Department of Biology

Preparation for post-graduate studies begins at the start of the student’s undergraduate career!
Iona College has strong Biology, Chemistry and Physics Departments that prepares students for success in the science and medical professions. Once the student has entered Iona as a freshman, he/she is encouraged to contact the Health-Professions Advisor if he/she is interested in entering medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, and other health-professions programs. Currently, the Pre-Professional Advisor is Dr. Yourha Kang (ykang@iona.edu), Assistant Professor of Biology. Please contact Dr. Kang with any questions. The Health-Professions Advisor is also the chair of the Iona College Health-Professions Recommendation Committee, which is composed of faculty members who can also aid students in their pursuit of a career in the health professions. In addition, Iona students have access to a web-based Blackboard site that contains information about various careers in the sciences, including medical school and other health professions.

Those students entering Iona as a pre-med (pre-dental, pre-vet, etc.) freshman may major in Biology with a Pre-Professional Concentration. The Pre-Professional concentration is designed to allow a student to follow a curriculum that fulfills all course requirements and prepares him/her to take the necessary standardized tests to apply to the various medical and research programs during their undergraduate career. The Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration specifically prepares students who are interested in becoming a physical therapist. The General Biology concentration also prepares students for a career in the health professions, but it is designed for students who are not yet committed to a career in the health professions. In addition to majoring in Biology, the student may also major in Chemistry or Biochemistry. A student who plans on majoring in a field other than the sciences is highly advised to see the Health Professions Advisor.

Students who pursue graduate studies must realize that excellent grades, good performance on standardized tests, extensive real-life experience, and good recommendations will be essential to their success. Extracurricular activities that demonstrate the student’s willingness to be of service to the community or a profession are helpful as well. Your future success is up to you!

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