Mar 28, 2024  
2018-19 Catalog 
    
2018-19 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, BA or BS


Requirements for the Biology Major


1.


Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements.

2.


Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for all coursework in biology. All courses required for the biology major must be graded A-F.

3.


Complete biology exit exam.

5.


Electives (18-25 credits)

Complete a minimum of 5 upper-division biology electives, with a total of at least 18 credits. The following courses may not be used as upper division biology electives: BI 330 , 380-389, 401-405, 409 . A maximum of 3 credits from BI 407   and BI 408    may be applied to this requirement. Only 1 credit may be from BI 407 . In addition, 3 or 4 credits of biochemistry (CH 350  or CH 451  ) may be applied to this requirement, and Biogeochemistry (BI 346  ) may be applied to this requirement if the courses are not used to fulfill biology requirements for chemistry.

6.


Capstone (4-6 credits)

The capstone integrates skills and knowledge gained in the major. Students plan a project, conduct research, write a final report in the format of a scientific paper suitable for publication, and make a formal oral presentation of their findings to faculty and peers. Students must successfully complete one research intensive, upper-division biology elective designed to meet these objectives or requirements for biology honors.

8.


Complete one of the following upper-division chemistry requirements (8-11 credits)*:

Pre-professional Programs


Students planning a career in a medical or allied health field such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or other professional areas such as wildlife biology, resource management or conversation should consult an appropriate advisor as soon as possible, and meet with an advisor each term. More information available in catalog section for Preprofessional Programs. The list of Biology advisors can be found by visiting www.sou.edu/biology/advising/advising.html.

Ecology, Conservation, and Natural Resources


Students planning a career or graduate study in a natural resource related field such as ecology, wildlife biology, fishery biology, natural resource management, or conservation are strongly encouraged to take additional coursework and develop skills in geospatial technology (ES 349  and ES 351  .) Students should consult an appropriate advisor as soon as possible, and meet with an advisor each term.  The list of Biology advisors can be found by visiting www.sou.edu/biology/advising/advising.html.

Biology Honors Program


Juniors and seniors who wish to graduate with honors in biology must petition the Biology Program for admission to the honors program and have support from a faculty mentor. Honors students conduct independent research with a biology faculty mentor, prepare a written report in accepted editorial style, and make a formal oral presentation. Honors graduates must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in all biology courses taken for the major and a minimum overall 3.00 GPA. Completion of the honors program satisfies the Senior Capstone requirement. The transcripts and diplomas of students completing the honors program indicate that their degrees were awarded with departmental honors.

1.


Successfully petition the Biology Department for admission to the program. Forms are available in the Science Hall Office.
 

2.


Complete an honors research project that includes a written report and oral presentation with a minimum grade of B.

3.


Complete the bachelor’s degree in biology with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all biology courses used to fulfill biology requirements, and 3.00 overall GPA.