Department of Biology

Our Department of Biology offers programs that provide students with a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Our faculty prepare students for careers in the life sciences and help them develop the analytical and problem-solving skills essential for success in the workplace.

A Focus on Innovation

Through Rivier’s commitment to innovation in the sciences, the University broke ground on the construction of a Science and Innovation Center in April 2019. The 36,000-square-foot facility opened in Fall 2020 and provides state-of-the-art resources for microbiology, biotechnology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

Watch the video to learn how we put science on display with learning spaces that foster innovation and discovery, laboratories and equipment designed to solve real-world problems, technology that brings the world of science into the classroom, and collaborative spaces for faculty and student research!

The Center features:

• Learning spaces that foster innovation and discovery
• Laboratories and equipment designed to solve real-world problems
• Technology that brings the world of science into the classroom
• Collaborative spaces to foster faculty and student research

Biomedical Research at Rivier

Rivier University is a Partner institution of the New Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE), a state-wide research consortium led by the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the program supports outstanding biomedical faculty researchers and promising undergraduate students to lead and advance top-level biomedical research. NH-INBRE grants enable annual research projects for Rivier faculty and students. These projects add to the body of knowledge on key biomedical topics and afford student-researchers the opportunity to develop their laboratory skills, engage with the larger biomedical community, and form professional connections with faculty and colleagues at Partner institutions. View summaries of recent research projects.

Hands-on Learning

Our students put theory into practice through hands-on assignments and research projects. Students have tested and cleaned up local ponds, evaluated the antimicrobial of homeopathic remedies; and conducted research in the biology of reproduction, cancer, ecology, and immunology. Together with their faculty, our students conduct sophisticated laboratory diagnostic procedures in courses such as microbiology and immunology and test their knowledge and develop skills through real-world assignments and research projects.

Biology Club

Despite its name, the Biology Club is not always just about science. The Club provides opportunities for students to engage in co-curricular activities that enhance academic and career preparation but also hosts a variety of community and social events including movie nights, field trips, and outreach activities. Recent events have included highway cleanups, trips to the Boston Museum of Science, the Boston Aquarium, Mt. Monadnock, Histogenics, and the Budweiser plant in Merrimack. The Club brings speakers to campus and hosts fundraising such as their annual 5K charitable road race to support the Beaver Brook Association and the enhancement of wildlife habitats.