2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 10, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


Request More Information

Apply Now Request More Information

Students working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jeremy Chambers, 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.

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.

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.

Requirements for Biology Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements


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 MATH 123  and MATH 125 .
2 PHYS 101  and PHYS 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* 24-26 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 73-74 Credit Hours
Electives** 20-23 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**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.