Science at Tufts: Information for Students

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
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<p>Tufts is well known for its international relations, political science, and economics programs and focus. But at the same time this is a major science research university with major research going on in fields from chemistry to civil engineering. The undergraduate science program is rigorous and allows for unparalleled interactions between students and professors. Having worked in a research laboratory I can say that undergraduates participate heavily in science research on campus (out of the 11 individuals in our lab, 6 are undergraduates). </p>

<pre><code>However, what I have found is that students are often unaware of the amazing science opportunities on campus or just have a million questions that are never properly answered. Unfortunately, information sessions don't tend to go into the sciences at Tufts. I often find visiting students and parents wandering our biology building a bit unsure of what exactly we do!

So for those of you who are thinking of applying, have already applied, etc. I wanted to create this thread for your questions about science at Tufts. I am a biology major, so I can tell you a lot about that department - but I have also taken introductory courses in chemistry/organic chemistry. I know quite a bit less about our engineering, physics, geology, and psychology departments. But I'm glad to answer any questions you may have about science at Tufts, introductory courses (and upper level courses in biology), research opportunities, premedical studies, etc.
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<p>Also below are some just some of the interesting research groups on campus. You can take classes with nearly all of these professors as an undergraduate, except Dr. Levin is a graduate school professor (but he may teach an undergraduate class soon). </p>

<p>**Pheonix Mission to Mars <a href="Samuel%20P.%20Kounaves,%20Chemistry">/B</a>: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/science/space/27MARS.html?_r=1&em&ex=1214712000&en=0f8f0a3b3fbb869d&ei=5087%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/science/space/27MARS.html?_r=1&em&ex=1214712000&en=0f8f0a3b3fbb869d&ei=5087&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>**Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors <a href="David%20R.%20Walt,%20Howard%20Hughes%20Medical%20Institute%20Fellow">/B</a>: HHMI</a> Scientist Bio: David R. Walt, Ph.D. </p>

<p>**Regenerative and Developmental Biology<a href="Michael%20Levin">/B</a>: Biologist</a> Michael Levin Joins - Tufts University </p>

<p>**Soft Body Robots <a href="Barry%20Trimmer">/B</a>: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/27/science/27robo.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/27/science/27robo.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>**Nanosilk and Bioengineering <a href="David%20Kaplan">/B</a>: David</a> Kaplan - Engineering - Tufts University</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for posting. My D applied as a Bio major. She is thinking premed. She is not interested in engineering or the like at all. My concern with the program at Tufts is that the focus seemed more plant/animal/environmental with few courses in human bio…which is more her interest. I know that medical schools accept people with majors from French to music to science…so one doesn’t <em>have</em> to be a bio or biochem major to get in and understand the work. However, are there any opportunities for courses in human physiology/nutrition etc. ? Also, we’ve been told by a current Tufts science student that is it very difficult if not impossible to study abroad without extending your time at Tufts. Can you comment on that? It seems maybe the sciences are not as popular at Tufts - ? Thanks very much!</p>

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<p>Bio 13 and 14 are the two introductory biology classes at Tufts. Bio 13 is cell biology, of which all the information is required knowledge for your D if she wants to be a doctor. The last 1/3 of Bio 14 is a very nice introduction to human physiology.</p>

<p>Here’s a list of Bio classes offered this semester. There’s more physiology/nutrition classes than your D will ever want to take!</p>

<p>[Tufts</a> University: Department of Biology](<a href=“Tufts University”>Tufts University)</p>

<p>

It’s actually very easy if your daughter is proactive in knocking down requirements. The only non-engineers who will have trouble studying abroad are the ones who drop important courses their freshman and sophomore year.</p>

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<p>My son is a biology major, in his sophomore year. He struggled with the idea of going abroad during his junior year (“I mean, it’s Tufts, I really should…”) but finally decided it would be too difficult with all the courses he still wants to (as opposed to “has to”) take. This is despite waiving Bio 13 and the language requirement.</p>

<p>Tufts reputation as a “pre-med” school (and medical school) is second to none.</p>

<p>As I’ve written on other posts - my son’s only complaint about Tufts is that his time is passing by much too quickly. He really loves it. If Tufts is an equally good “fit” for your daughter, I’m sure that she will love it too.</p>

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<p>What percentage of Tufts science majors get accepted to graduate school? Does Tufts prepare students in biology or biochemistry as well as schools such as UC Berkeley, Columbia, or Stanford?</p>

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<p>^ From what I heard Tufts Bio program is really great. I would say Tufts Bio program is equal and in some cases better than Columbia, or Stanford. Not sure about UC Berkeley. I see a lot of doctors at Mass Gen. hospital and Boston Medical center who graduated from Tufts and are really successful in medical fields that they chose. Some of them got some prestigious medical awards (from what I see on the walls of their chambers). </p>

<p>So, If I would major in Tufts, I wouldn’t second guess that. BU, BC and Holy-cross also have some really good Bio program. I heard that Holy Cross is somewhere in Top-20 for pre-med program. But you can’t go wrong with Tufts either. After all it is Tufts.</p>

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<p>^Thanks!
Hmm, but how would Tufts be “better” than Columbia and Stanford in this field? I know Stanford has a well-known and successful medical center, as does Tufts. I’m actually not planning on going into medicine - well, maybe pharmacy. Does anyone know the statistics of Tufts graduates getting into graduate school for the sciences?</p>

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<p>Im going for engineering. Any thoughts on which majors have the best programs? Also, will I never be seen outside of a lab/library for the next 4 years haha?</p>

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<p>

Well you’re going to have 10-20 hours of extra lab/recitation time each week over A&S students of which you get no extra credit for. An “A” in a difficult lab/homework intensive class is worth the same as an “A” in intro to geology.</p>

<p>Also the 10 hour pre-labs are fun…</p>

<p>Enjoy!</p>

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<p>haha this is coming from someone who didnt do a lick of work in high school…ugh. i guess the job opportunities right out of college should help with that though</p>

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<p>Responses to the last several posts:</p>

<p>Biology Courses: The biology department at Tufts is a general department without sub-concentrations like at other schools. What this means is that a biology major must take the introductory sequence and genetics, but also a course in cellular biology, organismal biology, and populations biology (3 different courses). As for human related courses in the biology department alone (courses that either deal exclusively with or have a large human oriented component): General Physiology I and II, Human Genetics, Immunology, Biochemistry and Cellular Metabolism, Endocrinology, Neurobiology. This is not counting the dozens of different psychology, community health (a particularly unique program at Tufts - I urge interested prehealth students to learn more about it: The Community Health Program - Homepage) , and nutrition classes available. </p>

<p>Studying Abroad: I have several friends who are science majors studying abroad in places from Oxford to Germany. In Oxford they are required to take a full year sequence of science classes so there’s no problem with fulfilling science requirements for a major. You need to plan accordingly (also for Oxford you need a high GPA - Above 3.7 I believe), but study abroad is very doable. I decided not to go abroad this year simply because of the huge amount of opportunities that there are on campus alone, but at times I do regret missing the experience. </p>

<p>Biology 13 and 14: These courses are (1) Known to be difficult (2) Not like AP Biology (3) Cover the necessary material for the biology major and medical school. Even if you are not a science major, but taking Biology 13, 14, and perhaps genetics you will be well prepared. However, like I said these courses are challenging because they require you to apply the material and not just memorize it and repeat it. An example of this is learning about the technique of gel electrophoresis, western blots, and proteins and then being shown a gel and given a scenario and then drawing conclusions. The courses force students to think critically. </p>

<p>Comparison to other Schools: Speaking from personal experience (I’ve watched hours of the introductory biology UC Berkeley lectures), the Tufts science classes are on par with the courses offered at that school. I would say fairly confidently that the courses cover material on an equivalent enough level with other schools, though there is a great deal of variability. At ANY institution your courses will depend on your professors. I want to point out something that people seem to forget. Just because a school has 15 Noble Prize Winners does not mean that: 1. They actually teach courses. 2. They’re any good at teaching. 3. They take undergraduates into their labs. 4. They’re even associated with the undergraduate campus. At Tufts there is a very strong focus on undergraduate education compared to larger schools. </p>

<p>Graduate Schools: I think we have fairly good acceptance rates into graduate schools. A fellow undergraduate student was admitted into a variety of PhD Ivy League programs recently and decided to go to MIT. For medical school we have an excellent adviser and Tufts students do end up getting into Harvard Medical School (if that is your goal…) and many other great schools. </p>

<p>Tufts may not have the same money to do equivalent research to be “better” than much larger programs. It is illogical to compare departments in this way (the Columbia Biology department has much more money than we do). At the same time Tufts Medical School rates 6th for the impact of its research in the country (check wikipedia). </p>

<p>Hope this helps. Looking forward to more questions.</p>

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<p>As a comment on engineering - I know several chemical engineers and they have a very challenging course schedule. But they also get to do some of the most high tech research on campus once they get through their introductory courses, so there is a tradeoff. Engineers don’t spend all of their lives in the library, but they do study a lot more than many AS students. No science major is easy, but some do require more effort than others. And yes - you technically are trained to go to work right away after college.</p>

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<p>From years of observation I finally deduced that Greasy Pizza + Data + Cup o’ Coffee = Happy Engineer</p>

<p>But in all honesty if you’re proactive in getting your work done then you’ll have plenty of time to experience everything college has to offer. I’m taking 5 classes this semester with 4 labs. I’ve trained myself to get up at 8am everyday and jump straight to work. I’m usually done by mid-afternoon, then study a bit for the LSATs, go to the gym, and finally just screw around at night. Ooooo such a departure from freshman year…</p>

<p>It certainly does enrich your life - you learn to appreciate your free time, which results in you participating in more fulfilling activities. Life is just more fun when you’re awake. Compensation is nice too. For the Tufts Class of 2008 the mean starting salary with only a BA in EE or CompE was $76k. I don’t know what they are for other engineers but I’d imagine it wouldn’t be much less.</p>

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<p>

As a freshman, it’s pretty lame that the intro lab sciences have long labs without any additional course credits, but my impression is that later on (at least for ChemE) the labs are separate classes with additional credits. Also, this year at least, I definitely don’t have 10-20 extra hours of labs/recitations. For one thing (at least for intro classes), recitations aren’t mandatory, and many students choose not to or don’t need to go. They also exist for non-science classes too. While the labs (especially chem) may take a few hours every week, and the lab reports a few more, I have never had a long pre-lab or anywhere near 20 hours of extra work.</p>

<p>Also, as far as never leaving the library, I’m on the XC and track teams and we actually have a large number of engineers, most of whom are successful both on the track/xc course and in the classroom. Team commitments (practice, meets, etc) take up 15-25 hours a week and I’ve managed to do well in all my classes so far, although I’m only a freshman. Most of the engineers on the team are MechE’s, including our top distance runner, who is a two time All-American in cross country and a two time All-American in track, and they all seem to be doing fine. One of our top distance runners is a ChemE, and while he does say that they have a lot of work, he manages to get it done, participate fully in sports year round, and is also minoring in music. So being an engineer really doesn’t have to limit you.</p>

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<p>

I’m looking at the ChemE requirements right now, and you guys are lucky. Although I think this luxury is limited to ChemEs only.</p>

<p><a href=“http://engineering.tufts.edu/docs/BSME_DegreeSheet-2008.pdf[/url]”>http://engineering.tufts.edu/docs/BSME_DegreeSheet-2008.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://engineering.tufts.edu/docs/BSEE_DegreeSheet-2008.pdf[/url]”>http://engineering.tufts.edu/docs/BSEE_DegreeSheet-2008.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://engineering.tufts.edu/docs/BSCE_DegreeSheet-2008.pdf[/url]”>http://engineering.tufts.edu/docs/BSCE_DegreeSheet-2008.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>FYI the physics 11/12 and chem 1/2 labs that you’re doing now is nothing like the ones you’ll be doing later. These you follow a strict set of instructions then write a report on it later. Later on you will actually need to think and plan out what you’re going to be doing, hence the 10 hour pre-labs. </p>

<p>For example in intro physics/chem “labs” you are able to just attend, read the lab manual as-you-go during the lab session, and be perfectly fine. In higher level classes you will do all the planning, testing, running software simulations, re-planning, and re-testing before you actually attend lab. Once you’re there, it’s mostly mindless physical implementation.</p>

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<p>Regarding the strength of Tufts’ bio department compared to others, I have to second what guildsman said. I think the greatest strength of our department is our size. It is large enough to have more classes than you could ever have time to take (for the woman whose daughter is pre-med, I highly recommend Gen Physiology I and II) but class sizes are still small and there’s a lot of interaction with professors. I know personally, as a former bio major who applied to grad schools this year, that by the time I graduated, nearly every faculty member in the department knew me on a first-name basis. Sophomore year when I was looking for a lab to work in, I e-mailed three PIs and was offered spots in 2 of the labs. I think what Tufts has as an advantage over bigger schools with bigger-name PIs is the focus on teaching and training undergrads.</p>

<p>On studying abroad: Though Tufts does have extensive liberal arts requirements, if you took any AP classes in high school, they’re not hard to fulfill. I was done with all my requirements before my senior year, and though I can’t speak for engineers, I don’t know anyone who studied abroad and wasn’t able to graduate in 4 years. I didn’t want to leave my lab for an entire semester, so I took advantage of the Tufts in Talloires program over the summer and it was incredible.</p>

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<p>I know there has been some discussion comparing Tufts to larger research Universities and the focus (or lack thereof) on undergrad education. But what is the opinion of Tufts undergraduate resources compared to that of Middlebury or Amherst? Would it happen that Tufts does more advanced research due to grad school students? Or that Midd or Amherst can devote more money to their students because they only have undergrads?</p>

<p>Just looking for food to fodder.</p>

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<p>I’ve never attended an LAC, obviously, but my general impression is that though professors still do research there, the lack of graduate students seriously reduces the productivity of such labs and research is not a focus there. My personal opinion is that LACs are great for learning but not as great for training. I’m sure that will stir up some disagreement.</p>

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<p>disagreement is perfectly fine because what I want most is opinion and experiences.</p>

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<p>so if im in the school of engineering and want to study abroad i cant do any “serious” majors??</p>

<p>transfer time</p>