Biology, BS
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science degree in biology combines theory and concepts of biology with intensive, hands-on experiences in our state-of-the-art laboratories and a wealth of close-by field sites. Students build on a core of biology classes by selecting the physiology and taxonomy classes and other electives that best fit their interests.
The program is an excellent preparation for biology or related careers. Our graduates are currently employed as doctors, dentists, veterinarians, biological researchers, laboratory technicians, consultants and teachers. Many careers in biology require education beyond the baccalaureate degree and LSSU’s biology program has a proven record of excellent preparation for professional and graduate school.
Animal Biology concentration – In this program, you will study the physiology, nutrition, behavior, and health of animals, with focus on species that are economic resources or beloved companions. Includes instruction in molecular and cell biology, microbiology, nutrition and physiology, ecology and behavior, genetics and evolutionary biology, disease prevention, and applications to specific species and phyla. As an animal biology major, you’ll have the chance to put your theoretical knowledge into practice by working with wild and domesticated animals in hands-on situations. It will prepare you for employment in laboratories, zoos, farms, or animal shelters.
Food and Ecology concentration – prepares students for specific careers or graduate studies in particular aspects of the food system. These careers range from technical, policy, outreach, and research work with federal, local and tribal government agencies; university research, food businesses; NGOs working to improve health and nutrition, advocacy groups, industry groups. The skills required for these careers thus range across a number of disciplines. This program provides the required basis in biological sciences and adds choices in other disciplines to let students tailor their program to their specific interests. Students interested in pursuing graduate school in the sciences should consider adding additional chemistry classes, including organic chemistry, to their schedule. The program requires that students complete an apprenticeship class with an organization working in an aspect of the food system and complete a senior project.
Pre-Medical concentration – prepares students for medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, and physician assistant graduate studies. Biology students will work with a pre-professional advisor to select the electives best suited for the health professional program of their choice while also providing a well-rounded biology education. This program has an embedded chemistry minor that meets the requirements of most U.S. medical schools. The LSSU Biology department is recognized by all health professional schools in Michigan as a top rate biology program.
LSSU participates in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine’s Early Assurance Program. During their junior year, students who excel in the LSSU biology pre-medical program may apply to the College of Human Medicine, and selected students will be assured of admission and begin a relationship with MSU College of Human Medicine during their senior year of college.
Pre-Veterinary concentration – with an embedded chemistry minor, prepares students to enter veterinary college after graduation from LSSU. It was designed to meet the specific requirements for the Michigan State University-College of Veterinary Medicine, but our students go to vet schools all over the country, for example North Carolina State, Oklahoma State and University of Illinois. This program stresses not only academics, but also the animal care experience that is critical for gaining admission to a veterinary college.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Thoroughly research and synthesize the primary literature for information relevant to a current scientific investigation.
- Design and conduct a scientific investigation of a testable hypothesis or methodology using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Effectively communicate the results or outcomes of a scientific investigation in multiple formats.
- Engage in professional activities related to the study of biological sciences and practice good professional ethics.
Bachelor of Science Biology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | ||
| BIOL 131 | General Biology: Cells | 4 |
| BIOL 132 | General Biology: Organisms | 4 |
| BIOL 199 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 204 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 280 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 299 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 337 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 399 | Planning Research Project | 1 |
| BIOL 499 | Senior Symposium | 1 |
| Focal Courses in Biology | ||
| Select one Physiology Elective from the following: | 4 | |
| Plant Sciences: Structure/Func | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Adv Cell & Molecular Biology | ||
| Select one Taxonomy Elective from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Plant Science: Ident/Diversity | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| General Entomology | ||
| Mycology | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Aquatic Entomology | ||
| Biology Cognates | ||
| Select 21 credits of Biology Cognates 1 | 21 | |
| Support Courses | ||
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| or CHEM 208 | Survey Organic Chem/Biol Apps | |
| MATH 111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 112 | Calculus Business/Life Science | 4 |
| Physical Science (CHEM, PHYS, GEOL) course with lab | 4 | |
| Free Electives 2 | 16-19 | |
| Total Hours | 95-99 | |
- 1
21 credits of any BIOL courses not used to satisfy one of the other requirements, or any NRES courses other than:
- NRES 199 Freshman Seminar,
- NRES 299 Sophomore Seminar,
- NRES 250 Quantitative Biology,
- NRES 398 Plan Experiential Lrn Project,
- NRES 399 Research Project Design,
- NRES 450 Apprenticeship in (Discipline),
- BIOL 490 Ind Study in (Discipline)
- NRES 495 Senior Project, or
- NRES 499 Senior Capstone.
A minimum of 17 credits must be from 300/400 level courses. At least one elective must be a 400 level course.
- 2
As needed to reach 124 total credits.
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.
Bachelor of Science Biology, Animal Biology Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | ||
| BIOL 131 | General Biology: Cells | 4 |
| BIOL 132 | General Biology: Organisms | 4 |
| BIOL 199 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 204 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 280 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 299 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 337 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 399 | Planning Research Project | 1 |
| BIOL 499 | Senior Symposium | 1 |
| Focal Courses in Animal Biology | ||
| BIOL 208 | Prin Animal Biology & Health | 3 |
| BIOL 243 | Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOL 330 | Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 405 | Animal Behavior | 3 |
| BIOL 420 | Evolutionary Analysis | 3 |
| BIOL 335 | Principles of Animal Nutrition | 3 |
| or BIOL 426 | Animal Disease and Zoonoses | |
| Cognates | ||
| Select twelve Zoology and/or Animal Health credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Zoology: | ||
| Natural Hist of the Vertebrate | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| General Entomology | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Aquatic Entomology | ||
| Animal Health: | ||
| Mycology | ||
| Immunology 1 | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Medicinal Chemistry/Toxicology 1 | ||
| Support Courses | ||
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| or CHEM 208 | Survey Organic Chem/Biol Apps | |
| MATH 111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Free Electives 2 | 21-24 | |
| Total Hours | 96-99 | |
- 1
Requires CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 351 Introductory Biochemistry.
- 2
Credit as needed to reach 124 total credits. A minimum of 17 credits must be from BIOL/NRES 300/400 level courses. At least one elective must be a BIOL/NRES 400 level course.
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.
Bachelor of Science Biology, Food and Ecology Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Foundation and Research Courses | ||
| BIOL 131 | General Biology: Cells | 4 |
| BIOL 132 | General Biology: Organisms | 4 |
| BIOL 199 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 204 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 280 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 299 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 337 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 399 | Planning Research Project | 1 |
| BIOL 499 | Senior Symposium | 1 |
| Focal Courses in Food Systems | ||
| BIOL 307 | US Food System | 3 |
| BIOL 202 | Plant Science: Ident/Diversity | 3 |
| BIOL 235 | Int to Protected Horticulture | 3 |
| BIOL 389 | Internship in: (Discipline) | 3-4 |
| Specialty Cognates | ||
| Select one area from the following: | 6-11 | |
| Policy and Communications | ||
| Intro State/Local Government (Select three of the following:) | ||
| Policy Analysis and Evaluation | ||
| Argumentation & Advocacy | ||
or COMM 320 | Public Relations | |
| Production | ||
| Introduction to Aquaponics | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Plant Sciences: Structure/Func | ||
| Marketing | ||
Select two of the following: | ||
| Marketing Principles/ Strategy | ||
| Social Media Marketing | ||
| Mobile Marketing | ||
| Analytics | ||
Select three of the following: | ||
| Public Hlth Stats Epidemiology | ||
| Introduction to GIS and GPS | ||
| Intermediate GIS | ||
| Geospatial Analysis | ||
| Support Courses 1 | ||
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| MATH 111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Free Electives 2 | ||
| Total Hours | 52-58 | |
- 1
Students interested in science graduate programs should consult with their advisor regarding additional chemistry courses.
- 2
Credits as needed to reach 124 total credits. A minimum of 17 credits must be from BIOL/NRES 300/400 level courses. At least one elective must be a BIOL/NRES 400 level course.
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.
Bachelor of Science Biology, Pre-Medical Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | ||
| BIOL 121 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 122 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 131 | General Biology: Cells | 4 |
| BIOL 132 | General Biology: Organisms | 4 |
| BIOL 199 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 204 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 280 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 299 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 337 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 399 | Planning Research Project | 1 |
| BIOL 499 | Senior Symposium | 1 |
| Physiology Elective | ||
| BIOL 330 | Animal Physiology | 4 |
| or BIOL 421 | Adv Cell & Molecular Biology | |
| Advanced Study | ||
| Select 17 credits from the following: | 17 | |
| Vertebrate Anatomy | ||
| Mycology | ||
| Embryology | ||
| Clin Hematology & Hemostasis | ||
| Public Hlth Stats Epidemiology | ||
| Immunohematology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Animal Disease and Zoonoses | ||
| Histology and Histopathology | ||
| Clin Chem Body Fluid Analysis | ||
| Adv Clinical Microbiology | ||
| Support Courses | ||
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 326 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 351 | Introductory Biochemistry | 4 |
| MATH 111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PHYS 221 | Principles of Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 222 | Principles of Physics II | 4 |
| HLTH 328 | Multicultural Appr Health Care | 3 |
| PSYC 101 | Intro to Psychological Science | 3 |
| SOCY 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| Free Electives 1 | 12-14 | |
| Total Hours | 110-112 | |
- 1
Credits as needed to reach 124 total credits.
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.75 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.
Bachelor of Science Biology, Pre-Veterinary Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | ||
| BIOL 131 | General Biology: Cells | 4 |
| BIOL 132 | General Biology: Organisms | 4 |
| BIOL 199 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 204 | General Microbiology 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 220 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 280 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 299 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 337 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 399 | Planning Research Project | 1 |
| BIOL 499 | Senior Symposium | 1 |
| Physiology Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Adv Cell & Molecular Biology 1 | ||
| Taxonomy Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Mycology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Support Courses | ||
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 326 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 351 | Introductory Biochemistry | 4 |
| MATH 111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 112 | Calculus Business/Life Science | 4 |
| PHYS 221 | Principles of Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 222 | Principles of Physics II | 4 |
| Advanced Study | ||
| Select 17 credits from the following: | 17 | |
| Prin Animal Biology & Health | ||
| Vertebrate Anatomy | ||
| Mycology | ||
| Embryology | ||
| Principles of Animal Nutrition 1 | ||
| Clin Hematology & Hemostasis | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Animal Disease and Zoonoses | ||
| Histology and Histopathology | ||
| Adv Clinical Microbiology | ||
| Free Electives 2 | 9-11 | |
| Total Hours | 96-98 | |
- 1
These courses required by MSU-CVM.
- 2
Credits as needed to reach 124 total credits.
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.75 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.