College of Arts & Sciences | Department of Biology
College of Arts & Sciences | Department of Biology
Department of Biology

Student Resources

Overview

two biology students with professor in lab at saint joseph's university

The resources listed below offer guidance and support during your time as a biology student here at Saint Joseph's University. If you don't find the information you are looking for, please contact your academic advisor. If you'd like to recommend a resource for this page, please contact us.

Incoming Students

B.E.A.G.L.E. Program

The Biology Experience Aimed at Growth, Learning and Excellence (B.E.A.G.L.E.) program is a four-day intensive for incoming freshman biology, chemical biology and environmental science majors at Saint Joseph’s. The program is supported by the Office of Admissions, Learning Resource Center, Department of Biology and the Office of Residence Life.

Learn More about the Program

 

Phage Safari 

Phage Safari at Saint Joseph’s University is a two-semester phage genomics lab course for first-year biology, chemical biology and environmental science majors. This lab experience exposes students to cutting-edge skills in scientific research and gives them a taste of what it’s like to conduct their own. It satisfies the lab components of BIO 101: Cells and BIO 102: Genetics, as well as the first-year seminar requirement.

Learn More About Phage Safari

 

Academic Advising and Registration Information

If you don’t find the information you’re looking for here, please ask your academic advisor. They will be happy to help you.

Student Opportunities

Health-Care Related Opportunities/Internships

  • The John J. Meehan, M.D., Pathways to Medical Professions program is designed to prepare biology majors for careers in health care. It is intended to supplement their undergraduate work each semester the students are involved with the program.

    Learn More About the Program

  • Bartholomew Tortella, '75, MD, MTS, FACS, is the chief of Trauma Services at MCP-Hahnemann Hospital. He has invited interested SJU undergraduate and graduate students to come to the hospital and spend a day with him in the Trauma Center.

    Arrangements are to be made directly between students and Dr. Tortella’s assistant, Ms. Dolores Williams (215-762-5000). Given the nature of Dr. Tortella’s schedule, it may be best to try and visit the Trauma Center during a break.

  • Cooper Health System’s Emergency Department is offering an experiential opportunity for pre-med students, called the Academic Associates Program (AAP). This program is offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters. For more information, please contact Brigitte Baumann, MD, DTM&H, or visit the program website. Please note that transfer credit from this program will NOT be accepted by SJU as a biology course but that it may be counted as a free elective with the permission of your chair/program director and the associate dean.

  • Many SJU alumni are currently engaged in health care in various professional capacities.  Below are just a few who have volunteered their time to help current SJU students interested in health-care careers. Interested students should contact the alumni and arrange meetings at the convenience of the alumni’s schedule.

    • Ralph J. DiGiovanni, Jr., '95, MD
      Medical and Surgical Ophthalmology
      Bala Cynwyd, PA
      Phone: 610-667-4066
    • Joseph A. Libby '87, MD
      General Internal Medicine
      Cooper Hospital System
      Phone: 856-270-4080
      Email: jlibby257113@comcast.net 
    • Bartholomew Tortella, '75, MD, MTS, FACS
      Chief of Trauma Services
      Hahnemann Trauma Center
      Phone: 215-762-5000

Industry Internships

Many biology majors and minors engage in internship experiences either for academic credit or simply to gain exposure to various life sciences careers before graduation. With prior approval of the department chair, they can receive credit for an internship as an upper-division biology elective. Some of the companies where students have engaged in internships include Covance Periapproval Services.
 

Education Internships

A variety of educational organizations routinely seek undergraduate students to work as science education interns. Some agencies currently looking for student interns include The Wagner Free Institute of Science and The Lower Merion Conservancy. 

Career Advising and Development

Many biology majors and minors plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation. The Philadelphia area has many job opportunities for people with BS degrees in science. Fields where SJU biology alumni have directly entered the workforce include:

  • Research technician/associate (industry or academic)
  • Clinical trials design and management
  • Pharmaceutical sales
  • Vaccine production
  • Scientific equipment sales and support
  • Environmental assessment/management
  • Agricultural jobs (crop pest assessment, extension work)
  • K–12 science education
  • Specialty science employment in zoos, aquaria, museums
  • Positions in science-related non-profits

There are several starting places for students seeking a job after graduation, including:

Other Resources and Services