General Program Information
In addition to certain required science and math courses, the standard track in biology requires 36 credit hours of approved biology courses; a student choosing this major must also complete a minor in a different field of study. An alternative concentration track in biology requires 50 credit hours of biology courses; a specialized alternative curricula that may be followed for a degree in biology; a biochemistry concentration (does not require an additional minor), and secondary biology education, which requires a minor in professional education.
Credit for the following courses will not apply toward a major or minor in the department:
ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements
Writing: Students must complete a minimum of four writing-intensive courses. At least two of these courses must be in the major field of study. At least two of the four courses must be at the 3000-4000 level.
Oral Communication: Students must complete a minimum of two oral communication-intensive courses. At least one of these courses must be in the major field of study.
Using Information Technology: Students must pass the information technology proficiency exam or successfully complete CSCI 1100 - Using Information Technology during their first calendar year or prior to accumulating 33 semester credits at ETSU. In addition, students must complete at least one using information technology-intensive course in the major field of study.
Transfer students may be subject to reduced number of intensives.
See ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements for details.
Biochemistry Concentration
This is a joint program among the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences) and the Department of Biochemistry (Quillen College of Medicine). The student may major in either biology or chemistry. The curriculum requires courses in both departments. The student should consult frequently with an advisor to ensure completion in a judicious manner. The biology advisor is Lee Pike; the chemistry advisor is Richard Kopp.
Biochemistry
Quillen College of Medicine. Approved students who have completed “Biochemistry of Macromolecules” (BIOL 4147 ) and “Biochemistry of Metabolism” (BIOL 4167 ) may enroll for one of the courses indicated below during their last semester of coursework.
- BIOL 5010 Biomed. Sci. I, Molecular Organization of Cells (3 credits)
- BIOL 5020 Biomedical Science II, Gene Expression (3 credits)
- BIOL 5030 Biomedical Science III, Cellular Anatomy (3 credits)
Research
Research is strongly advised for students with good academic records, especially those planning advanced study. Research Orientation (BIOL 3992 , 2 hours) is available in the sophomore year. The student should consult with an advisor concerning research opportunities. The following courses are recommended:
Chemistry
Students may take “Physical Chemistry I” (CHEM 3750 , 3 hours), rather than “Principles of Physical Chemistry” (CHEM 3710 , 3 hours). The following additional chemistry courses are available:
Additional Information
Click here to view Biochemistry Concentration Suggested Course Sequence .
Secondary Biology Education Curriculum: Teacher Education
Students interested in pursuing a teacher education program for certification as a science/biology teacher are asked to see both a biology advisor (J. Leonard Robertson) and professional advisors in the College of Education; Rebecca Loyd in the Office of Student Services, 321 Warf- Pickel or Jack Rhoton in Curriculum & Instruction. The number of required credit hours and course selection in biology varies slightly from the major identified above; however, students must select education as a minor.
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