Biology and Microbiology

Volker Brözel, Acting Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Dairy Microbiology 228
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/

Faculty

Professor Brözel, Acting Head; Professors Bleakley, Cheesbrough, Cochrane, Dieter, Erickson, Gibbons, Gibson, Gilmanov, Granholm, Henebry, Hildreth, Johnston, Kayongo- Male, Larson, Reese, Ruffolo, Troelstrup, Wake, West, Yen; Professors Emeriti Chen, Evenson, Haertel, McMullen, Myers, Peterson, Pengra, Whalen; Associate Professors Auger, Bücking, Kaushik, F. Li, Pedersen, Rushton, Wang, Xu, Zhou; Associate Professor Emeritus Morrill; Assistant Professor Fang, Hill, W. Li, Nepal, Rohila, Wu; Instructors Ellis, Ladonski, Lenertz, McCutcheon, Murphy, Warren; Adjunct faculty Chase (Vet.Sci.), Cooper, Dwivedi (PHA), Epperson (Vet. Sci.), Fennell (HFLP), Francis (Vet.Sci.), Henry (SDPURC), Hughes (USDA-ARS), Johnson (PS), Kightlinger (SD Dept Health), Lundgren (NGIRL-USDA), McFarland (ARS), Nelson (Vet.Sci.), Reidel (NGIRL-USDA), Rietz (Brookings Medical Clinic), Sergeev (NFSH), Steece (CUC), Specker (FFS), Todd, Wixon (Vet. Sci.)

Programs

Biology (BIOL)

The Biology and Microbiology Department offers curricula leading to the Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology. A Bachelor of Science with a major in biology is available in the College of Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Biology majors are required to take a core of foundation courses upon which many career specializations may be built. Courses selected may be taken from the Biology and Microbiology Department and related areas such as wildlife and fisheries sciences. The biology major can also well prepare you for health-related professional schools or for entry into occupations related to life science in industry and government. The biology major is the only life science major offered by the university that is approved for teacher certification. There are two areas of specialization: pre-professional/health related and secondary education. Another option with the Biology degree is an emphasis in organismal biology.  A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.

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.

Biotechnology

This interdisciplinary program helps prepare students in fundamental sciences so that they may successfully compete for career opportunities in the growing life sciences industries. Both a major and minor are available. Graduates with expertise in biotechnology will help fill the increasing demand from employers utilizing technologies such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, reproductive intervention, and biomass conversion in a variety of applications, such as vaccine and pharmaceutical development, agronomic seed production, livestock breeding, genetic diagnostic testing, identity and parentage verification, criminal forensics, biorenewable product development, or biomedical research. Students could also choose this major for preparation for admission to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The Biotechnology Major will also provide career alternatives for preprofessional students that are not admitted to a professional program. The program will provide excellent background for students entering graduate school in a life sciences discipline.

Microbiology (MICR)

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.The Microbiology degree provides students with a broad background in all facets of microbiology, preparing them to pursue careers in the breadth of areas related to microbiology. These include fermentation, vaccine, enzyme and antibiotic production, medical and veterinary diagnostics, public health, biomedical, molecular, agricultural and biotechnology research, and production and quality control in the food and dairy industry.

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.

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

Botany (BOT)

The Department offers a Botany minor for those wishing to augment their knowledge in the area of plant biology.

Ecology and Environmental Science

The Biology and Microbiology Department offers curricula leading to the Bachelor’s degree with a major. A Bachelor of Science with a major in Ecology and Environmental Science offers opportunities for students to pursue career interests in academia, state and federal agencies, consulting, and industry. Students develop a strong core in biology, chemistry, soils, geology, mathematics, physics and statistics. Beyond the core, students select either the ecology or the environmental science emphasis - each providing advanced coursework to complement a future career path. A broad selection of elective courses within each emphasis provides flexibility to define a particular career path. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in an undergraduate internship and/or research experience. Those following the ecology emphasis will graduate with coursework qualifying them to become certified ecologists through the Ecological Society of America. Post-graduate placement with graduate schools, environmental consulting firms, natural resource agencies, and environmental education is very high. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the required credits in the major.

Zoology (ZOOL)

The Department offers a Zoology Minor for those wishing to augment their knowledge in the area of animal biology.