Biology and Microbiology

Tom Cheesbrough, Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
West Hall 115
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/

Faculty

Professor Cheesbrough, Head; Professors Bleakley, Cochrane, Dieter, Erickson, Gibbons, Gibson, Granholm, Henebry, Hildreth, Johnston, Kayongo- Male, Larson, Reese, Ruffolo, Sutton, Troelstrup, West, Yen; Professors Emeriti Chen, Evenson, Haertel, Hugghins, McMullen, Myers, Peterson, Pengra, Whalen; Associate Professors Auger, Brozel, Bücking, Gilmanov, Kaushik, Krueger, Li, Pedersen, Wake, Wang, Young, Zhou; Associate Professor Emeritus Morrill; Assistant Professor Xu; Instructors Ellis, Ladonski, Lenertz, McCutcheon, Warren; Adjunct faculty E. Butler (Igne), J. Butler (USFS), Chase (Vet.Sci.), Cooper, Dwivedi (PHA), Epperson (Vet. Sci.), Fennell (HFLP), Francis (Vet.Sci.), German (WRI), Henry (SDPURC), Hughes (USDA-ARS), Johnson (PS), McFarland (ARS), Matzner (Augustana), Mukheriee (PHA), Nelson (Vet.Sci.), Reidel (NGIRL-USDA), Rietz (Brookings Medical Clinic), Sergeev (NFSH), Smith (BHSU), Steece (CUC), Specker (FFS), Todd, Wixon (Vet. Sci.)

Programs

The Biology and Microbiology Department offers curricula leading to the Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology. The undergraduate Biology major has two different programs from which to choose: the curriculum in College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences; or the curriculum in College of Arts and Sciences. The two programs are identical except for the individual college’s requirements. Students majoring in Biology will select among four areas of specialization depending upon their particular interest and needs: (1) Ecology, (2) Organismal Biology, (3) Pre-professional, and (4) Secondary Education. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major and chemistry courses.

The Ecology specialization prepares a student for careers in environmental science and ecosystem modeling.

The Organismal Biology specialization provides the student with a broad, classical background in the emphasis areas of General Biology, Botany and Zoology. This training prepares him/her to work in a wide range of careers.

The Pre-professional specialization is designed for students planning on admission into professional, health science programs.

The Secondary Education specialization provides students with the background needed for a successful career teaching biology in middle and high schools.

Microbiology (MICR)

Tom Cheesbrough, Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
West Hall 115
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/

Faculty

Professor Cheesbrough, Head; Professors Bleakley, Cochrane, Dieter, Erickson, Gibbons, Gibson, Granholm, Henebry, Hildreth, Johnston, Kayongo-Male, Larson, Reese, Ruffolo, Sutton, Troelstrup, West, Yen; Professors Emeriti Chen, Evenson, Haertel, Hugghins, McMullen, Myers, Peterson, Pengra, Whalen; Associate Professors Auger, Brozel, Bücking, Gilmanov, Kaushik, Krueger, Li, Pedersen, Wake, Wang, Young, Zhou; Associate Professor Emeritus Morrill; Assistant Professors Hill, Xu; Instructors Ellis, Ladonski, Lenertz, McCutcheon, Warren; Adjunct faculty E. Butler (Igne), J. Butler (USFS), Chase (Vet.Sci.), Cooper, Dwivedi (PHA), Epperson (Vet. Sci.), Fennell (HFLP), Francis (Vet.Sci.), German (WRI), Henry (USDSU), Hughes (USDA-ARS), Johnson (PS), Kightlinger (SD Dept Health), Knudsen (ADRDL), Laurean (CHEM), Lundgren (NGIRL-USDA), McFarland (ARS), Matzner (Augustana), Mukheriee (PHA), Nelson (Vet.Sci.), Reidel (NGIRL-USDA), Rietz (Brookings Medical Clinic), Sergeev (NFSH), Steece (CUC), Specker (FFS), Todd, Wixon (Vet. Sci.)

Programs

The Biology and Microbiology Department offers curricula leading to the Bachelor’s degree with a major in Microbiology. A Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, major in Microbiology is offered in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. A Bachelor of Science with a major in Microbiology is also available in the College of Arts and Sciences. The two programs are identical except for the individual college’s requirements. Students majoring in Microbiology will select among three areas of specialization depending upon their particular interest and needs: (1) Microbiology, (2) Infectious Disease, and (3) Environmental and Applied Microbiology.

The Microbiology specialization provides the student with a broad background in all facets of microbiology, thereby preparing students to pursue careers in the breadth of areas related to microbiology.

The Infectious Disease specialization focuses on the basic science of animal, human and plant diseases caused by microorganisms. Students will be prepared for careers in communicable disease control, developing antimicrobial agents, and health care professions.

The Environmental and Applied Microbiology specialization concentrates on the more applied aspects of microbiology, ranging from the role of microorganisms in the environment to utilization of microbes in agriculture, food science, and industry. Students will find a broad range of career opportunities available.

A Microbiology major is often taken along with the preprofessional programs of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. Graduates in Microbiology are equipped for a variety of jobs such as in diagnostic and research laboratories, public health, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, academia, governmental agencies, and the private sector. With the recommended electives the graduate is prepared to enter graduate school to pursue a Master’s or Doctor’s degree. The goal is to provide a sound but varied educational experience with a specialty in Microbiology.

Students interested in a career in applied microbiology are also encouraged to consider the B.S. in Dairy Manufacturing: Microbiology specialization.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained for the required credits in microbiology and the required credits in chemistry.

Botany (BOT)

Tom Cheesbrough, Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Agricultural Hall 304
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/

The Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a Botany emphasis as an option for those seeking a degree in Biology with a specialization in Organismal Biology. The Botany emphasis concentrates on the scientific study of plants. The graduate with an emphasis in Botany is qualified for professions in plant research and industry. Graduates wishing to pursue a career in a specialized area of Botany are encouraged to consider an advanced degree program. Above all, the Botany emphasis is designed to provide the student with a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Green World around us. The Department also offers a Botany minor for those wishing to augment their knowledge in the area of plant biology.

Environmental Management (ENVM)

Tom Cheesbrough, Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Agricultural Hall 304
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/

Faculty

Professor Cheesbrough, Head; Professors Bleakley, Cochrane, Dieter, Erickson, Gibbons, Gibson, Granholm, Henebry, Hildreth, Johnston, Kayongo-Male, Larson, Reese, Ruffolo, Sutton, Troelstrup, West, Yen; Professors Emeriti Chen, Evenson, Haertel, Hugghins, McMullen, Myers, Peterson, Pengra, Whalen; Associate Professors Auger, Brozel, Bücking,Gilmanov, Kaushik, Krueger, Li, Pedersen, Wake, Wang, Young, Zhou; Associate Professor Emeritus Morrill; Assistant Professors Hardwidge, Hill, Xu; Instructors Ellis, Ladonski, Lenertz, McCutcheon, Warren, Willgohs; Adjunct faculty E. Butler (Igne), J. Butler (USFS), Chase (Vet.Sci.), Cooper, Dwivedi (PHA), Epperson (Vet. Sci.), Fennell (HFLP), Francis (Vet.Sci.), German (WRI), Henry (USDSU), Hughes (USDA-ARS), Johnson (PS), Kightlinger (SD Dept Health), Knudsen (ADRDL), Laurean (CHEM), Lundgren (NGIRL-USDA), McFarland (ARS), Matzner (Augustana), Mukheriee (PHA), Nelson (Vet.Sci.), Reidel (NGIRL-USDA), Rietz (Brookings Medical Clinic), Sergeev (NFSH), Smith (BHSU), Steece (CUC), Specker (FFS), Todd, Wixon (Vet. Sci.)

Program

The Environmental Management Major is designed to prepare students for careers in government, industry, consulting and graduate study in environmental science or management. Students receive a strong background of core courses in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, mathematics, physics, soils, and statistics. During the sophomore year, students participate in discussions with working professionals. These discussions serve to guide students toward a particular area of environmental science. Students work closely with their adviser to design a program of study leading toward a particular career objective. A broad selection of elective courses provides flexibility for development of specialization within a particular focus area. A senior seminar and capstone course in integrated natural resource management provide work related experience for graduating senior students. Students are strongly encouraged to cultivate working relationships with prospective employers throughout their program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major and chemistry courses.

Zoology (ZOOL)

Tom Cheesbrough, Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Agricultural Hall 304
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/

The Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a Zoology Emphasis as an option for those seeking a degree in biology with a specialization in Organismal Biology. The Zoology emphasis concentrates on the scientific study of animals. The graduate with an emphasis in zoology is qualified for professions in animal research and industry. Graduates wishing to pursue a career in a specialized area of zoology are encouraged to consider an advanced degree program. The Department also offers a Zoology Minor for those wishing to augment their knowledge in the area of animal biology.