Department of Biology
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs in biology include a broad spectrum of exciting subjects. We seek to prepare broadly prepared individuals who can successfully specialize in graduate or health professional schools or seek immediate employment: however, a number of students select a degree in biology just because they find it a fascinating area. Biology can be a valuable second major that enhances employment opportunities in many fields.
The BA degree is designed for students who wish to exercise more control over the development of their degree program or who are interested in biology or one of its sub-fields, but not immediately interested in post-graduate study or professional careers related to biology or health care. Such students may wish to combine studies in biology with areas such as art, business, education, or political science. Happily, some students simply want a liberal education with its focus in biology. The BA program has been designed for such students.
The BS degree represents the most appropriate preparation for those who wish to pursue post-graduate studies. The curriculum is built on a strong core in science with studies that explore the breadth and some of the depth of biology. The BS program provides the opportunity for each student to complete a required undergraduate research project. Students interested in a graduate degree in one or more of the biological specialties, in medicine, or who want a sound, comprehensive degree are urged to consider the BS degree.
Learning by doing is the preferred teaching mode in the Department of Biology. There are opportunities to become involved in open-ended field or laboratory projects. The university is located in a unique ecological region of the southeast, and as a result opportunities in environmental biology are common. Labs have been equipped to explore new techniques in molecular and cellular biology. Our faculty represent a well-qualified and balanced diversity of the biological sub-fields, are eclectic in their interests, and work exceptionally well with one another and with students. As a community of learners we believe in high standards, hard work, and having fun!
To declare a major in biology a student should complete the Area F courses for biology before beginning the junior year. We provide advising for the BA, BS, BS pre-professional, BS pre-veterinary, as well as pre-forestry and pre-pharmacy programs. To complete a degree in biology, students must obtain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in all science courses applied to graduation. To enter the pre-professional or pre-veterinary programs one must have achieved and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and be making progress toward the degree. We value advising and mentoring and encourage students to work closely with one or more of their professors.
As its mission the Department of Biology at Columbus State University is concerned with:
- undergraduate education and research in biology
- graduate education and research in biology, science education, and environmental science
- service to our geographic region in biology science education, and environmental science
- sustenance of a community of scholars engaged in developing the ways of knowing, habits of the mind, and operational skills characteristic of capable biologists
Expected Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- apply knowledge from mathematics, statistics, physical science, and chemistry to biological understanding
- develop an understanding of biological theory, concepts, and skills to the world in which we live in the areas of cellular biology, molecular biology and genetics, organismic biology, ecology, population biology, and evolution
- think both individually and as members of collaborative groups, with a deliberate awareness of the process of critical thinking
- employ critical thinking to formulate questions and synthesize answers
- respect and enjoy the pursuit of knowledge and rational thought
- place biological understanding into historical and contemporary contexts
- appreciate and assess social implications of biological knowledge
- demonstrate an awareness of and appreciation for codes of conduct valued by most scientists
- communicate effectively by listening, speaking, reading, and writing
- apply appropriate communications technology
- apply technology and scientific method to biological inquiry
- assess opportunities and make personal decisions about career and life goals
Course Requirements
BA Biology
Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45
Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18
- BIOL 2285 Research Methods in Biology
- CHEM 1211 Principles of Chemistry 1
- CHEM 1211L Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
- CHEM 1212 Principles of Chemistry 2
- CHEM 1212L Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
- Foreign Language 2001
- Foreign Language 2002
- ITDS 2748 Topics in Global Issues
- ITDS 2749 Ethics and Legal Issues in the Professions
Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 29
- BIOL 3215 Cell Biology
- BIOL 3216 Genetics
- BIOL 3217 Ecology
- BIOL 3218 Systematics and Biodiversity
- BIOL 4795 Capstone Senior Seminar
- BIOL 5515 Selected Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 5525 Selected Topics in Organismic Biology (take 2)
- BIOL 5535 Selected Topics in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
Area H - General Electives - Required Hours: 31
- Ten hours must be 3000-level or above.
Total Hours Required 123
BS Biology
Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45
Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18
- BIOL 2285 Research Methods in Biology
- CHEM 1211 Principles of Chemistry 1
- CHEM 1211L Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
- CHEM 1212 Principles of Chemistry 2
- CHEM 1212L Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
- PHYS 1111 Introductory Physics 1
- PHYS 1112 Introductory Physics 2
- PHYS 1311 Introductory Physics 1 Lab
- PHYS 1312 Introductory Physics 2 Lab
Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 48
- BIOL 3215 Cell Biology
- BIOL 3216 Genetics
- BIOL 3217 Ecology
- BIOL 3218 Systematics and Biodiversity
- BIOL 4391 Biological Research 1
- BIOL 4392 Biological Research 2
- BIOL 4393 Biological Research 3
- BIOL 4795 Capstone Senior Seminar
- BIOL 5515 Selected Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology (take 2)
- BIOL 5525 Selected Topics in Organismic Biology (take 3)
- BIOL 5535 Selected Topics in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
- CHEM 3111 Organic Chemistry 1
- CHEM 3112 Organic Chemistry 2
- CHEM 3311 Organic Chemistry 1 Lab
- CHEM 3312 Organic Chemistry 2 Lab
Area H - General Electives - Required Hours: 12
Total Hours Required 123
