Biology Major, B.S. (Standard Track - minor required)

Department Information

Department of Biological Sciences
PO 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:

• BIOL 2992 Research Orientation  (2 credits)
• BIOL 4900 Independent Studies  (1-4 credits)
• BIOL 4910 Research in Biology  (1-4 credits)
   

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:

• BIOL 1000 Academic Advantage
• BIOL 1010 Biology for Non-majors I /BIOL 1011 Biology for Non-majors Laboratory  
• BIOL 1020 Biology for Non-majors II /BIOL 1021 Biology for Non-majors Laboratory II  

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

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: BIOL-BS  

College of Arts and Sciences : Visit link to view the complete list of B.S. degree requirements.

• (CHEM 1110 /CHEM 1111 ) and (CHEM 1120 /CHEM 1121 )
• PHIL 2640  
• PHIL 2030  or COMM 2055  
• MATH 1910  

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:

• CHEM 1110 /CHEM 1111  
• CHEM 1120 /CHEM 1121  
• MATH 1910  

Total Requirements for Biology Major: 57-60 credits

Biology Major Core Requirements: 15 credits

Note: Core courses must be completed prior to starting advanced courses

• BIOL 1110 - Biology for Science Majors Lecture I (4 credits)
• BIOL 1111 - Biology for Science Majors Laboratory I (0 credit)
• BIOL 1120 - Biology for Science Majors Lecture II (4 credits)
• BIOL 1121 - Biology for Science Majors Laboratory II (0 credit)
• BIOL 1130 - Biology for Science Majors Lecture III (4 credits)
• BIOL 1131 - Biology for Science Majors Laboratory III (0 credit)
• BIOL 3100 - General Genetics (3 credits)

Biology Menu Requirements: 14-18 credits

Note: * Courses listed in more than one menu can only be used to satisfy ONE menu.

Required Non-Biology Courses: 21-24 credits

Biology Capstone Course: 1 credit

• BIOL 4995 Capstone: Review of Biology Concepts (1 credit)  

Note: This course is a graduation requirement and must be completed during the last two semesters prior to graduation. As part of this course, students will complete the Major Field Exam in Biology.

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.

Minor: 18-24 credits

Free Electives: 0-4 credits

Additional Information

Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. 

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.