Biology and Microbiology (BIOL, MICR, BIOT, ZOOL)

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

Faculty

Professor Brözel, Head; Professors Bleakley, Erickson, Gibbons, Gibson, Hildreth, Kayongo-Male, Reese, Wake, West, Yen; Professors Emeriti Chen, Evenson, Granholm, Haertel, McMullen, Myers, Peterson, Pengra, Whalen; Associate Professors Auger, Bücking, Kaushik, F. Li, Pedersen, Rushton, Wang, Zhou; Associate Professor Emeritus Morrill; Assistant Professors Fang, Hill, W. Li, Nepal, Rohila, Wu; Instructors Ellis, Kennedy, Ladonski, Lenertz, McCutcheon, Mediger, Murphy, Warren; Adjunct faculty Chase, Cooper, Dwivedi, Epperson, Fennell, Francis , Henry, Hughes, Johnson, Kightlinger, Lundgren, McFarland, Nelson, Reidel , Rietz, Sergeev, Steece, Specker, Todd, Wixon

Programs

Biology (BIOL)

The Biology and Microbiology Department offers curricula leading to the Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology. A minor is also offered. 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 Natural Resource Management. 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 . 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. Another option within the Biology degree is an emphasis in organismal biology. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.

Biotechnology (BIOT)

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 of Science in Biological Science with a major in Microbiology. A minor is also offered. 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.

Zoology (ZOOL)

The department offers Zoology as an option for those seeking a degree in biology with a emphasis in Organismal Biology. Zoology concentrates on the scientific study of animals. The graduate with an focus 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 offers a Zoology Minor for those wishing to augment their knowledge in the area of animal biology. The minor in Zoology consists of 18 credits, BIOL 101-101L or 151-151L, and additional courses prefixed ZOOL. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in courses taken for the minor.