2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Biology (B.S.)



Program Coordinator/Contact

Radhey Kaushik, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-6141

Program Information

The curriculum in general Biology provides breadth of exposure to fundamental areas of biology.  Students majoring in Biology without a specialization take coursework providing a balance of cell, molecular, and organismal classes. Students select from microbiology, botany, and animal based classes based on their desired career path.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates will demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of fundamental concepts in biology and microbiology.
  • Graduates will demonstrate scientific reasoning and problem solving.
  • Graduates will demonstrate technical laboratory proficiency in applying fundamental knowledge of biology and microbiology.
  • Graduates will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

Academic Requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.

Course Delivery Format

Program coursework is on-campus, in classroom and laboratories, as well as field-based settings. Additional coursework is available at off-campus attendance centers.  Limited coursework is available online.

Requirements for Biology Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

Department of Biology and Microbiology Requirements


  • 25 semester credits must be upper division (300 and above), with the exception that MATH 125 and 225, Calculus II and III, may be counted as five credits toward the total.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits from the natural sciences. Refer to departments offering the degree for specific course listings.

Major Requirements


Physics


  • PHYS Elective Credits: 4

Advanced Writing and Capstone


Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Notes


1 Students planning for professional or graduate degree programs should take MATH 121 or 123 and 125.
2 PHYS 101-101L is not sufficient for students planning to enter professional or graduate degree programs.

Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements 32-34 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 69-70 Credit Hours
Electives** 16-19 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.