Dec 02, 2024  
2020-2021 LSUA Catalog 
    
2020-2021 LSUA Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, BS (with concentrations in agriculture, forensics, general biology, organismal and field biology, pre-professional, pre-PT/OT, and biology secondary education)


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Concentrations Available:

  • Agriculture
  • Forensics
  • General Biology
  • Organismal and Field Biology
  • Pre-Professional
  • Pre-PT/OT
  • Biology Secondary Education

The Bachelor of Science in Biology offers seven concentrations designed to meet the needs of students with a variety of career goals. Students who are interested in careers in agriculture, particularly integrated pest management and crop consulting, should pursue the concentration in Agriculture. Students interested in forensics should pursue the concentration in Forensics and plan on going to graduate school. Students who are interested in cellular/molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, or are unsure of a subdiscipline, should pursue the concentration in General Biology. Students interested in invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, botany, entomology, or wildlife biology should pursue the concentration in Organismal and Field Biology. Students who intend to apply to professional schools, such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or dentistry, should pursue the Pre-professional concentration. Students who intend to apply to professional schools in physical or occupational therapy should follow the Pre-PT/OT concentration. And, students who would like to teach biology in the high school setting should pursue the concentration in Biology Secondary Education. Graduates with the B.S. in Biology are prepared to pursue employment or enter graduate or professional school programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Department of Biological Sciences has developed 10 learning outcomes for students completing the Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students will be assessed as to achievement of these outcomes throughout their program of study and will be required to compile an electronic portfolio demonstrating their mastery of these outcomes. This portfolio will also serve as a method for graduates to demonstrate their accomplishments to prospective employers, professional schools or graduate programs.

  1. Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the general principles of life.

  2. Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the chemical properties, structural organization, and functional characteristics of living organisms.

  3. Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the scientific method and be able to apply it to solve problems.

  4. Graduates will develop a behavior of questioning and analytical skills that lead to a life-long habit of learning.

  5. Graduates will demonstrate the potential to make use of their biological education when making decisions about environmental and political issues relating to science.

  6. Graduates will demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental concepts, including issues that affect Louisiana.

  7. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information verbally and in writing in a professional manner.

  8. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate scientific information.

  9. Graduates will have had exposure to field-specific literature.

  10. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to differentiate between ethical and unethical behavior with regard to science.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all requirements for admission to the university. The Bachelor of Science in Biology has no separate or special admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

  1. Students must complete all of the requirements pertaining to baccalaureate degrees as specified in Degree Requirements .

  2. Students must complete at least 45 semester hours at the 3000-level or above and at least 15 semester hours at the 4000-level.

  3. Students are required to make a grade of “C” or higher in all courses listed under the Major Requirements section of the biology curriculum.

Degree Audits

Fillable degree audit sheets for students and their academic advisors are available below:

Total Credits: 120


General Education Requirements


See list of approved courses in the General Education  section of the catalog.

Total Credits: 6


Social Sciences


Total Credits: 6


Mathematics


Students who have an ACT Math sub score of less than 23 must complete MATH 1021 before enrolling in CHEM 1201.

Total Credits: 6


Natural Sciences


Students who have an ACT Math sub score of less than 23 must complete MATH 1021 before enrolling in CHEM 1201.

Total Credits: 9


Humanities


Total Credits: 9


Fine Arts


Total Credits: 3


Total Credits: 39


Major Requirements


Total Credits: 55


Areas of Concentration


Choose one Area of Concentration.

Agriculture


Forensics


Total Credits: 30


General Biology


Required Courses (14-15) + Elective Courses (15-16)


Total Credits: 30


Organismal and Field Biology


Total Credits: 30


Pre-Professional


Required Courses (22-23) + Elective Courses (7-8)


Total Credits: 30


Pre-PT/OT


Biology Secondary Education


Students pursuing this concentration must complete all requirements for the Education Minor (Leading to Secondary Education 6-12 Certification) , including PSYC 2060 and PSYC 2078. These two psychology courses should be used to meet the General Education  Social Sciences requirement for the BS Biology. 

Required Courses (29) + Elective Course (1)


Total Credits: 30


Total Credits: 15


Electives


  • Free Electives Credits: 11

Total Credits: 11


Suggested Sequence of Courses


 

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