RAMAPO SECTION NAME NEWS
New Major: Integrated Science Studies
New Major: B.S. in Biology/M.S. in Physician Assistance
A new Integrated Science Studies (ISS) major at Ramapo College is the first in the state to address the interdisciplinary education needs of students planning to work as science journalists, for science-based corporations such as pharmaceuticals, and in many areas of government. The ISS major will prepare science students for careers in public administration, environmental regulation and administration, science journalism, science and technology assessment and administration in business, business administration in science-based services, law, and for graduate and professional studies in business administration and science. Students will be accepted into the program beginning fall 2003. For more information on the integrated science studies major, contact Dr. Bernard Langer, 201.684.7716.
A joint offering by Ramapo College of New Jersey and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) will combine undergraduate study in biology with graduate education in a physician assistant program. Students completing the program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Ramapo College and a Master of Science in Physician Assistance conferred by UMDNJ. The program will include three years (full-time) undergraduate education at Ramapo College followed by three years (full-time) professional education at UMDNJ. For more information about the major, contact Dr. Rena Bacon, professor of biology and advisor to the Pre-Med Club, 201.684.7727.
ate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Their poster presentation, “Development of a Prototype Bioinformatics Program for Mapping Conserved Elements in Genomic Sequences,” entitled student Garrett Dancik to a cash prize and plaque. Dr. Paramjeet Bagga, associ-
projects in the lab. The goal of Bagga’s research has been to study interactions between cellular proteins and a conserved RNA sequence that influence human gene expression. Gene expression involves “reading” of the genetic information stored in the genes, and translating it to carry out the “orders” for normal functioning of the cell. Studying mechanisms
ate professor of biology, served as the mentor on these projects. The bioinformatics program at Ramapo College is the first undergraduate program in the state and among a small number of undergraduate programs nationwide. Students majoring in bioinformatics work directly with Professor Bagga, who oversees the program and research
Bioinformatics research team from left: Harshani Peiris, Garrett Dancik, and Dr. Paramjeet Bagga.
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of gene expression is vital for better insights into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and other diseases that are the result of defective gene expression. For more information, contact Dr. Bagga at 201.684.7722.
Freshmen Retention Reaches New High Retention of first-time, full-time freshmen reached an all-time high last semester with 96.7 percent of those enrolled in the fall 2002 semester returning in spring 2003. This is the third increase in as many years and, according to Peter Goetz, dean of enrollment management, is a result of the College’s increasing selectivity in admissions. In addition, Goetz’s office has stepped up efforts to monitor academic progress and assist students experiencing difficulty.
RAMAPO MAGAZINE