Biological Sciences (BIOL) Undergraduate Programs

262 ROBERT H. WICK SCIENCE BUILDING/(320) 308-2039
www.stcloudstate.edu/biology

Also see College of Science and Engineering description and requirements.

Chair: Timothy Schuh
Faculty: Arriagada, Cetkovic-Cvrje, Cook, Gazal, Gulrud, Hauslein, Jacobson, Julius, Kochmann, Kvaal, Marcattilo, Meerschaert, Minger, Olson, Restani, Schoenfuss, Schrank, Schuh, Simpson, Tubbiola, Voelz.

The Biological Sciences department offers degree programs in the following areas: the B.S degree in Ecology and Field Biology emphases include Ecology and Natural Resources and Wildlife Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Science Teaching (Life Science Emphasis), General Biology and Biotechnology. The overall goal of these programs is to help students gain a greater appreciation for life through rigorous training and practical experience. Specifically, these programs are geared to (a) prepare graduates for employment in the rapidly-growing fields of biology, (b) prepare students for careers in research, (c) prepare students for entrance into schools that provide professional training in medical and other allied health fields, (d) prepare students for entrance into graduate education and (e) prepare students to meet licensure standards for science teaching in grades 5-8 and life science teaching in grades 9-12. To ensure quality of educational standards, students completing a program within the Department of Biological Sciences may be required to complete an exit exam or other assessment tool as determined by the department. Opportunities also exist through the BES Biology major for students to customize their education to meet specific goals. The department supports various pre-professional programs that are listed in the Pre-Professional Programs section of this catalog. Each program within the biological

Admission to Major:
Biological Sciences majors require a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 and a grade of "C" or better in all the following courses (BIOL 151, BIOL 152 and BIOL 262) before admission to the program is granted. Transfer students will be placed in appropriate courses after consultation with an adviser. In addition, majors must complete all required biology courses and those taken as electives in the program with a grade of "C" or better to qualify for graduation.

Bachelor of Sciences

Biomedical Sciences (80)
This program will allow students to prepare for entrance into schools which provide professional training in the health care fields, graduate school, or a career in a laboratory or health related area.

Required courses:
BIOL 151, 152, 262, 360, 362, 494
CHEM 210, 211, 310, 311, 480
PHYS 231, 232
STAT 319
Electives courses: 24 credits
The department maintains an updated list of approved electives.

Bachelor of Elective Studies--Biology Major (36)

Required courses:
BIOL 151, 152
CHEM 210
Elective courses: Completion of 24 credits in biological sciences at the 200-level or higher with approval of the department. This option allows students, in conjunction with their advisors, the opportunity to design specialized programs of study in biology. Examples are: Cytotechnology, Fisheries Biology. Contact the Chair of the Biology Department as soon as possible to determine an appropriate faculty adviser. Completion of one of the following courses with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology program: BIOL 440, 441, 448, 456, 457, 468, 478, 482, 484, or 494.

Bachelor of Science-General Biology (71-75)

This program will provide flexibility and freedom for students to investigate a number of areas in biology. A broad degree program that will provide a wide variety of backgrounds in the biological sciences and related areas of study. Completion of one of the following courses with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the General Biology program: BIOL 440, 441, 448, 456, 457, 468, 478, 482, 484, or 494.

Required courses:
BIOL 151, 152, 262, (212, 214, 312) or (360, 362) and an appropriate capstone course (e.g., 447, 448, 492, or 494)
CHEM 210, 240, 241
STAT 319
Biology electives:
20 credits approved by adviser
Supporting electives:
12 credits approved by adviser in CHEM, MATH, STAT, PHYS, EAS

Bachelor of Science--Aquatic Biology (86)

(Program is not admitting new majors. Please consult the online version of this catalog for current information.)

This program provides classroom, laboratory and field experience in aquatic biology. A flexible electives based program that allows students, with the assistance of an adviser, to construct a solidly focused Aquatic degree.

This program is intended for students interested in careers in freshwater biology, especially fisheries, water quality, limnology and freshwater ecology. Completion of one of the following courses with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the Aquatic Biology program: BIOL 448, 456, or 457.

Required courses:
BIOL 151, 152, 212 or 214, 262, 312, 322, 326, 430, 434, 436, 438, 448
CHEM 210, 211, 240 or 350, 241 or 320
PHYS 231 or EAS 220
STAT 319
CNA 302
MATH 211
Biology electives: 8 credits at 300 or 400 level approved by adviser. A list of approved courses will be provided by your Aquatics adviser.

Bachelor of Science-Ecology & Field Biology (79)

This program provides a framework of courses and field experiences within two emphases, Ecology and Natural Resources and Wildlife Biology. A set of required and elective courses in these areas will lead to a degree that has been tailored to the students interest. An emphasis must be selected. The department maintains a list of faculty advisers, emphasis requirements, and course requirements to guide students toward these goals.

Completion of one of the following courses with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the Ecology and Field Biology program: BIOL 440, 441, 448, 456, or 457.

Courses Required by All EFB Majors: (44)
BIOL 151, 152, 212, 214, 262, 312, 447
CHEM 210, 211, 240
STAT 319
Additional Biology and supporting courses (35 credits) in one of the following emphases.

Emphasis Areas: It is essential to see an emphasis adviser during the first semester you are enrolled in biology courses.

1. Ecology and Natural Resources (44+35=79)
   This program is designed to provide students with the necessary coursework and field experience to make them eligible for potential certification as professional ecologists by the Ecological Society of America. Biology or other department electives at 300 or 400 level (28) with approval from your adviser.
   CHEM 350 may be taken instead of CHEM 240
   PHYS 231 or EAS 200 or GEOG 316; CNA 302
2. Wildlife Biology (44+35= 79)
   This program is designed to provide students with the necessary coursework and field experiences to make them eligible for potential certification as professional wildlife biologists by The Wildlife Society.
   BIOL 314, 324, 440, 442
   ETS 467 or EAS 220 or PHYS 231
   Choose 4 credits: BIOL 334, 418, 422, 424 or 426
   Choose one: BIOL 316, 318, 322, 434 or 456
   Choose 7-8 elective credits with approval of your advisor

Bachelor of Science-Biology-Minor (24)

BIOL 151, and 152, CHEM 140 or 210
Additionally, 12 credits of Biology courses at the 200-level or higher.
Courses must be approved by adviser.

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology (87)

This program is recommended for those who wish to work in the area of biotechnology. With this degree students may seek employment following graduation or apply for admission to graduate schools for further study. Students should contact the biotechnology major adviser in their freshman year.

Completion of one of the following courses with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the Biotechnology program: BIOL 440, 441, 448, 456, or 457.

Required courses:
BIOL 151, 152, 262, 360, 362, 444, 468, 472, 482, 484
CHEM 210, 211, 310, 311, 480, 481
PHYS 231, 232
MATH 211, 212
STAT 319
Biology Electives: 8 credits from BIOL 466, 476, 478, 486, or other courses approved by adviser.

Bachelor of Science-Science Teaching,
Life Science Emphasis (66)

This program provides the background required by State of Minnesota science-content and science education licensure standards for science teachers in grades 5-8 and life science teachers grades 9-12. All students interested in science teaching must complete both the 5-8 science teaching core and a 9-12 science content emphasis. The courses in this major result in a waiver of 9 credits in Area B (Natural Sciences) of the General Education distribution requirement. Students considering this major are encouraged to contact the science education adviser in the Department of Biological Sciences at the earliest opportunity.

5-8 Science Teaching Core (43)
ASTR 106; BIOL 151, 152; CHEM 210, 211; EAS 205; PHYS 231, 232; SCI 420, 430, 440.

9-12 Life Science Teaching Emphasis (23)
BIOL 103, 206, 212 or 214, 262, 312, 451.