Biology

 

General Biology

MISSION 
More students are enrolled in the General Biology Concentration than in any of the Department’s other concentrations, programs, or majors. Its popularity is due to the wide choices of Departmental courses in which students may enroll to meet the diverse academic requirements of professional schools, graduate schools, and employment in the public and private sectors.

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM 
During the freshman and sophomore years, students complete general studies requirements in English, mathematics, and computer sciences. They also complete their foundation courses, such as Principles of Biology and Organismal Biology, General Chemistry, General Ecology, Genetics, and Organic Chemistry, which prepares them for advanced courses. Students complete their upper level biology and physics classes during their junior and senior years.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

FRESHMAN YEAR	SOPHOMORE YEAR
Fall Semester    Principles of Biology & lab    Chemistry I & lab    English Composition I    Calculus I    Orientation  Spring Semester    Organismal Biology & Lab    Chemistry II & Lab    English Composition II    General Studies    General Studies	Fall Semester    General Ecology & lab    Organic Chemistry I & lab    Literature I    General Studies    General Studies  Spring Semester     General Microbiology & lab    Organic Chemistry II & lab    Literature II    General Studies
JUNIOR YEAR	SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester     Botany/Zoology & lab    Genetics & lab    Physics I & lab    General Studies  Spring Semester     Botany/Zoology & lab    Field Biology    Applied Statistics    Physics II & lab	Fall Semester     Upper level Biology & lab    Upper level Biology & lab    Cell and Molecular & lab    General Studies  Spring Semester     Upper level Biology & lab    Upper level Biology & lab    General Studies    Elective

STUDENT CLUBS

• Tri-Beta, the honor society for Biology
• Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), the Society of Pre-Health professions
• Environmental Club.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

• Arboretum: contains 75 acres of plant species representative of Southeast Alabama
• Herbarium: houses specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. 

COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

• Center for Environmental Research and Service (CERS),provides environmental services to the state of Alabama
• Nonpoint Source (NPS) assists with environmental education for the residents of Alabama
• Science in Motion provides teacher education assistance in the physical

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 
The General Biology Concentration serves as the academic home for students with three different career goals. First, most of the Department’s pre-health professions students are enrolled in the General Biology Concentration. Because admission to professional schools is extremely competitive, it is essential that students prepare for the academic commitment that the pre-health professions require. Admission to professional schools is based on grade point average, performance on national exams, such as medical, dental, optometry, or veterinary aptitude exams, interviews, and letters of recommendation. Second, other students plan to attend graduate school. They select those courses that are most appropriate for their future studies and also take the Graduate Record Examination. Many graduate schools offer assistantships to help defray the costs of a graduate education. Third, many students seek jobs in the private and government (state and federal) sectors upon graduation. The Concentration builds a strong foundation in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences that makes our students' credentials attractive to prospective employers.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH 
Many students conduct undergraduate research under faculty supervision. The students learn research techniques as they work closely with faculty. Each year our undergraduate students present their research findings at regional and national scientific meetings and some publish them in professional journals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 
For additional information about the General Biology Program, facilities, faculty, and course offerings, please contact:

Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences
Troy University
213 McCall Hall (MSCX)
Troy, AL 36082
biologymajor@troy.edu