DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Course Descriptions

Chair: Mathew P. Rowe (936) 294-1540; MPR002@shsu.edu

Faculty: Karölis R. Bagdonas, Theodore J. Brummel, Jerry L. Cook, Tamara J. Cook, James R. DeShaw, Harold F. Foerster, Anne R. Gaillard, Joan E. N. Hudson, William I. Lutterschmidt, Diane L. H. Neudorf, Todd P. Primm, Monte L. Thies, Jack C. Turner, Justin K. Williams, Everett D. Wilson

Website: www.shsu.edu/~bio_www/

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

• BA in Biology
• BS in Biology
• BS in Environmental Science (see Environmental Science Sequence within this chapter)

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 forms function 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, anatomical, behavioral, or ecological processes that make each organism unique.

Highlights

The Department of Biological Sciences is located in the Lee Drain Building, which houses facilities including teaching and research laboratories, the Warner Herbarium, Sam Houston State Vertebrate Museum and Texas Bird Sound Library, an animal rearing facility, greenhouse, outdoor aviary, and scanning electron microscopy, molecular, microbiology, and flow cytometry laboratories.

The Department operates the Center for Biological Field Studies, a 250 acre field station within 5 miles of campus that is dedicated to biological and environmental research and teaching.

Student Organizations

• Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is an undergraduate national Biological Honor society. The organization was founded in 1922 and the Delta Tau chapter at SHSU was chartered in 1965. TriBeta is dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of the biological sciences and encouraging/supporting undergraduate student scientific research. TriBeta membership requires: (1) a declared major in Biology, Environmental Science or related biological field, (2) completion of two biology courses (associate member) and one 300 or 400 course (regular member) with BIO GPA of 3.0, and (3) an overall SHSU GPA of 2.75. Membership invitations are sent to eligible students each fall and spring semester. Dr. Joan E.N. Hudson is the TriBeta faculty sponsor.
• Sam Houston Association of Medical Oriented Students (SHAMOS) membership is available to any student interested in pursuing a career in the medical or allied health field. Activities include fundraisers, community service projects, blood drives with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, and canned food drives. SHAMOS sponsors an outside speaker program to inform students of the opportunities and benefits of the various disciplines of the medical arts (e.g., general and specialist dentistry, general and specialist medicine, occupational therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, forensic pathology, and EMS). Dr. Karölis R. Bagdonas serves as the faculty advisor.

Internships

The Department of Biological Sciences believes that “hands on” experiences, through either internships or faculty directed independent studies, are an important complement to a student’s formal coursework. Moreover, undergraduate research experience is critical for students applying to graduate programs or professional schools. We therefore encourage all Biology students to consider participating in an internship or independent research project; such participation is required for the Environmental Science Program. Students seeking information regarding internships and/or independent research experiences should contact one of the following faculty: Dr. James DeShaw for Environmental Science students; and Dr. Matthew Rowe for all others.

Scholarships

Academic scholarships are available from both the Department of Biological Sciences and the University to support student studies. The Department of Biological Sciences scholarships include:

• Biology & Environmental Science Academic Scholarship
• Claude McLeod Academic Scholarship
• Emma Normand Academic Scholarship
• James D. Long Biology Endowment
• Patrick Neil O’Bryant Academic Scholarship
• James Patrick Weber Environmental Science Award
• S.R. Warner Academic Scholarship
• Wilson–Warner Endowed Scholarship in the Biological Sciences
• Roy Turner Scholarship Endowment

Departmental scholarship information may be obtained by writing to Scholarships, Department of Biological Sciences, Box 2116, SHSU, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2116 or by visiting our website at www.shsu.edu/~bio_www. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672.

Program Specific Requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology are required to complete a Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT) in Biology to be eligible for graduation. The Department of Biological Sciences administers the MFAT once during both the Fall and Spring semesters at no cost to the student. A student is eligible to take the MFAT upon completion of all required biology credits or during the semester immediately prior to graduation (August graduates must take the examination during the Spring semester immediately prior to graduation). The student, with written permission from the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, may substitute another national or state examination (MCAT, DAT, OAT, TExES) in place of the MFAT; however, the student is responsible for the examination costs. The exam score, although part of the student’s record, has no effect on the student’s GPA.

BIOLOGY PROGRAM

Major in Biology: 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, and ecology. Students take an active role in creating a degree plan that best meets their interests and their career goals. Most students pursue careers in terrestrial ecology, animal physiology, animal behavior, medical professions, biotechnology, or teacher education. Students interested in forensic science combine an extensive background in biology with substantial coursework in chemistry and criminal justice to prepare them for work with state and federal agencies.

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:

BIO 161/111, 162/112, 234, 340, 345, 347, 410, and 411 (25 hrs.).

Students may choose their area of specialization contingent upon completion of the required core courses.

Note: Commencing with the 2000-2002 Catalog, SHSU no longer offers BIO 138/118 and BIO 139/119. However, the Department will permit students who successfully completed the BIO138/118 and BIO 139/119 sequence at another institution to substitute these courses for BIO 161/111 and BIO 162/112, respectively.

Major in Biology

Bachelor of Arts

Major in Biology

Bachelor of Science

* Advanced Electives should be selected according to specific areas of study as determined by the student and their academic advisor.
** Recommended minor is CHM, ESC, GEL, MTH, or PHY.
Note: Students should use the elective and/or minor hours to meet the 42-advanced hour requirement for graduation with either the BA or BS degree.

Choice of Restricted Electives in Biology

A student working toward a BA degree must complete four upper division (300/400 level) courses in addition to the core courses. A student working toward a BS degree must complete the core curriculum courses and specialize their degree program by taking five upper division (300/400 level) courses from their area of focus. Students choosing to generalize their program, such as those working toward teacher education, may elect to take their courses from several focus groups. Students should consult with an academic advisor in the Biological Sciences early in their degree program regarding appropriate choices for their restricted electives.

Teacher Certification in Science and Life Sciences

Biology Majors

Students may receive teacher certification in either Science or Life Sciences for grades 8-12; however, degree requirements for Secondary Teacher Certification in Science and Life Sciences are under revision. Contact the department chair for information about courses leading to certification. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree is not available for the Science certification program.

For teacher certification, no grade below C in the science composite coursework is accepted.

Bachelor of Science in Science with Life Science Emphasis

Students seeking certification in Physical Science and secondary certification in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Physics at the secondary level (grades 8-12) may choose to complete the Composite Science BS degree program. Students choose an area of specialization beyond the general science core of CHM 138/118, 139/119, 238/218; BIO 161/111, 162/112, 234, 340, 341, 345, 392; GEO 131/111; GEL 133/113, 134/114, 330; PHY 138/118, 139/119, 397/317; and MTH 142 and MTH170 or 379. The Life Science emphasis requires completion of BIO 340, 341, 345, 392, and 6 hrs. of advanced BIO electives. The required education courses are: SED 383, 394, 464, 480, 496, 497, RDG 392, SCM 384, SED 374, or PSY 374.

For teacher certification, no grade below C in the science coursework is accepted.

Biology and Life Science Minors

Biology minors seeking certification in Life Sciences at the secondary level (grades 8-12) are required to complete CHM 138/118, 139/119, BIO 161/111, 162/112, 234, 340, 341, 345, 347, and 392. The composite science program is not available for the minor. Students not seeking certification must complete BIO 340, 345, 347, plus two advanced BIO courses that best fit their educational needs. They should use their electives to fill the University requirement for advanced hours. The required education courses are: SED 383, 394, 464, 480, 496, 497, RDG 392, SCM 384, SED 374, or PSY 374. For teacher certification, no grade below C in the science composite coursework is accepted.

Curriculum: Bachelor of Science

Major In Biology with Emphasis in Forensic Science

Students seeking a background that will prepare them for careers in Forensic Science can select advanced courses that lead to a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and/or Criminal Justice. Courses in the major should be selected from BIO 341, 342, 344, 345, 347, 349, 431, 432, 449, 474, 480, and 494. Courses for the Chemistry minor should be selected from CHM 339, 348, 440, 441, 458, and 495. The minor in Criminal Justice may include CJ 261, 267, 268, 273, 294, 366, 462, 465, and 488.

Minor in Biology with Emphasis in Forensic Science

Students seeking a background that will prepare them for careers in Forensic Science can select advanced courses that lead to a major in Chemistry (see Department of Chemistry) and a minor in Biology. The following courses are required for the Forensic Science minor: BIO 341 or 342, 345, 347, 480, 349 or 449, and 432, or 474.

Major In Biology with Emphasis in Biotechnology

To satisfy the Bachelor of Science degree requirements, Biology majors desiring to prepare for careers in biotechnology should take the following advanced courses: BIO 344, 345, 347, 349, 410, 411, 435, 449, 480, BIO Advanced Elective, and BIO 474 or MTH 379. These students also should take a minor in chemistry, including CHM 348 and 440. Internships (BIO 494) are available to qualified students. For further details about biotechnology, see the department chair.

Major In Biology with Emphasis in Preprofessional Studies

Biology majors following the preprofessional curricula of premedicine, predentistry, prephysical therapy, and preveterinary medicine should take the following Biology courses: BIO 342, 344, 347, and 349. General electives recommended for preprofessional students are BIO 348, 435, 446, 449, 474, and 480. For detailed course requirements in specialized fields, consult the Preprofessional Studies listings of this catalog.

Curriculum: Minor in Biology
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Students seeking a minor in biology are required to complete CHM 138/118, 139/119, BIO 161/111, 162/112, 234, 340, 345, 347, plus one elective course. Students seeking a secondary teaching certificate along with their biology minor should include BIO 341 or BIO 392 as their restricted elective for a minimum of 26 semester hours of biology.

Course Descriptions:

• Biology (BIO)