Department of Biology

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Abe E. Tucker, PhD, Chair

The Department of Biology offers a course of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. The curriculum provides students a core foundation in the life sciences by introducing modern biological concepts such as molecules, cells and physiology through organisms, populations and ecosystems. The Biology Department promotes close contact between faculty and students through small class sizes, one-on-one advising, faculty-taught laboratories, and faculty-student research collaborations. Faculty-directed research opportunities are available in areas such as immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, toxicology, evolutionary biology, and wildlife and aquatic ecology. The four-year degree programs in biology provide undergraduate preparation for post-graduate study and/or professional employment. The department offers specialized degree options tailored to different career tracks including general biology, pre-health biology, wildlife and conservation biology, and marine biology as described below.

The B.S. Biology: Biology option is a versatile degree program for students interested in the life sciences. After completion of the core curriculum, students choose from a diverse set of elective biology classes, depending on an individual student’s particular interests and career goals. Students with this degree have entered fields as wide-ranging as: molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology and ecology; professions such as medical doctors, physician assistants, medical technicians, physical and occupational therapy; teaching; wildlife management and conservation biology.

The B.S. Biology: Pre-Health option is designed to maximize the success of students pursuing careers in medical professional fields such as medicine, physical and occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacology and optometry, among others. This option requires substantial coursework in advanced chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology. Pre-health biology students are encouraged to gain practical experience in their professional field through internships and shadowing as early as possible during their degree program.

The B.S. Biology: Wildlife and Conservation Biology option prepares students for careers in wildlife conservation and resource management, including those in academia, with state or federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and in the private sector. This program helps students develop the field, laboratory, and computer skills necessary for success in conservation-related disciplines. Students are carefully mentored toward their career goals, and are also encouraged to pursue undergraduate internships. Students with this degree have been employed by Arkansas Game and Fish, US Army Corps of Engineers, National Forest Service, industry, and non-profit organizations. Students also may pursue advanced degrees by continuing their studies in graduate programs.

The B.S. Biology: Marine Biology option prepares students for careers in the marine sciences, including those in academia, state or federal management agencies, and private industry. In addition to the course offerings at SAU, the department maintains a cooperative agreement with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratories (GCRL), in Ocean Springs, MS, as well as Dauphin Island Sea Lab off the coast of Alabama for field-based summer coursework.

The B.S. Biology: Professional 3+2 program option is for students with 2 years of credits from a professional/clinical program to obtain an accelerated B.S. in Biology in 3 years.

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