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Location: Sowa Hall 236
Phone: 401-865-2585
Fax: 401-865-1438

The faculty of the Department of Biology stresses the conceptual approach in course content, i.e., to explain biological phenomena rather than merely describe the phenomena.  To this end, a core program is required for all biology majors, which relates the content of the biology courses to the scientific background obtained in chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

The core program is usually completed during the junior year.  This provides the opportunity for a wide choice of biology and other elective courses during the last two collegiate years. 

The completion of the core meets the usual science requirements demanded for admission to medical, dental, optometry schools and other professional schools specializing in the health sciences, such as veterinary, podiatry, physical therapy, physicians assistants, and graduate schools offering advanced degrees in the various research-oriented biological specialities.

The Department of Biology offers a combined degree program with the New England College of Optometry.  This program allows completion of the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology and the doctor of optometry degree in seven years. 

Career possibilities for biology majors:

• medicine
• research
• advanced study in the medical field

The Major
A major is offered in biology which leads to either the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree.  In addition, the College offers a major in biology/secondary education which leads to the bachelor of arts degree.

The Minor in Biology/Natural History
A minor in biology/natural history is also available.

For detailed information on the requirements for the biology major or biology/natural history minor, as well as course listings and descriptions, please see the on-line undergraduate catalog. 

The Faculty
Professors
John Costello, Ph.D.
Robert I. Krasner, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Craig B. Wood, Ph.D., Chairperson

Associate Professors
Elisabeth Arevalo, Ph.D.
Carol B. Crafts, Ph.D.
Rev. Mark D. Nowel , O.P., Ph.D.
Charles R. Toth, Ph.D.
Yinsheng Wan, Ph.D.
Robert M. Zarcaro, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors
Rev. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., Ph.D.
Maia Bailey, Ph.D.
Patrick J. Ewanchuk, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty
Barbara Sullivan-Watts, Ph.D.

Visit the Web pages maintained by the Department of Biology:
http://www.providence.edu/bio/