2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biology Major


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Requirements for Biology Major - Bachelor of Science:


Majors must complete the core curriculum and one of the specializations or an emphasis for their B.S.

System General Education Requirements*: 33-35


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 8-9


Major Requirements: 44-48


Specialization and Elective Requirements: 36-43


Total Required Credits: 128


Footnotes:


1

If you select this option to complete Goal #5, and are planning to enter professional or graduate degree programs you should also take MATH 121 or 123 and 125.

2

Suggested for Biology-Organismal emphasis.

3

Recommended for Biology-Pre-professional specialization.

4

Consult with the 490 instructor before selecting 496/498.

5

PHYS 101-101L is not sufficient for students planning to enter professional or graduate degree programs.

Organismal Biology Emphasis: 25-30


Strongly Recommended Courses:


 1

Footnotes:


1
 

In addition to BOR, SDSU, College, and Major requirements, students must take 8 courses in their particular field of study. Of these 8 courses, the following 3 are required of ALL organismal biology students.
 

2

 

General Biology Focus: Core + 1 BIOL, 1 BOT + 1 ZOOL/WL + 2 additional courses from elective list
Botany Focus: Core + 3 BOT + 2 additional courses from elective list
Zoology Focus: Core + 3 ZOOL/WL + 2 additional courses from elective list

Preprofessional Specialization - Health Related: 23-27


Footnote:


1

 

Pre-Vet students can substitute VET 223-223L, Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals and Lab and one additional course (at least 4 credits) from the Health Related electives (or an advanced animal science course like Advanced Animal Nutrition or Reproductive Physiology).
 
2 A total of 3 credits is required for field study, internships, and research experiences to count as one elective. These credits can be combined from various experiences.

 

Note:


Most professional schools require at least 1 year math (e.g., MATH 121 and STAT 281), 1 year physics, 1 year majors biology and 2 years majors chemistry.

Secondary Education Specialization: 26-30


Required Courses 1:

Footnote:


1





Students selecting the Biology: Secondary Education Specialization need the well rounded exposure to biology that is provided by the Core Requirements (BIOL 151-151L, 153-153L, 202-202L, 204-204L, 311, MICR 231-231L) and the Specialization Requirements (BIOL 221-221L, 373, 325-325L and BOT 201-201L). The BioMicro Core contains 41-49 hours of General Education, IGR, and Biology requirements. The Secondary Education Specialization requires an additional 22-26 credits. Students complete their degree by taking additional courses from Education, the life sciences and other areas to complete the required 128 credits.
2
A total of 3 credits is required for field study, internships, and research experiences to count as one elective. These credits can be combined from various experiences.

 

Curriculum Notes:


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits (Biology-Preprofessional specialization is exempt).

** South Dakota State University has an 8-9 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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