Department of Biological Sciences

This is an archived copy of the 2024-2025 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

Chair: Aaron Lynne  (936) 294-1544    

Website: Department of Biological Sciences

Mission

The Department of Biological Sciences is dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and scientific discovery in the life sciences through innovative teaching and research programs. The department strives to instill in its students the philosophy of lifelong scholarship, producing scientifically literate members of society who have the knowledge to contribute and compete in a rapidly changing world.

Academic Programs

Biology, the study of living things, is an exciting and dynamic field that offers many areas of focus. Students may choose to study how life functions at the molecular, cellular, organismal, or ecological levels. The biological sciences provide opportunities to study viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals and to investigate the biochemical, physiological, morphological, anatomical, behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary processes that make each organism unique.

Highlights

The Department of Biological Sciences is located in the Life Sciences Building, which houses the following teaching and research capabilities:

  • microscopy (scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy)
  • molecular biology
  • microbiology
  • morphology

The department operates the Pineywoods Environmental Research Laboratory (PERL) , a 250-acre field station within 5 miles of campus that is dedicated to biological and environmental research and teaching.  Additionally, the department is affiliated with the Sam Houston State University Natural History Collections.

Curriculum

Major in Biology

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology are ideal degrees for students interested in gaining a broad background in the biological sciences, while allowing flexibility to focus on a specific biology sub-discipline.  All students majoring in biology will develop competence in the fundamental principles of biology and will gain experience in botany, zoology, cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology and evolution. Students take an active role in creating a degree plan that best meets their interests and their career goals by choosing one out of four concentrations. Most students pursue careers in terrestrial ecology, animal physiology, animal behavior, medical professions, biotechnology, or teacher education.

Required Courses for the Major

The biology major may choose from two degree programs, the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. All majors must complete the following core courses:

Required Courses
BIOL 1406General Biology I4
BIOL 1407General Biology II4
BIOL 2110Being a Professional Biologist1
BIOL 2440Introductory Cell Biology4
BIOL 3450Introductory Genetics4
BIOL 4110Undergraduate Seminar1
or BIOL 4111 Undergraduate Seminar
BIOL 4361Evolutionary Biology3
MATH 1420Calculus I4
MATH 1430Calculus II4
or MATH 3379 Statistical Methods in Practice
or STAT 3379 Statistical Methods in Practice
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I4
CHEM 1412General Chemistry II4
CHEM 2123Organic Chemistry I: Lab1
CHEM 2323Organic Chemistry I: Lecture3
PHYS 1301General Physics-Mechanics and Heat3
PHYS 1101General Physics Laboratory I1
PHYS 1302General Physics-Sound, Light, Electricity, and Magnetism3
PHYS 1102General Physics Laboratory II1
Total Hours49

Major in Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences degree offered by the Department of Biological Sciences provides a robust, yet flexible curriculum with an emphasis on studying the biological basis of health and disease.  All students majoring in Biomedical Sciences will develop competence in the fundamental principles of biology and will gain experience in basic biology, cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, mathematics and evolution. The Biomedical Sciences degree is designed to thoroughly prepare students for entrance into medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, and other professional schools, as well as graduate study in the biomedical sciences, and employment as a laboratory research assistant.  No minor is required for the degree.

Required Courses for the Major

All Biomedical Sciences majors must complete the following core courses:

Course Requirements
BIOL 1406General Biology I4
BIOL 1407General Biology II4
BIOL 2440Introductory Cell Biology4
BIOL 3450Introductory Genetics4
BIOL 3470General Microbiology4
BIOL 4110Undergraduate Seminar1
or BIOL 4111 Undergraduate Seminar
BIOL 4361Evolutionary Biology3
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I4
CHEM 1412General Chemistry II4
CHEM 2323Organic Chemistry I: Lecture3
CHEM 2123Organic Chemistry I: Lab1
CHEM 2325Organic Chemistry II: Lecture3
CHEM 2125Organic Chemistry II: Lab1
CHEM 3438Biochemistry I4
MATH 1420Calculus I4
PHYS 1301General Physics-Mechanics and Heat3
PHYS 1101General Physics Laboratory I1
PHYS 1302General Physics-Sound, Light, Electricity, and Magnetism3
PHYS 1102General Physics Laboratory II1
Total Hours56