The BS and BA Degrees
in Biology
|Requirements|Programs of Study|Undergraduate Courses|
The Department of Biology offers a diverse spectrum of undergraduate
courses in the biological sciences that enables a student to develop an
understanding and appreciation of life - from molecular to ecological -
and to develop a strong academic background necessary for pursuing
graduate study or a career in biology or the health professions. The
Department recognizes the importance of both content and process in
science education and thus offers the opportunity to develop
communication skills and engage in undergraduate research in the
biological sciences.
The Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Biology requires an
overall minimum of 128 hours and includes 41 hours of state articulated
general studies courses and a minimum of 52 hours of 300/400 courses.
The Major in Biology requires a minimum of 39 hours in biology and 23
hours in supporting courses. It also requires an approved minor of 18
hours or more. At least 12 hours of the 300/400 courses for the major
and 6 hours for the minor must be taken in residence at JSU. Once the
student has met the requirements for the major and minor, the hours
remaining to complete the 128 hours overall and 52 hours of 300/400 willbe classified as electives. A student must earn a 2.0 GPA overall and
on campus. After completing a common core of biology courses, the
Biology major may choose a concentration from the Program listing below.
The Program in Ecology/Environmental Biology is designed for those
majors who plan to enter graduate school or have careers in ecological
or environmental research, environmental assessment, or education.
The Program in Marine Biology is for majors who plan to enter graduate
school or have careers in marine biology research, environmental
assessment, or education. The Department is an active member of
Alabama's Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium. Summer study at theDauphin Island Sea Lab is required.
The Program in Pre-Health Professional Biology is for those majors who
intend to seek admission to such health professions as medicine,
dentistry, physical therapy, etc., or graduate study in the biomedical
sciences.
The Program in Animal Biology or the Program in Plant Biology is
intended for those majors who plan graduate study in organismal biology
or who plan to pursue careers in biological education, or conservation
biology or as a naturalist.
The Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology is for those majors who
plan graduate study in biotechnology, cell and molecular biology or
biochemistry or who plan to pursue careers in academic, industrial
and/or biotechnology settings.
The Department also offers a Minor in Biology or Special Studies and
provides courses in biology for the Bachelor of Science in Education
degree program with a major field in biology.
Advising--Students who plan to earn the B.S. degree in Biology must
consult with the Department of Biology for advisement early in their
plan of study and every semester thereafter. New students should
consult the Department's freshman advisor before or during their first
semester. Transfer students should meet with either the Department's
transfer advisor or a program advisor before or immediately upon
transferring.
To complete the Biology Degree Program, the major must plan carefully,
since science laboratories can cause scheduling conflicts. An advisor
can alert students to potential problems and assist in minimizing such
conflicts. It is recommended that the Biology major complete the
biology core of genetics, cell biology, ecology, and research in biology
early in the course of study. Careful planning will facilitate the
opportunity for undergraduate research.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in with a Major in Biology requires a
minimum of 128 hours and includes 41 hours of state articulated general
studies courses and a minimum of 52 hours of 300/400 courses. The Major in Biology requires a minimum of 39 hours in Biology and 23 hours in supporting courses, including 6 hours of a foreign language. It also requires an approved minor of 18 hours or more. At least 12 hours of the 300/400 courses for the major and 6 hours for the minor must be
taken in residence at JSU. Once the student has met the requirements
for the major and the minor, the hours remaining to complete the 128
hours overall and 52 hours of 300/400 will be classified as electives.
A student must earn a 2.0 GPA overall and on campus. At the beginning
of the Sophomore year, students considering this Degree Program (BA vs. BS) should consult with the Biology Department Head or their Biology Faculty Advisor. There are two Programs within the Biology Bachelor of Arts degree. The Naturalist Program is for those majors that are seeking careers in forest or park management, or as environmental interpreters or park naturalists. Students in this program are required to have a minor in Law Enforcement and take Spanish to meet the foreign language requirement.
The General Biology Program under the Bachelor of Arts degree is for
majors interested in careers such as sales representatives for chemical,
pharmaceutical and biological supply companies or book companies or
biological illustrators. Students in this program have a choice of
minors and foreign language.
The Major in Biology (BS or BA)
The requirements in biology for the Major are
a. Freshman Biology Sequence: BY 101, 102, 103 and 104 8 hrs
b. Biology Core Courses: BY 322 (Genetics), BY 332 (Ecology)
and BY 373 (Cell Biology) 12 hrs
c. Introduction to Research: BY 370 2 hrs
d. Biology courses to be selected from each of the following groups:
Group I - Approved courses in cellular, physiological or
developmental biology 4 hrs
Group II - Approved courses in organismal biology 4 hrs
e. Senior Seminar: BY 496 1 hr
f. Other requirements and/or electives: 8-10 hrs
TOTAL hours in Biology 39 hrs
g. Required support courses 17-23 hrs
The specific biology courses, approved Group I and II courses, support
courses and total hours required for the Biology major vary according to
the specific program chosen. The requirements for each Program are
outlined in the “Suggested Plan of Study” which follows “Course
Descriptions.” No more than 1 hour each of BY 327, BY 427, BY 397, and BY 489 can be applied to the biology major.
DEPARTMENTAL MINORS
MINOR IN BIOLOGY
A Minor in Biology comprises a minimum of 24 hours that shall include BY
101, 102, 103, 104, 322, 332, 373 and 4 additional hours of approved
biology courses at or above the 300 level. A minor in Biology may not be
taken in conjunction with a major in Biology.
MINOR IN SPECIAL STUDIES
A Minor in Special Studies comprises 24 hours. This must include at
least 13 hours of approved biology and at least 11 hours of approved
courses from other disciplines. A minor in Special Studies must be taken
in conjunction with a major in Biology, with written approval of the
head, Department of Biology. Courses taken to satisfy requirements for
the Biology major may not be counted as credit towards this minor. See
the Biology Program advisor for assistance with this minor.
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