Biology

Students majoring in biology will gain a solid foundation in the discipline while having the flexibility to tailor the degree to their interests and career goals.

Curriculum plans are available for students pursuing an emphasis in genetics as well as for those who wish to focus on cell and molecular biology or ecology and organismal biology. Additional curriculum plans are available for students interested in attending graduate school (to obtain an MS or Ph.D. degree) or one of the many professional school (to obtain a DDS, DVM, MD, OD, OT, PA, or PT degree) after graduation. In addition to specifying particular biology courses, most biology curriculum plans include recommended courses in chemistry, physics, and psychology to properly prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or admission to graduate and professional schools.

Students majoring in biology will qualify for a BS with Honors in Biology if the following requirements are met:

1. Successful completion of the program for the BS in Biology or the BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics;
2. Completion of an additional 5 hours of biology coursework at the 300 level or above;
3. Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in all biology courses;
4. Cumulative overall grade point average of 3.5 or better; and
5. Completion of a laboratory or field research project in which:
   1. The research proposal is approved by a majority of the biology faculty. (This would normally occur in the fall semester of the junior year.)
   2. The research is of sufficient quality to justify four semester hours credit (BIOL 407, BIOL 408, BIOL 409, BIOL 410, or BIOL 412).
   3. The research results are presented as follows:
      1. by public seminar at Lander University
      2. at a scientific meeting and/or by submission of a paper for publication in an appropriate scientific journal.

Transfer students may graduate with Honors in Biology if they fulfill the above requirements and have a 3.5 GPA overall and in biology from their former institution(s) and complete their last 60 hours, including at least 20 hours of biology, at Lander University.

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

¹ For approved courses see the General Education section
² If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

• Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
• See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses