Degree Programs and Areas of Interest for biology undergraduate students
Bachelor of Science in Biology - Degree Plan The program leading to the
Bachelor of Science in biology includes a
core of
biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses. You must also
meet the
general education requirements for the university and for the College
of Arts and Sciences. During the last two years of the program,
your course
work will become more specialized, concentrating in a specific
discipline, such
as botany, ecology, physiology, or zoology. Bachelor of Science in Microbiology - Degree Plan The department offers the
Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology,
which meets
the criteria established by the American Society for Microbiology. The
degree
in microbiology prepares students for careers in agricultural,
clinical, environmental,
industrial, or medical microbiology employed by federal, state or
private entities. Bachelor of Arts - Degree Plan The Bachelor of Arts in Biology
is intended for students desiring a
broad education
with a core of essential biology courses. This option provides an
excellent basis
for careers such as scientific journalism, secondary education, and
pharmaceutical
sales. |
Areas of Undergraduate Emphasis
Microbiology
Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology
with interest in:
| Conservation Ecology Minor |
| Conservation Ecology Major |
| Plant Physiology |
| Zoology |
| Preprofessional Studies |
| Ecology |
| Botany |
| Animal Physiology |
Minors
The department offers a minor in biology, which provides a useful complement to other majors. For example, civil and chemical engineering majors may find a minor in biology helpful. A student majoring in business could take a minor in biology to prepare for a career in a health-care industry. The department also offers minors in microbiology, human biology, and conservation biology.
Biology majors are encouraged to select minors in such areas as agricultural science, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, psychology or molecular biology.
Preparation for a life in biology...
Modern biologists must have a good background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics as well as biology. If you plan a career in any of the disciplines of biology, you should enroll in courses in these areas--especially mathematics and chemistry--while in high school. As a biologist, you will need to communicate not only with your professional and scientific colleagues, but also with the general public. High school course work in speech, composition, and literature helps to develop these necessary communication skills.
Some areas of biology use computers extensively; others make use of electronic devices. Computer literacy is a distinct advantage in all biological disciplines, and experience with analytical instruments is a valuable asset.
Advisement
Early on in your studies at NMSU, you will want to seek advice on how
to pursue your interests and goals, even before you declare a major
(Biology or Microbiology) or minor (Human Biology, Conservation
Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology). Getting to know faculty
members is a great way to learn about a career in biology. However,
the Biology Department also maintains an Advising Center in Foster Hall
107C, which is a great way to learn about the Department at the
beginning of your academic studies. Advising Center staff
will help you plan your schedule so that you take the right courses, in
the right sequence, and finish your degree in a timely fashion. They
can advise you are the requirements for admission into professional
programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, etc.
Information on internships, scholarships and graduate schools is also
provided.
Current Advising Center hours are: Mon 10-1, Tue 8-12, 1-5, Wed & Thu 10-12, 1-3, and Fri 8-10. The center's phone number is 575-646-3298.
Email bioladvi@nmsu.edu