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

Concentrations Available:

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

The Bachelor of Science in Biology offers nine 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 interested in a broad range of Biological topics or are unsure of a subdiscipline, should pursue the concentration in General Biology. Students interested in in modern trends in the Biological Sciences with a focus in cellular/molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or bioengineering should pursue the concentration in Modern 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. Students who would like to teach biology in the high school setting should pursue the concentration in Biology Secondary Education. Students interested in a career at at zoo, aquarium, nature preserve, or in captive animal care and mangement should persue the concentration in Zoo Science. 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 ten learning outcomes for students completing the Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students will be assessed as to the 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.