Biology, BA or BS

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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.

4.

Complete the biology core (36–38 credits):

BI 211 - Principles of Biology: Molecules, Cells, and Genes 4 credits
BI 212 - Principles of Biology: Evolution and Diversity 4 credits
BI 213 - Principles of Biology: Function and Ecology of Organisms 4 credits
BI 314 - Comparative Animal Physiology 4 credits
or
BI 331 - Plant Physiology 4 credits
BI 340 - Introductory Ecology 4 credits
BI 341 - Genetics 4 credits
BI 342 - Cell Biology 4 credits
BI 348 - Evolution 4 credits
Capstone 4-6 credits

5.

Complete requirements for an option area in Biological Sciences; Biomedical Science; or Ecology, Organismal, and Field Biology. The following courses may not be used as upper division biology electives: BI 330 , 380–389, 401–405, 409 , 489 , 490 . 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, 4 credits of biochemistry may be applied to this requirement, and Biogeochemistry (BI 346 ) and Biostatistics (BI 345 ) may be applied to this requirement if the courses are not used to fulfill biology requirements for chemistry or mathematics courses.

Suggested First-Year Program

USEM 101 - University Seminar 4 credits
USEM 102 - University Seminar 4 credits
USEM 103 - University Seminar 4 credits
BI 211 - Principles of Biology: Molecules, Cells, and Genes 4 credits
BI 212 - Principles of Biology: Evolution and Diversity 4 credits
BI 213 - Principles of Biology: Function and Ecology of Organisms 4 credits
CH 201 - General Chemistry 3 credits
and
CH 204 - General Chemistry Laboratory 2 credits
CH 202 - General Chemistry 3 credits
and
CH 205 - General Chemistry Laboratory 2 credits
CH 203 - General Chemistry 3 credits
and
CH 206 - General Chemistry Laboratory 2 credits

Capstone

The capstone integrates skills and knowledge gained in the major. Students develop a plan to execute a research project, conduct a review of the relevant literature, conduct research, perform appropriate data analysis and statistics, write a final report in the format of a scientific paper suitable for publication, and make a formal oral presentation to faculty and peers. To meet the biology capstone requirement students must complete one research intensive, upper-division biology elective designed to meet these objectives or requirements for biology honors capstone.

Capstone Options

1.

Complete:

One Research Intensive upper division elective (4 credits)
- Refer to Biology website (http://sou.edu/biology) and consult your advisor for list of capstone coursers offered each year.

2.

Honors Capstone

If admitted to the department honors program, work individually with a faculty mentor to complete:

BI 402H - Capstone Research 1 to 12 credits
BI 404H - Honors Capstone Thesis 1 to 12 credits

Options

Biology Honors Program

Juniors and seniors who wish to graduate with honors in biology must petition the Biology Department 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 3.25 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 with a minimum grade of B.

BI 402H - Capstone Research 1 to 12 credits (minimum of 3 credits required)
AND
Complete a written report and make an oral presentation of the research project with a minimum grade of B.
BI 404H - Honors Capstone Thesis 1 to 12 credits (2 credits required)

3.

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