Advances in Science and Technology are happening at a breathtaking pace and effect the daily lives of all individuals. The Iona College Scientific and Technological Literacy curriculum rests on the premise that educated citizens should be prepared to comprehend and participate in public debate on the advances in science.

The goal of the STL Program is to give each student a strong foundation in the Natural Sciences and empower each student effectively communicate scientific concepts to student bodies in a clear, logical and informative fashion to access and evaluate the available information, and to advance personal and societal solutions through informed participation. To exercise our options as concerned citizens of a participatory democracy we must comprehend the processes employed by scientists and engineers. To compete in world markets we must be able to make decisions on scientific and technological issues

New technologies have significantly increased the amount of information available to biologists. Biology teachers need to be trained in how new information applies to basic biological concepts and how they can keep abreast of the rapid pace of modern biology

• Professionals with a deep knowledge in the broad disciplines of Biology
• Professionals that realize that science is a process of active learning not something that is done by a following a written protocol
• Biologists with the ability to comprehend processes at the cellular and molecular levels and how they influence processes at the level of the organism and ecosystem
• Individuals that will think independently and critically
• Hypothesis driven scientists that can guide their students in inquiry based scientific learning
• Biologists/Educators that can articulate scientific concepts and be effective communicators
• Lifelong learners adaptable to new biological information and technology
• Biologists able to comprehend the impact of modern biology on society

The STL curriculum rests on the premise that, even though all cannot be expected to solve complex technical problems, everyone can and should be prepared to participate in the public debate, evaluate the available information, and advance the solution through intelligent questions and informed voting.

To anticipate and have a share of control of our own futures we must have insight into and exert influence over the directions in which science and technology are going. The philosophy of the program envisions a model in which science and technology are integrated into the daily lives of students through key ideas and themes. The basic natural sciences - biology, chemistry and physics, computer and information science, and applied mathematics - form a content core for studies of dynamic theme areas - energy, environment and health - where science and technology may be clearly seen in the context of societal desires and concerns.