Program Overview

Introduction to the Biology Program

The Biology Program at Southwest Minnesota State University is broadly based in biology, the supporting sciences, and math. Research experiences are embedded into the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to perform independent research projects and formally present their results at the annual Undergraduate Research Conference.

Program Details

The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in medicine, health care, government, industry, and environmental fields. Students pursuing a Biology major may choose from three emphasis areas: Medical and Health Sciences, Ecology/Wildlife Biology, or General Biology. Additionally, students can major in Biology Education or Medical Laboratory Science (MLS).

Facilities

The program is housed in the Science/Math and Science/Technology Buildings, which include:

• Six teaching/research laboratories
• A media/solutions preparation lab
• A GIS lab
• A greenhouse
• A natural history museum
• An on-campus 40-acre Wildlife Area Students gain hands-on experience with various instrumentation, including:
  • Camera and Wi-Fi enabled compound and dissecting microscopes
  • A virtual cadaver table
  • PCR/qPCR
  • Centrifuges
  • Growth chambers
  • Physiology powerlabs
  • Spectrophotometers
  • Valve Index Full Virtual Reality kits

Majors and Minors

The program offers the following majors and minors:

• Major - Bachelor of Science: Biology
• Major - Bachelor of Arts: Biology
• Major - Bachelor of Arts: Medical Laboratory Science
• Major - Bachelor of Science: Biology Education
• Minor - Biology Many Biology students double-major or pursue minors in related fields, such as Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, or Exercise Science.

Pre-Professional Programs

Biology majors satisfy the pre-professional requirements for acceptance into various programs, including:

• Medicine
• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Optometry
• Dentistry
• Occupational therapy
• Physician assistant
• Veterinary
• Pharmacy
• Osteopathic programs

Research and Career Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the biology program, with experiences embedded throughout the four-year core curriculum. Students must use scientific literature to create research proposals, design and carry out experiments, analyze data, and present their findings during the Undergraduate Research Conference. Graduates may choose from a number of careers, including:

• Biochemist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Health Professions
• Biomedical research
• Microbiologist
• High School life science teacher
• Medical laboratory scientist

Activities and Clubs

Biology majors can involve themselves in various activities, such as:

• Working as lab assistants in the Biology Lab-Prep Room
• Helping in the greenhouse
• Creating educational displays in the Natural History Museum The Biology Club has programs and activities to serve as social and academic focuses for departmental majors and pre-professional students. Many area businesses and healthcare providers provide internships, part-time jobs, and job shadowing experience for students.