Location: 101 Hayes Building, Phone: (409) 880-8262
Chair: Matthew P. Hoch, Associate Professor of Biology
Chair E-mail: matt.hoch@lamar.edu
B.S. Biology and Pre-Professional Programs: Michael E. Warren, Professor of Biology (409) 880-8264; Email:michael.warren@lamar.edu; Office: H205-04
B.S. Environmental Science: Richard C. Harrel, Professor of Biology (409) 880-8255; Email: rharrel@my.lamar.edu; Office: H205-10
B.S. Medical Technology: Randall G. Terry, Assistant Professor of Biology (409)880-7975; Email: rgterry@my.lamar.edu; Office: H205-08
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Biology – 120 hours
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Biology – 141 hours
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – 148 hours
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – 120 hours
Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology – 127 hours (includes 30-hour equivelence for a 12-month hospital internship)
Life Science (Grade 8-12) Teacher Certification – 143 hours (116 hrs B.S. Biology plus 27 hrs Pedagogy courses)
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Physician's Assistant
Graduate Degrees
Master of Science in Biology – 33 hours (thesis option); 39 hours (non-thesis option)
The Major in Biology supports the departmental mission in that students are exposed to current scientific concepts and principles. Moreover, students spend a significant amount of their educational time in the laboratory or field. By the actual performance of methods and techniques, they can engage in internal research projects or be competitive for external summer research internships. After graduation, they can effectively compete for jobs or move into graduate or professional schools.
As the study of life, Biology requires a thorough understanding of the underlying chemical and physical principles governing all life processes. Lamar students attracted to this field are well equipped to enter the professions of medicine, dentistry or one of the other career paths listed below in this section. Students are equally prepared for environmentally or biotechnology related careers in various governmental agencies, private companies, or academia. A career file is maintained in Room 101 of the Hayes Biology Building to acquaint students with far-ranging career possibilities. Students interested in further education leading to an advanced degree in Biology are also well prepared. Those interested in teaching in secondary education (grades 8 – 12) should consult the section below on B.S. Biology with teaching certificate.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology will be awarded upon the completion of the following requirements:
Biology Core courses, see list below- 31 semester hours
Biology electives- 16 semester hours
General Chemistry- eight semester hours; Organic Chemistry- eight semester hours; General Physics - eight semester hours; Molecular Biology or Cell Biology - four semester hours; Statistics- four semester hours
Sufficient electives to complete a total of 120 semester hours
The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the B. S. Biology degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Additional requirements may be required for specialized areas, i.e. certain minor requirements, preparation for graduate school, certifications, or licensures. Please see a Program Advisor or the Department Chair for details.
The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the B. S. Biology degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Additional requirements may be required for specialized areas, i.e. certain minor requirements, preparation for graduate school, certifications, or licensures. Please see a Program Advisor or the Department Chair for details.
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | ENGL 23__ | 3 |
| BIOL 1406 | 4 | CHEM 3411 | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | 4 | PHYS 1401 | 4 |
| MATH 2312 | 3 | BIOL 2420 or 3460 | 4 |
| PEGA or MULB | 1 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | COMM 1315 | 3 |
| BIOL 1407 | 4 | CHEM 3412 | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | PHYS 1402 | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 | BIOL 2420 or 3460 | 4 |
| PHIL 1370 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| POLS 2301 | 3 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL 3470 or 3450 | 4 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective* | 4 | Free Elective | 4 |
| PSYC 2471 | 4 | HIST 1301 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| POLS 2302 | 3 | BIOL 4344 | 3 |
| BIOL 3470 or 3450 | 4 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective* | 4 | HIST 1302 | 3 |
| BIOL 4404 or 4470 | 4 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| 15 | 13 |
Notes: examples of biology electives approved to the "scientific research report writing intensive" include: experimental design, environmental microbiology, advanced physiology, animal behavior, ecology.
Certification to teach Biology can be obtained along with a B.S. in Biology. Consult with the Biology Department chair for specific information. A list of Biology courses for certification is available in the departmental offices.
The Major in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program concerned with protecting, monitoring, managing, and improving the environment. The degree program combines study in biology, chemistry, geology, engineering and political science in preparing the student for a career with regulatory agencies, industry, consulting firms, or academia. This degree program combines fundamental training in the basic sciences with broad training across several of the traditional disciplines to prepare students for employment or graduate study. An internship is required to integrate academic preparation with actual work experience.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science will be awarded upon completion of the following requirements:
See core curriculum, p. 15.
The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the B. S. Environmental Science degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Additional requirements may be required for specialized areas, i.e. certain minor requirements, preparation for graduate school, certifications, or licensures. Please see Program Advisor or the Department Chair for details.
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| BIOL 1406 | 4 | BIOL 2420 | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | 4 | BIOL 4460 | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | POLS 2301 | 3 |
| PHIL 1370 | 3 | PSYC 2471 or MATH 1342 | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 | ||
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| BIOL 1407 | 4 | CHEM 3411 | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | GEOL 4370 | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | COSC 1371 | 3 |
| MATH 2376 or 2413 | 3 | POLS 2302 | 3 |
| ENGL 23__ | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| CHEM 4481 | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| CVEN 3310 | 3 | GEOL 3390 | 3 |
| POLS 4390 or BULW 3330 | 3 | COMM 1315 | 3 |
| CHEM 3401 | 4 | PHYS 1401 | 4 |
| HIST 1301 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 3310 | 3 | BIOL 4300-02 | 3 |
| BIOL 4435 | 4 | BIOL 4430 | 4 |
| GEOL 1403 | 4 | PHYS 1402 | 4 |
| Fine Arts | 3 | HIST 1302 | 3 |
| PEGA or MULB | 1 | ||
| 15 | 14 |
The Major in Medical Technology provides the core science courses for medical technology students. In addition, students have the experience during their senior year of learning to apply their knowledge in real-world medical settings. After graduation, they are admirably trained for a career in medicine or research.
The medical technologist performs the laboratory tests required by physicians in order to properly diagnose and treat patients. Most technologists find employment in hospitals, clinics or blood banks. Medical product manufacturers and medical technical sales account for an increasing percent of career opportunities for medical technologist.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology will be awarded upon the completion of the following requirements:
Biology: BIOL 1406 & BIOL 1407 (General Biology I & II), BIOL 2420 (Microbiology), BIOL 3440 (Advanced Physiology), BIOL 3470 (Genetics), BIOL 4405 (Immunology), BIOL 4410 (Parasitology), and either BIOL 4404 (Molecular Biology) or BIOL 4470 (Cell Biology).
Chemistry: CHEM 1411 & CHEM 1412 (General Chemistry I & II), CHEM 3411 & 3412 (Organic Chemistry I & II).
Physics: PHYS 1401 & PHYS 1412 (General Physics I & II)
The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the B. S. Medical Technology degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Please see the Program Advisor or the Department Chair for details.
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | BIOL 2420 | 4 |
| BIOL 1406 | 4 | BIOL 3440 | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | 4 | CHEM 3411 | 4 |
| MATH 2312 | 3 | HIST 1301 | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | ENGL 23__ | 3 |
| BIOL 1407 | 4 | CHEM 3412 | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | Social Science | 3 |
| PHIL 1370 | 3 | HIST 1302 | 3 |
| COMM 1315 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Summer I | |||
| PHYS 1401 | 4 | ||
| Summer II | |||
| PHYS 1402 | 4 | ||
| Third Year | Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| PEGA | 1 | ||
| PSYC 2471 | 4 | ||
| BIOL 4405 | 4 | ||
| BIOL 3470 or 4470 | 4 | ||
| POLS 2301 | 3 | ||
| 16 | |||
| Spring Semester | |||
| BIOL 4410 | 4 | ||
| BIOL 4404 or 3470 | 4 | ||
| POLS 2302 | 3 | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 | ||
| 14 |
Notes: all the above reqirements for the degree must be met before a student may be admitted to clinical training, which is 12 consecutive months at a hospital laboratory accredited for teaching by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association. This clinical training year is equivalent to 30 credit hours of advanced biology course work.
*Denotes Formal Affiliation
Methodist Hospital* Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital*
6565 Fannin-Mail Station 205 P.O. Box 5405
Houston, TX 77030 Beaumont, TX 77726-5405
(713) 790-2599 (409) 899-7150
Program Director: Program Director:
Judy Jobe, MT Deborah Zink, M.B.A., MT
Medical Director: Medical Director:
Abdus Saleem, M.D. Terry W. Bell, M.D.
University of Texas Medical Branch M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
School of Allied Health Sciences 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 037
301 University Boulevard Houston, TX 77030
Galveston, TX 77555-1028 (713) 745-1688
(409) 772-3055 1-800-551-9503
Program Director: Program Director:
Vicki Freeman, Ph.D. Karen Rogge-McClure
Medical Director: Medical Director:
Alexander Indrikovs, M.D. Jeffrey J. Tarrand, M.D
Biology Majors wanting a second Bachelor of Science degree in either Psychology or Chemistry may follow the recommended curriculum for the minimum credit hours provided below. Coursework during summer is required for dual majors. Both Bachelor of Science degrees must be awarded simultaneously.
Bachelor of Science in Biology with Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| PHIL 1370 | 3 | CHEM 3411 | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | CHEM 3401 | 4 |
| BIOL 1406 | 4 | ENGL 23__ | 3 |
| CHEM 1411 | 4 | BIOL 2420 or 3460 | 4 |
| MATH 2413 | 4 | PEGA | 1 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Social Science | 3 | CHEM 3412 | 4 |
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | PHYS 3350 | 4 |
| BIOL 1407 | 4 | COMM 1315 | 3 |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | BIOL 2420 or 3460 | 4 |
| MATH 2414 | 4 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Summer I | |||
| PHYS 1401 | 4 | ||
| Summer II | |||
| PHYS 1402 | 4 | ||
| Third Year | Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| CHEM 4311 | 4 | CHEM 3331 | 3 |
| BIOL 3470 or 3450 | 4 | CHEM 4311, 4131 | 4 |
| BIOL Elective* | 4 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| PSYC 2471 | 4 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| CHEM 4311 | 4 | CHEM 4312, 4132 | 4 |
| BIOL 3470 or 3450 | 4 | CHEM 4121 | 1 |
| BIOL Elective* | 4 | CHEM 4461 | 4 |
| BIOL 4404 or 4470 | 4 | BIOL 4344 | 3 |
| BIOL Elective | 4 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Summer I | |||
| HIST 1301 | 3 | ||
| Summer II | |||
| HIST 1302 | 3 |
Notes: Example of biology electives approved to the "scientific research report writing intensive" include: experimental design, environmental microbiology, advanced physiology, animal behavior, ecology.
Bachelor of Science in Biology with Bachelor of Science in Psychology
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | MATH 2413 | 4 |
| BIOL 1406 | 4 | CHEM 3411 | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | 4 | PSYC 3420 | 4 |
| PHIL 1370 | 3 | BIOL 2420 or 3460 | 4 |
| PSYC 2301 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | ENGL 23__ | 3 |
| BIOL 1407 | 4 | CHEM 3412 | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | PSYC Elective* | 3 |
| MATH 2312 | 3 | BIOL 2420 or 3460 | 4 |
| PSYCH 2471 | 4 | COSC 1371 | 3 |
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Summer I | Summer I | ||
| PHYS 1401 | 4 | POLS 2301 | 3 |
| Summer II | Summer II | ||
| PHYS 1402 | 4 | POLS 2302 | 3 |
| Third Year | Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| PSYC Elective* | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| PSYC 4430 | 3 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL 3470 or 3450 | 4 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective* | 4 | PSYC Elective | 3 |
| COMM 1315 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| PSYC Elective* | 3 | BIOL 4344 | 3 |
| BIOL 3470 or 3450 | 4 | BIOL Elective | 4 |
| BIOL Elective* | 4 | PSYC Elective | 3 |
| BIOL 4404 or 4470 | 4 | PSYC Elective | 3 |
| PEGA | 1 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Summer I | |||
| HIST 1301 | 3 | ||
| Summer II | |||
| HIST 1302 | 3 |
Notes: examples of biology electives approved to the "scientific research report writing intensive" include: experimental design, environmental microbiology, advanced physiology, animal behavior, ecology.
Advanced psychology electives: Choose any three from either Group I (PSYC 3310, 3320, 3330, 3340, 4320) or Group II (PSYC 3360, 4310, 4360, 4380).
Students must take courses to total 20 hours with at least three classes at the 3000-4000 level. All students must successfully complete both BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 before enrolling in advanced courses. Some advanced courses have additional prerequisite courses. To qualify for the minor, a grade of no less than “C” must be obtained in each course applied to the minor.
Freshman and transfer students declaring themselves as Pre-Medicine, Pre -Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, or Pre-Pharmacy status should consult the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog and contact the Pre-Professional Office. These pre-professional program students will receive initial advising through the Pre-Professional Office. In their sophomore year those pursuing a B.S. Biology degree will be assigned to a Biology Faculty member on the Pre-Professional Committee. Students are welcome to contact either Dr. Matthew Hoch (Department Chair: Hayes 101; (409) 880-8262; matt.hoch@lamar.edu) or Dr. Michael Warren (Program Advisor: Hayes 205-4; (409) 880-8264; michael.warren@lamar.edu).
Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Department of Biology provides curricula and advises students in only the pre-clinical years for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physician’s Assistant programs. Admission requirements are under the control of the schools offering these clinical programs and are subject to change. Below are recommended pre-clinical curricula offered at Â鶹ÊÓƵ and intended to prepare students for admissions to many programs in Texas. Students interested in these programs should contact Dr. Michael Warren for detailed advising (Hayes 205-4; (409) 880-8264; michael.warren@lamar.edu).
Physical therapists aid in testing and evaluation of patients, then lead the patient through activities to restore health to various impaired bodily functions of the nervous, muscular, bone and joint systems, restore the range of muscle strength, endurance and improve joint motion. Physical therapists are employed by hospitals, physicians and clinics, or may be self-employed. Additional information on physical therapy careers can be found at the Texas Physical Therapy Association website (). The TPTA is the representative body for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Students in the state of Texas.
Most graduate degrees in physical therapy offered at Texas schools are three-year doctoral degree programs. The student should formulate a plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Â鶹ÊÓƵ while completing the pre-clinical courses required for specific schools in Texas. Typically pre-physical therapy students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ major in Biology, Kinesiology, or Psychology. Periodic contact with an advisor is strongly urged. Because of the highly competitive nature of the program, acceptance is not guaranteed.
Below is a minimum program of study (120 hours); but this will vary depending on the Bachelor Degree Major and admission requirements for specific graduate programs of interest (see below for a list of physical therapy schools in Texas).
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | ENGL 23__ | 3 |
| BIOL 1406 | 4 | PSYC 2471 | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | 4 | PHYS 1401 | 4 |
| MATH 2312 | 3 | BIOL 3428 or 2401 | 4 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | PEGA or MULB | 1 |
| BIOL 1407 | 4 | COMM 1315 | 3 |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | PSYC 2315 | 3 |
| PSYC 2301 | 3 | PHYS 1402 | 4 |
| BIOL 1102 | 1 | BIOL 3440 or 2402* | 15 |
| 15 | |||
| Third Year | Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| POLS 2301 | 3 | Core or Elective | 4 |
| Core or Elective | 3 | Core or Elective | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 | Elective+ | 3 |
| MGMT 3310** | 3 | Elective+ | 3 |
| SOCI 1301 | 3 | HIST 1301 | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| POLS 2302 | 3 | Elective+ | 3 |
| PSYC 4320 or Elective | 3 | Elective+ | 3 |
| Core or Elective | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| Core or Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Core or Elective | 3 | HIST 1302 | 3 |
| 16 | 15 |
*Graduate programs in Texas vary for anatomy physiology prerequisites (BIOL 2401, 2402 and/or BIOL 3428, 3440). See the pre-physical therapy advisor for requirements at particular schools. BIOL 2401, 2402 do not contribute to the B.S. in biology major
**Principles of Management (MGMT 3310) and Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 4320) are not required for all programs; they may be replaced by core courses or electives in a particular major
+These electives may be free or specific to the major
Physical therapy schools in Texas:
University of Texas (Galveston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso)
Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Dallas, Houston)
Baylor (U.S. Army San Antonio)
Southwest Texas State University (San Marcos)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene)
Angelo State University (San Angelo)
Occupational therapists aid patients who are physically injured through accident, illness or through psychological disability. The aim of the therapy is to rehabilitate the patient through application of splints, prostheses or directed occupational pursuits to maximize and extend the patient’s fine motor abilities. Occupational therapists are employed by hospitals, schools and retirement homes. More information on careers in occupational therapy can be found at the Texas Occupational Therapy Association website (). The TOTA is the representative body for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Students in the state of Texas.
Most graduate degrees in occupational therapy offered at Texas schools are two-year master’s degree programs. Several programs in Texas accept students after completion of pre-clinical course requirements during a minimum of three years of study (90 credits) as an undergraduate student. The student should formulate a plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Â鶹ÊÓƵ while completing the pre-clinical courses required for specific schools in Texas within two to three years. Typically pre-occupational therapy students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ major in Kinesiology or Psychology. Because of the highly competitive nature of the program, acceptance is not guaranteed.
Below is a minimum program of study to complete pre-clinical requirements in the first two years of undergraduate study at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Some courses will vary depending on the Bachelor Degree Major and admission requirements for specific graduate school programs of interest. A list of schools offering occupational therapy programs can be obtained from the Program Advisor or found at the TOTA website ().
| First Year | Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | Fall Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | BIOL 1102 | 1 |
| BIOL 2401 | 4 | POLS 2301 | 3 |
| PSYC 2301 | 3 | HIST 1301 | 3 |
| MATH 1314 | 3 | ENGL 23__ | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 | KINE 2371 | 3 |
| SOCI 1301 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Spring Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| PHIL 1370 | 3 | PEGA or MULB | 1 |
| ENGL 1302 | 3 | POLS 2302 | 3 |
| BIOL 2402 | 4 | HIST 1302 | 3 |
| PSYC 2315 | 3 | PSYC 4320 | 3 |
| PSYC 2471 | 4 | PSYC 4380 | 3 |
| COMM 1315 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 |
Notes:
Core courses and electives in the major to complete a bachelor's degree.
*General Biology I for majors (BIOL 1406) and General Chemistry I (CHEM 1411) are also required for admission to Master of Occupational Therapy program at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
The physician assistant is under the supervision and responsibility of a physician, performing duties which extend the ability of the physician to provide adequate health care. Such duties include medical history recording, routine physical exams and other duties the physician may assign. More information on the physician assistant profession can be found at the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants website ().
Most Physician Assistant graduate degrees at Texas schools Require a Bachelor of Science degree. The student should formulate a plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Â鶹ÊÓƵ while completing the pre-clinical courses required for specific schools in Texas within three years. Typically pre-physician assistant students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ major in Biology.
Below is a minimum program of study to complete pre-clinical requirements three years at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Typically students major in Biology. Some courses will vary depending on the choice of major and admission requirements for specific graduate school programs of interest. A list of schools offering physician assistant programs and their requirements can be obtained from the Program Advisor or found via the TAPA website ().
The Department of Biology offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science in biology degree. It is designed to enhance the professional competence of graduates in biology or closely related disciplines who are interested in pursuing academic careers, employment in private industry or governmental agencies in biologically oriented fields, entrance to professional schools, or who are presently engaged in or planning to enter secondary school teaching.
Applicants must:
Matthew P. Hoch, Chair and Associate Professor of Biology (409) 880-8256; Email: matt.hoch@lamar.edu; Office: H101
The Biology Department has three missions. First, the overall mission is to produce graduates with a broad-based knowledge of biology and the capacity of applying their education and critically evaluating emerging scientific knowledge. Second, the department is committed to providing research opportunities for faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students. Research and peer-reviewed publication enhance the recognition and prestige of the university and develop contacts and collaborations between Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty and colleagues elsewhere, which ultimately benefits our graduates. Third, the biology department provides courses that fulfill the laboratory science requirements for many degree plans and for the core curriculum.
The biology program is committed to the laboratory approach to science. Students completing the biology core will have been exposed to all major areas of biology and are allowed the freedom to concentrate on an area of special interest within the major. Sufficient hours of free electives allow a biology major to obtain secondary teaching certification simultaneously. Faculty offices are located in the Hayes Biology Building and in the Science Auditorium. The Dujay Bird Sanctuary in the Big Thicket, the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies at Pleasure Island near Port Arthur, and more remote field sites in the Western Texas desert and Neotropical rainforest and coral reefs of Central America provide opportunity for field-based study.
Areas of faculty expertise and research interests include Animal Behavior, General Physiology, Cytogenetics, Biotechnology, Medical Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Limnology, Botany, Phylogenetics, Invertebrate Zoology, Parasitology, Ichthyology, Herpetology, Ornithology, and Mammalogy.
The candidate for the M.S. in Biology must meet all the College of Graduate Studies general requirements as listed in this catalog. For their professional development, students must enroll in BIOL 5110 Graduate Seminar. They must take the course two times; any subsequent enrollments will not count toward the degree.
Thesis option:
This option is strongly recommended for those who plan to continue graduate work beyond the master’s level or to be employed in a research position by private industry or governmental agency. Students are expected to:
Non-Thesis option:
This option is intended for those not seeking a higher degree.Students are expected to: