH 210 Calculus I | (4) | | MATH 211 Calculus II | (3) | | Two courses in this sequence [MATH 129, 139 (or 141), 210, 211] may be used to fulfill the Core Mathematics requirement and the 100-/200-level Shared Curriculum requirement in area B. | |
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