Special Living-Learning Opportunities

Students in the College of Life Sciences are well-represented in the university’s selective academic programs, including the University Honors Program, the College Park Scholars Program and Gemstone. In addition, the College offers departmental honors in Biology, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Chemistry and Biochemistry. These programs challenge students academically and link them to faculty and their research.

There are active chemistry and biology honor societies which sponsor lectures, offer tutoring services and conduct sessions on gaining admission to professional and graduate school. Mandatory academic advising and quality instruction are the foundation of the undergraduate program.

The College of Life Sciences offers a College Park Scholars Program for students who want a concentrated learning experience in the life sciences. Highlights of this program include weekly colloquia led by award winning faculty and their research partners from around the region, local and overseas field trips and internships.

One hundred entering life sciences freshmen will be invited to participate in the Catalyst Research Program sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. The program will facilitate the interaction among new students and faculty through a series of weekly seminars and informal coffee hours. Participants will be introduced to the research process, learn about the research being done by our faculty, and hone their scientific writing skills in preparation for submitting an HHMI undergraduate research fellowship application. A select number of freshmen Life Sciences majors will be invited to participate in this program through the undergraduate admissions process. There will also be an opportunity to apply for this program at the conclusion of the freshman fall semester.

Academic experiences do not stop in the classroom. Life Sciences majors have participated in research projects in the coral reefs of the Red Sea, explored options for sustainable development in the rain forests of Brazil, and explored the flora and fauna the Grand Canyon and the outback of Australia. Closer to home, they have dredged for oysters on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoyed service learning experiences through internships at area hospitals, zoos, government agencies and private industries.