Biology of Organisms and Ecosystems

Here, you’ll learn by doing—in small classes, alongside faculty experts in their Fordham labs, and onsite at leading STEM institutions across New York City. You’ll build a strong foundation in the major sciences while gaining a deep understanding of how organisms and ecosystems interact. And you’ll put your classroom lessons to work in the lab. You’ll be prepared for your next step—whether that’s graduate school, medical school, or a career.

You’ll take courses across the foundations of science—biology, chemistry, and physics. And you’ll have the opportunity to go deeper into your areas of interest, particularly in ecology, physiology, biology of aging, and behavioral biology. You could take classes like Global Ecology, where you’ll study the causes and impact of environmental issues—from air and water pollution to waste disposal—or Human and Comparative Anatomy, where you’ll explore the origin, relationships, and anatomy of humans and other vertebrates.

In addition to working alongside Fordham scientists in our labs, you could work onsite with our partner institutions, like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where you could help doctors explore ways to improve cancer treatments. And you’ll have access to research opportunities at the Calder Center, our ecosystem-rich 113-acre biological field station in Armonk, New York.

You’ll be prepared to go on to medical school, dental school, or veterinary school; continue research at a prestigious graduate program; or start your career in the healthcare, nonprofit, or education sectors.

Many of our students are a part of the pre-health program, which provides support and advising to help you prepare for medical and other health professional schools. You’ll receive help with fellowship and graduate school applications, meet medical professionals working in the industry—including many Fordham alumni—and conduct research.

At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As a biology of organisms and ecosystems major, you might take courses like Machine Learning Methods for Neural and Biological Data, which will help you learn how to use AI models and statistics concepts to better understand scientific data. You’ll be able to put these concepts into practice in the lab, preparing to use AI to test research theories and help with drug discovery methods.

You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity.