B.S. in Biological Science
Become part of the solution to some of the most important problems currently facing society.
There are two paths to study biology at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science. The B.S. degree requires additional mathematics and science courses, and provides more in-depth training in biology than the B.A. degree.
Key Benefits
Biology majors achieve an understanding of living systems and develop the ability to design and conduct experiments, operate sophisticated instruments, interpret data, and think critically. Thanks to a diversity of courses and a great variety of habitats in north Mississippi, biology majors have ample opportunities for both laboratory and local field studies, including a 740-acre field station, a national forest, and flood-control reservoirs.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in biology include health, education, research and development, conservation organization, business, government, environmental law, urban planning, non-profit management, and science/technical writer.
Experiences Offered
Students can participate in mentored scientific research working in the laboratory with a faculty member. The department maintains an online resource to assist students in finding research opportunities.
Adventurous students can explore diverse environments through research and study courses throughout the U.S. South, Grand Canyon, the California coast, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
B.S. in Biological Science Faculty
The University of Mississippi's Department of Biology includes faculty members whose areas of specialization include cell & molecular biology, ecology, biodiversity & evolution, and behavior & neuroscience.
Course Requirements
A major in biological science for the B.S. degree consists of a minimum of 42 semester hours of biology including 34 at the 300 level or above. This requirement includes introductory courses (Bisc 160, 161, 162, 163 for 8 credit hours); biology core courses for 16 credit hours; biology electives for 18 credit hours minimum; and the major field achievement test (Bisc 498, which must be taken as a senior) (0 hours). After the successful completion of Bisc 160, 161, 162, 163 as initial courses, students may enroll in advanced biology courses that must include one course in each of the four B.S. biology core areas: ecology (Bisc 322), genetics (Bisc 336), physiology (Bisc 330 or Bisc 438 or Bisc 516), and cell and molecular biology (Bisc 440). Biology majors may choose to specialize by using their biology electives to add one optional emphasis, which requires a minimum of three courses from the approved list for the emphasis. The same course may not satisfy the biology core courses and an emphasis area. Students who complete relevant special topics, travel course, or research course will consult with the department prior to enrollment in the course to determine if it fulfills a course for an emphasis area. Seminars and nonmajor courses do not satisfy the minimum or 300-level requirements. In addition, two courses in calculus (Math 261 and 262), 8 hours of general chemistry (Chem 105, 106, 115, and 116), and two semesters of organic chemistry (Chem 221, 222, 225, 226) are required. Bisc 336 and Bisc 330 should be taken during the sophomore year, and Bisc 322 and Bisc 440 should be taken during the junior year.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biological Science program is the same as the general undergraduate admission requirements.
Kenyana Mitchell Washington
Keyana (2002) earned the nationally prestigious Truman Scholar Award. She was an honors student, a member of many honor societies, a Student Judicial Council Chair, VP of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Secretary of Habitat for Humanity, and mentor with Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education (IMAGE).
After graduation, Keyana earned her medical degree and a M.A. in public health from Emory University. Dr. Washington specializes in pediatrics and adolescent medicine and is affiliated with Children's Hospital of Georgia, Gwinnett Medical Center and Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth.
Why study biology at UM?
"UM provides an array of opportunities for you to follow whatever path you choose upon graduation. I felt very confident in my future knowing that I could leave UM and go to medical school, pursue a Ph.D., or teach. The faculty are superb and their relationships with other departments provide many opportunities for multidisciplinary learning."
Student Organizations
Join the Tri-Beta honor society