Biological Sciences Courses
01:119:205 Internship in the Life Sciences
- The Internship in the Life Sciences is a 3 credit course, offered through the Division of Life Sciences for students from SAS and SEBS majoring in Biological Sciences or other Life Science majors (with permission) that accompanies participation in a Life Sciences based internship to enable students to receive degree credit. Students must complete either the specific hour requirement of their formal internship program or if not designated by their internship, a minimum of 112 hours during either the summer session (minimum 8 weeks) or regular semester, to earn 3 credits. A professional at the internship site and the course administrator supervise the internship. Students are also required to complete online asynchronous academic assignments throughout the semester to earn credit. This purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop experience and knowledge regarding the expectations, qualifications, competencies and responsibilities of professionals working within the life sciences through an internship experience with academic component. Students will integrate knowledge from their life science coursework to the internship experience, develop new skills, and reflect on their learning experience
- Semester Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Credits: 3
- Course URL: Canvas
Prerequisites/Requirements
Declared Biological Sciences Major or by Special Permission of the Instructor; Open to other Life Sciences Majors by permission
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 minimum; 3.0 recommended
Student must have secured a Life Sciences Internship for the semester
Course Description
The Internship in the Life Sciences is a 3 credit course, offered through the Division of Life Sciences for students from SAS and SEBS majoring in Biological Sciences or other Life Science majors (with permission) that accompanies participation in a Life Sciences based internship to enable students to receive degree credit. Students must complete either the specific hour requirement of their formal internship program or if not designated by their internship, a minimum of 112 hours during either the summer session (minimum 8 weeks) or regular semester, to earn 3 credits. A professional at the internship site and the course administrator supervise the internship. Students are also required to complete online asynchronous academic assignments throughout the semester to earn credit.
This purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop experience and knowledge regarding the expectations, qualifications, competencies and responsibilities of professionals working within the life sciences through an internship experience with academic component. Students will integrate knowledge from their life science coursework to the internship experience, develop new skills, and reflect on their learning experience.
Registration Process and Course Policies
Deadline to Register: Third Friday of Each Semester
Step 1: Identify and Secure an Internship
- Find opportunities that align with your academic interests and career goals within the life sciences industry
- Search for positions using:
- Handshake
- Indeed.com
- Rutgers Office of Career Exploration and Success resources (https://careers.rutgers.edu/)
- Consult with Dr. Carr-Schmid to confirm the internship will count for course credit
- Interview with the potential Internship Supervisor and clarify:
- Internship role and responsibilities
- Tasks and time commitment
- Internship schedule (must be able to fulfill minimum of 112 hours over course of semester)
- Establish learning objectives - Work with your supervisor to develop three clear learning objectives and gather relevant background information. For research projects, students can submit a 1 page research proposal in lieu of learning objectives.
- Verify requirements - Ensure you understand all expectations before committing, including the minimum 112-hour requirement (or other designated time requirement for formal internships)
- Special Circumstances:
- International students must contact Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services before beginning any internship to obtain appropriate authorization for off-campus work
Step 2: Complete the Internship Agreement
- Gather required information - You'll need your Internship Supervisor's work-related contact details
- Initiate the DocuSign PowerForm using the posted link (see below)
- Complete your section - Fill out all areas designated for the Student Intern
- Notify your supervisor - The form will route to them once the Student Intern section is completed . Please also send an email to them upon completion, so they can look for it in their junk or "other" email folders if it is not in their inbox.
- Await approval - The form will route to your Internship Supervisor, then to the Course Instructor for final approval
Step 3: Register for the Course
- Receive your SPN - Once all parties sign the DocuSign form, you'll automatically receive the completed copy which will contain a Special Permission Number to register.
- Register for the course using your SPN.
- Late registration - If approval occurs after the drop-add period, contact an Academic Advising from your school for assistance. Please either use live chat feature at either sasundergrad.rutgers.edu (SAS) or sebs.rutgers.edu (SEBS) for assistance.
- Access Canvas - Once registered, visit the course site to review assignments, deadlines, and additional information
Additional Important Policies for the Internship
Professional Conduct Requirements
- Student Interns represent Rutgers University professionally at all times
- Students are required to uphold standards outlined in the Rutgers Student Code of Conduct
Course Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 112 hours during the semester (unless a formal internship specifies additional hours which is denoted in the DocuSign contract)
- Students must be registered for the course to receive credit; retroactive credit not given for previous internships
- Complete all weekly online assignments
- Authorize your Internship Supervisor to release midpoint and endpoint performance evaluations to the Course Instructor
- Students may not take two different internship courses for the same internship simultaneously
Required Notifications to Course Instructor
Student Interns are requires to notify the Course Instructor immediately if:
- Your internship position, supervisor, or other significant aspects change from the original agreement
- The internship environment becomes unhealthy or unsafe
- Illegal behavior or activities occur, including sexual harassment
- You experience illegal discrimination, fraud, or safety code violations
- You are unable to complete course requirements
Consequences of Policy Violations
Violations of these provisions or any Rutgers policies during the Internship may result in:
- Loss of academic credit for the internship
- Loss of eligibility for future internships
- Referral to the Rutgers Office of Student Conduct
Internship Agreement Link
Internship in the Life Sciences Contract Docusign Powerform Link
Course Syllabus
Download 119 205 Internship in the Life Sciences Syllabus 2026 accessible
Course Site
Canvas
Course Satisfies Learning Goals
I. To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides students with a foundation to further their education and career in the areas of life science or health science. Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge (ex. identify, define, explain…) of the concepts, practices and principles that comprise the biological sciences.
IV. To develop critical thinking and problems solving skills appropriate to prepare students to evaluate, synthesize and generate knowledge that provides them with a competitive advantage to adapt to an evolving, global, and knowledge based society. Students will be able to demonstrate application of higher order thinking (ex. classify diagnosis, evaluate, synthesize, hypothesize…). Students will develop an understanding of not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
Grade based on completion of a range of assignments, including weekly journal entries, informational interview, resume development, and final reflection paper. There are no examinations. Successful completion of the course requires feedback from site supervisor on student performance.
Course Materials
Selected lecture material will be made available on the website.
Course Closed?
Special permission number required to enroll. Please contact Dr. Carr-Schmid for project review before applying and to answer questions. Please see guidelines and instructions above.
Faculty
Course Administrator:
Anne Carr-Schmid, Ph.D.
Office Location: Nelson Laboratories B112, Busch Campus
Email:
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:119:150 Biology, Society, and Biomedical Issues
- This introductory survey course will cover the basic concepts of human health and medicine from a biological perspective.
- Semester Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Course URL: Canvas
- Core Curriculum: NS, CCO
Prerequisites
None
Course Description:
This introductory survey course will cover the basic concepts of human health and medicine from a biological perspective. The course will be composed of lectures on biological concepts relating to biomedical issues and human health and in-class discussions/activities addressing how biology impacts society.
Topics may include:
- Emerging Infectious Diseases and other Human Diseases
- Human Physiology
- Human Genetics, Genetic Testing and Gene Therapy
- Genetically Modified Organisms
- Stem Cells and Cloning
- Reproductive Biology
- Humans and the Environment
Course Syllabi
Course URL
Canvas
Course Satisfies SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goals
1. Contemporary Challenges: Analyze the relationship that science and technology have to a contemporary social issue.
2. Natural Sciences: Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical or biological sciences.
Course Satisfies Departmental Learning Goals
1.To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides students with a foundation to further their education and career in the areas of life science or health science. Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge (ex. identify, define, explain…) of the concepts, practices and principles that comprise the biological sciences.
2.To develop critical thinking and problems solving skills appropriate to prepare students to evaluate, synthesize and generate knowledge that provides them with a competitive advantage to adapt to an evolving, global, and knowledge based society. Students will be able to demonstrate application of higher order thinking (ex. classify, diagnosis, evaluate, synthesize, hypothesize…). Students will develop an understanding of not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
The final grade is comprised of lecture participation, group discussions, assignments and three exams.
The final course grade will be determined by the following criteria:
Concept Checks 15%
Group Discussions 10%
Reading Quizzes 5%
Assignments 25%
Hourly Exams (2) 25%
Final Exam 20%
Course Materials
Required Text:
Title: Human Biology (open source)
https://www.ck12.org/book/ck-12-human-biology/
Course Closed?
If this course is closed, please add your name to request an spn for the course under the Biological Sciences section on the SPN Request Page. Please note the system does not notify students unless they can be accommodated on the course. SPNs are distributed throughout the remainder of the semester and through the drop/add period. We ask that if you are provided an spn for a course and choose not to use it, to please notify our offices at
Faculty
Alexandra Walczak
email:
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:119:103 Principles of Biology
- The purpose of this course is to introduce the biological world. It is intended that students completing this course will have knowledge of the biological world and the ability to understand material written for a non-scientific audience in any area of biology. It includes a laboratory, many of which are outside, to expose students to biology in a hands-on manner.
- Semester Offered: Fall
- Credits: 4 (includes lab)
- Course URL: Canvas
- Core Curriculum: NS
This course CANNOT be used to fulfill the requirements of the Biological Sciences major.
Prerequisites
None
Topics include:
Evolution - natural selection & human evolution
Ecology - population & community ecology, animal diversity
Plant biology - structure/reproduction & photosynthesis
Genetics - meiosis/mitosis and development
Cell & Molecular biology
Human Physiology - nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular & digestion systems
Course Syllabus
Course Satisfies Learning Goals
- To understand biology as a framework of related concepts. Student should appreciate not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.
- To be conversant in general biological, ecological, evolutionary biology and human physiological concepts that will allow students to read newspapers and participate in informed discussions
SAS Area of Inquiry
- Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical or biological sciences.
- Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence, arguments, and theory in scientific analysis.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
Three hourly exams (128 points each)
In-lecture Quizzes (100 points)
Laboratory (349 points)
Total (833 points)
Course Materials
Required Lab Manual: Lab Manual for Principles of Biology (new edition each year)
Course Closed?
If the course is closed, please contact the course instructor, Dr. Suzanne Sukhdeo.
Faculty
All office hours are by appointment
Dr. Suzanne Sukhdeo
84 Lipman Drive
Bartlett Hall Rm 217
732-932-3760
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:119:131 Microbiology for the Health Sciences (Section 2)
- Introduction to microbes with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships between microbes and the human host in health and disease, and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease.
- Semester Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Course URL: Canvas
Prerequisites
01:119:116 or 01:119:128
Note: Lecture (119:131) is pre- or co-requisite for lab (119:132).
Course Description
Introduction to microbes with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships between microbes and the human host in health and disease, and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease.
Topics include:
• History of Microbiology
• Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Characteristics
• Metabolism
• Microbial Growth
• Microbial Genetics
• Gene Transfer
• Virology
• Sterilization and Disinfection
• Antimicrobial Therapy
• Epidemiology
• Host – Microbe Relationships
• Innate Host Defenses
• Adaptive Immunity and Immunization
• Immunological Disorders and Tests
• Microbial Diseases
Course Syllabus
Download 119 131 Syllabus Sp2026 accessible
Course URL
Canvas
Course Satisfies Learning Goals
- The course enables students to acquire the core concepts of Microbiology & Immunology. Students will develop academic skills that will provide a foundation for success in advanced courses, gate-keeper standardized tests, graduate or professional school, and life-long learning.
- The course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as professionals and to continue their development and learning within the fields of Microbiology & Immunology.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
- Four hourly exams each worth 25% of the final grade.
Course Materials
Required Text: Microbiology: An Introduction, 14th Edition, Tortora, Funke and Case, 2023, Pearson. ISBN: 9780137941674
Course Closed?
If this course is closed, please add your name to request an spn for the course under the Biological Sciences section on the SPN Request Page. Please note the system does not notify students unless they can be accommodated on the course. SPNs are distributed throughout the remainder of the semester and through the drop/add period. We ask that if you are provided an spn for a course and choose not to use it, to please notify our offices at
Faculty
Dr. Haiyang Lu
E-mail:
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:119:131 Microbiology for the Health Sciences (Section 1)
- Introduction to microbes with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships between microbes and the human host in health and disease, and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease.
- Semester Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 3
- Course URL: Canvas
Prerequisites
01:119:116 or 01:119:128
Lecture (119:131) is pre- or co-requisite for lab (119:132). At the end of the registration period, the 119:132 roster will be checked to make sure that all students meet the pre-/co-requisite of 119:131. Any student not meeting this requirement will be immediately dropped from the roster.
Course Description
Introduction to microbes with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships between microbes and the human host in health and disease, and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease.
Topics include:
• History of Microbiology
• Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Characteristics
• Metabolism
• Microbial Growth
• Microbial Genetics
• Gene Transfer
• Virology
• Sterilization and Disinfection
• Antimicrobial Therapy
• Epidemiology
• Host – Microbe Relationships
• Innate Host Defenses
• Adaptive Immunity and Immunization
• Immunological Disorders and Tests
• Microbial Diseases
Course Syllabi
Course URL
Canvas
Course Satisfies Learning Goals
- To develop academic skills that will provide a foundation for success in advanced courses, gate-keeper standardized tests, graduate or professional school, and life-long learning.
- To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides student with a foundation on which they can further their immediate education and to manage a career.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
- Lecture: Four hourly exams each worth 25% of the final grade.
- Lab: The final grade is based on quizzes, homework, lab reports, a lab practical and class participation.
- Lecture and Lab are In Person
Course Materials
Required Text: Microbiology: An Introduction, 14th Edition, Tortora, Funke and Case, 2023, Pearson. ISBN: 9780137941674
Lab Manual: Microbiology: A Lab Manual, 112th Edition, Cappuccino & Welsh, 2020,
Pearson. ISBN-9780135174616 for the e-book which you will use in the lab
Course Closed?
If this course is closed, please add your name to request an spn for the course under the Biological Sciences section on the SPN Request Page. Please note the system does not notify students unless they can be accommodated on the course. SPNs are distributed throughout the remainder of the semester and through the drop/add period. We ask that if you are provided an spn for a course and choose not to use it, to please notify our offices at
Faculty
Dr. Susan Skelly
Nelson Biology Labs, B147
Phone: 848-445-2818
E-mail:
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.