Bachelor of Science in Biology
Students at South can choose to major or minor in biology. The Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum offers a diversified program that can be customized to satisfy many areas of study and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be competitive for a wide range of post-undergraduate opportunities, including graduate school, health professional programs (such as medicine or dentistry), and employment in biological/environmental sciences and beyond.
Careers in Biology
Through mentorship, teaching, and research, the biology faculty foster an environment for active learning where students acquire knowledge in all areas of the field, including ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology, conservation and global change. South strives for excellence and provides students with the analytical and technical skills necessary to work on microbes, marine mammals and everything in between. Students from this program graduate as well-rounded alumni capable of pursuing professional, governmental, and academic careers to tackle challenges facing our planet. Click here to explore potential job opportunities for a career in biology.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Faculty in the Department of Biology have active research programs that involve students in mentored, original research projects in the summer and during the academic year. Click here to learn how to get involved in Biology research at the University of South Alabama.
Biology Advising
The Department of Biology has faculty dedicated to advising students as they build their curriculum and explore career paths. For new or transfer students, contact our Chair, Dr. Kelly Major (kmajor@southalabama.edu), to schedule an advising session. For current Biology Majors, please look up your advisor in PAWS and contact them to set up an advising session.
Biology Core (20 Hours): C or better is required for all of these courses
- 8 hours: BLY 121, BLY 121L, BLY 122, BLY 122L
- 12 hours: BLY 300, BLY 301, BLY 302, and BLY 305
Upper Level Biology Electives (17 Hours): see our webpage for a current listing of upper level Biology courses (> BLY 300) and when they are offered
Other STEM requirements (26-29 Hours):
- CH 131, CH 131L, CH 132, CH 132L, CH 201, and CH 201L
- PH 114, PH 114L, PH 115, and PH 115L or GY 111, GY 111L, GY 112 and GY 112L
- MA 112, MA 113 and ST 210 or MA 115 and ST 210 or MA 125
As in the case for programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. a minor is required for a BS in Biology. Below are two examples of minor degree programs that are closely related to Biology.
Minor in Marine Sciences
To Minor in Marine Sciences, 8 hours of upper level Marine Sciences courses must be completed at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL). Go to the Department of Marine Sciences website for more information on the minor program in Marine Sciences.
Related Sciences Minor
The Related Sciences minor offers two tracks: Medical/Molecular Sciences and Ecosystems Sciences. Students must choose a track and are encouraged to consult with your Academic Advisor in the Biology Department about the best choice for your major and career. The Medical/Molecular Science track is designed for students seeking to enhance their preparation in organic and biochemistry (e.g., pre-med students). The Ecosystems Sciences track emphasizes the environmental science of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Medical/Molecular Science track requirements (22 hours)
CH 131, CH 131L, CH 132, CH 132L, CH 201, CH 201L, CH 202, CH 202L, CH 440, CH 441
Ecosystem Science track requirements (20-23 hours)
GY 111, GY 111L, GY 112, GY 112L and four additional courses from the following list:
GIT 460, GIT 461, GY 310, GY 420, GY 420, GY 421, MET 443, GY 425, GY 426, GEO 410, ST 340, ST 345
