Department Information
Department of Biological Sciences
P.O. Box 70703
Phone: (423) 439-4329
Fax: (423) 439-5958
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/biology
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a major in biology leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The major is designed for students who plan to enter such professions as biology, biochemistry, science education, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, conservation, and industry. Some of our courses may be appropriate for students in other fields of study who desire to acquaint themselves with the phenomena of living organisms. The department offers the Master of Science in biology, and participates in the PhD in Biomedical Sciences through the Quillen College of Medicine. Further information on graduate programs is contained in the Graduate Catalog.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The Department of Biological Sciences has a commitment to providing undergraduate students with the opportunity for involvement in research. Many faculty welcome undergraduate students into their research programs. Opportunities for receiving undergraduate credit for research include the following courses:
Advising
Students with 0-59 earned credits:
Contact the Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Visit the CASE website www.etsu.edu/cas/case/ and call (423) 439-5602.
Students with:
60-89 credits with last names A-I:
Dr. Joe Bidwell - Sign up for an appointment time in 125 Brown Hall.
60-89 credits with last names J-Z:
Dr. Karl Joplin - Sign up for an appointment time in 432 Brown Hall.
90 or more credits:
Dr. Hugh Miller - Office hours are posted on the door in 306 Brown Hall.
Transfer Students
Transfer students majoring in biochemistry should contact Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) for advising as soon as possible. This will ensure that the student’s previous work will be coordinated efficiently with ETSU requirements.
Additional Department Information
Credit for the following courses will not apply toward a major or minor in the department:
The department DOES NOT accept AP biology credit from high school.
For general information about the department or courses, contact Dr. Joe Bidwell, Department Chair at bidwell@etsu.edu or (423) 439-4329.
Biology Major Standard Track
This track requires 36 credits of biology courses and the completion of a minor. The student must complete the core courses, non-biology requirements, choice of course(s) from the menu lists, capstone course and 2-6 additional credits in Biology. These additional biology courses can be used to complete the 36 required credits for the major.
Degree Requirements: 120 credits
| General Education |
41-42 credits |
| Major Total Requirement |
57-60 credits |
| Major Core |
(15 credits) |
| Biology Menu Requirement |
(14-18 credits) |
| Non-Biology Course Requirement |
(21-24 credits) |
| Other: Capstone |
(1 credit) |
| Biology Elective Requirement |
(2-6 credits) |
| Minor |
18-24 credits |
| Free Electives |
0-4 credits |
| TOTAL |
120 credits |
Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: BIOL-BS (Standard Track)
College of Arts and Sciences : Visit link to view the complete list of B.S. degree requirements.
General Education Requirements
These requirements include earning 41-42 credits in Communication, Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavior Sciences, History, Natural Sciences and Mathematics categories.
Major Specific courses listed in General Education Requirements:
Required Biology Electives: 2-6 credits
Note: Completion of one course in each menu usually leaves 2-6 credits needed. Students can choose any credit, including Independent Study and/or Research in Biology in biological sciences, to fulfill their additional credits needed for graduation.
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