Department of Biology
Location : Building 59, Room 1300
Phone: (904) 620-2830
Web Address: www.unf.edu/coas/biology/
Dr. Cliff Ross , Chair
Mission
The guiding principle of the Department of Biology is the search for understanding and knowledge through the scientific study of life and the dissemination of this information to students, the scientific community, and the general public. The Department of Biology faculty members teach and conduct research in diverse fields of biology. The strength of the department lies in its broad-based academic program, collaborative efforts of faculty, and its integration of undergraduates in all aspects of research. The Department of Biology educates the general student body of UNF in biological principles and seeks to develop an understanding of science, applied writing, mathematics, analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills in the context of biology. We seek to provide individualized attention at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to students interested in careers related to biological science. The department believes that the active involvement in scholarly pursuits of graduate and undergraduate students is the ultimate expression of teaching and learning.
Program Overview
The Biology department is home to over 1000 undergraduate majors and more than 35 graduate students. There are two Bachelor of Science degrees offered through the department, Biomedical Sciences and Biology. The latter contains four concentrations that allow undergraduate students to customize their degree for their career aspirations. Graduate students can choose either a Master of Science or a Master of Arts degree, both of which have tracks that allow students to gain experience in an array of sub-disciplines. In addition, the department offers an accelerated BS-MS program in Biomedical Sciences. For all of our students, individual attention and opportunities to conduct research with our faculty are hallmarks of their degree. Biology faculty members are involved in research concerning aquatic and terrestrial ecology, cell and molecular biology, physiology, and microbial studies and have obtained federal grants from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. Our Biological Sciences building provides state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities including features such as a fully automated greenhouse, a sea water 'on tap' system, and a marine mammal necropsy lab to name a few. Our department is also home to a nationally funded Coastal and Marine Biology program as well as a vibrant Biomedical Sciences program.
Graduate Degree Programs
The department offers two graduate degrees, a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Biology. The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biology degree program is designed primarily to provide secondary school teachers and professionals in environmental fields with advanced training in the biological sciences through extensive coursework. The Master of Science (M.S.) biology degree program is designed to provide graduate students with advanced knowledge, skills and techniques in the biological sciences through coursework and an independent thesis research project. There is an option for a non-thesis track MS in Biomedical Sciences as well.
Undergraduate Major Degree Programs
The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with four areas of concentration: Coastal and Marine Biology, Coastal Environmental Science, Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. An undergraduate certificate in Biotechnology is available which helps students build skills that are attractive to employers and graduate schools. The Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Biomedical Sciences are Selective Admissions programs. Students must meet certain criteria and then apply. To be accepted, students must have taken General Biology I and II (or equivalents) and General Chemistry I and II (or equivalents) with minimum grades of two B's and two C's in those four courses.
Undergraduate Minor Degree Programs
Undergraduate students majoring in another field can choose a minor in Biology.
Biotechnology Certificate
The Biotechnology Certificate is available to all UNF Biology students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Non-degree seeking, post-baccalaureate students are also eligible. This program is designed to encourage and recognize students preparing for a career in biotechnology.
Department of Biology Faculty
Cliff Ross , Professor & Chair
Kristine C. Amatuli, Associate Lecturer
Andrew A. Beall, Associate Lecturer
Doria F. Bowers, Professor
Joseph A. Butler, Professor Emeritus
Dale A. Casamatta, Professor
Charles B. Coughlin, Associate Lecturer
Terri N. Ellis, Associate Professor
James J. Gelsleichter, Professor
Quincy A. Gibson, Associate Professor
Matthew R. Gilg, Professor
M. Laura Habegger, Assistant Professor
Courtney T. Hackney, Professor Emeritus
John D. Hatle, Professor
Eric G. Johnson, Associate Professor
Scott F. Jones, Assistant Professor
Michael R. Lentz, Associate Professor & Assistant Chair
Jennifer Lindemann, Lecturer
Daniel C. Moon, Professor
Jamie C. Moon, Associate Lecturer
Judith D. Ochrietor, Associate Professor
Fatima K. Rehman. Associate Lecturer
David Reynolds, Lecturer
Simon J. Rhodes, Professor
Adam E. Rosenblatt, Assistant Professor
Anthony M. Rossi, Professor
Frank W. Smith III, Associate Professor
Kelly J. Smith, Associate Professor
Elizabeth Stotz-Potter, Associate Lecturer
Janice E. Swenson, Associate Lecturer
Candice Ginn T. Tahimic, Assistant Professor
David S. Waddell, Associate Professor