While students can attend any medical school after earning a BS in Biology, some students may choose to apply for the eight-year program BS in Biology (FDU) and Doctor of Medicine with Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados.

This 4 + 4 combined degree program provides qualified students the opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree and a Medical Doctor (MD) degree in eight years. The bachelor’s degree is awarded by Fairleigh Dickinson University and the MD degree by Ross University School of Medicine. English is the teaching language.

The program prepares students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree to become successful physicians in the United States.

Admission requirements

  • High school seniors with a combined Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1170 and high school GPA of 3.25 may apply for admission to the combined degree program.
  • All applicants for admission to the combined degree program must satisfy secondary school preparation in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.
  • The high school GPA and rank in class, along with letters of recommendation from high school teachers, will be of primary importance in evaluating applicants’ credentials.
  • Applicants are required to submit scores in the verbal and mathematical components of the SAT.

Qualifying for enrollment at Ross University

Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for admission to the medicine phase of the program:

  • Completion of all FDU curriculum requirements, including the general education requirements and the degree program requirements for the major and all prerequisite courses required for admission at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Students must obtain a GPA of 3.00 or higher in prerequisite courses with no C-, D, or F in any of the courses;
  • An overall GPA of 3.2 or higher;
  • Other requirements include a satisfactory MCAT score and other minimum admissions requirements as set forth by Ross University.

Program Outcomes for BS Biology

Students majoring in Biology develop the following skills and abilities:

Ability to use the scientific method and understand its strengths and weaknesses: Clearly states a hypothesis; Identifies not only the basics of the issue, but recognizes the nuances of the issue.

Ability to research a biological topic using traditional and computer technology: Provides a thorough and relevant literature review; Considers alternate ways to approach the questions; Ability to read and evaluate professional scientific literature; Demonstrates understanding of the relationship between experiment and theory.

Ability to write and communicate science: Writing enhances the presentation; Writing is consistently well written; Writing communicates clearly using the language of biology; Writing displays an excellent command of writing mechanics; Topics are clearly organized; Topics are covered in-depth; Topics display an abundance of original ideas; APA style is used consistently and accurately without any errors.

Ability to utilize mathematical reasoning and quantitative skills in biology: Analyzes data via graphs, statistics and curve fitting as appropriate; Possess observational and technical skills; Carries out controlled experiments using the proper equipment and safety measurements; Identifies relevant constraints; Collects data carefully and with appropriate precision; Uses initial data to refine the experiment.

Possess major field knowledge: Identifies an appropriate question by using prior knowledge; Ability to successfully compete in biologically related fields; Obtains acceptance into graduate/professional schools or employment in the field.

Degree Plan

NOTE: All students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in fulfillment of their Bachelor degree requirements. [Florham Campus students are required to take SPCH 1107 Fundamentals of Speech and  PHIL1440 Bio-Medical Ethics as part of their general education requirements]

Semesters 1 and 2

Semester 3 and 4

Semesters 5 and 6

  • BIOL3100, BIOL3101 Genetics and Laboratory
  • BIOL3337, BIOL3327 General Physiology and Laboratory

Semesters 7 and 8

  • BIOL3253, BIOL3254 Comparative Anatomy and Laboratory
  • BIOL 3309, BIOL3019 Microbiology and Laboratory
  • PHIL1440 Biomedical Ethics
  • BIOL4950 Biology Seminar
  • BIOL3___/4___ Ecology and Environmental Biology Elective IV and Laboratory
  • BIOL3___/4___ Biology Elective V and Laboratory

Cognate Requirements

Semesters 1 and 2

Semesters 3 and 4

Semesters 5 and 6

Major Requirements:

The Program is designed for students who are accepted into professional school (e.g., School of Medicine, Dentistry, Chiropractic, and Optometry) after four years of undergraduate study. 

 

A minimum of 124 credits is required for graduation with BS Biology.