Introduction to the B.S. in Biological Science

The Department of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.S. in Biological Science. This program allows students to engage in the scientific study of living systems and their complexities, using modern scientific methods to understand and predict natural phenomena.

About the Program

The B.S. in Biological Science provides students with a broad understanding of the natural world and equips them with skills such as designing and conducting experiments, operating sophisticated instruments, interpreting data, and thinking critically. Students have access to a diversity of courses and various habitats in North Mississippi for laboratory and field studies, including a 740-acre field station, a national forest, and flood-control reservoirs. They can also participate in mentored scientific research and work in the laboratory with a faculty member.

Optional Emphasis Areas

Students may choose from several optional emphasis areas:

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Integrative Biology
• Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
• Organismal Biology
• Pre-Health Biological Sciences

Accelerated Master's Degree

There is an Accelerated Master's degree program that allows biological science majors to earn both the undergraduate and master's degree in 5 years instead of 6.

B.S. vs B.A.

Students can choose between the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science. The B.S. degree requires additional mathematics and science courses, providing more in-depth training in biology. The B.A. degree has a deeper and wider general education foundation and allows greater compatibility with other areas of study. B.A. students choose a minor field of study or double major.

The Value of a Biology Degree

Biology majors achieve an understanding of living systems and develop the ability to design and conduct experiments, operate sophisticated instruments, think critically, interpret data, and communicate complex ideas. Related careers in biology include healthcare, education, research and development, conservation organizations, business, government, environmental law, urban planning, science or technical writing, and more.

Program Information

Degree

• B.S. in Biological Science

Emphases

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Integrative Biology
• Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
• Organismal Biology
• Pre-Health Biological Sciences

Required Credit Hours

• 120

Program Type

• Major
• Minor

Program Location

• Oxford

School

• College of Liberal Arts

Duration

• 4 Years

Degree Requirements

To find out about credit hour and course requirements, refer to the academic catalog.

Prerequisites

To enroll in the required first biology course for the major or minor, students must meet one of the following prerequisites:

• ACT math subscore of 24 (SAT 580)
• ALEKS online math placement test score of PPL 76
• Grade of A or B in Chem 101 at the University of Mississippi
• Grade of A or B in Math 121: Algebra and Math 123: Trig
• Grade of A or B in Math 125: Basic Math for Science and Technology

B.S. in Biological Science

Students in the B.S. in Biological Science complete 42 hours of biology courses and 6 courses outside the department. Students may choose an optional minor field of study.

• Bisc 160, 161: Bio Sciences I & Lab (4 hours)
• Bisc 162, 163: Bio Sciences II & Lab (4 hours)
• Bisc 498: Major Field Achievement Test

Biology Core

• Bisc 322: General Ecology (4 hours)
• Bisc 336: Genetics (4 hours)
• One physiology course from:
  • Bisc 330: Introductory Physiology
  • Bisc 438: Microbial Physiology
  • Bisc 516: Plant Physiology
• One of the advanced biology courses from:
  • Bisc 415: Vertebrate Histology
  • Bisc 418: Intro to Molecular Systematics
  • Bisc 427: Methods in Comparative Neuroscience
  • Bisc 440: Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Bisc 504: Biometry
  • Bisc 512: Animal Behavior
  • Bisc 518: Microtechnique
  • Bisc 519: Physiology of Aquatic Animals
  • Bisc 521: Cell Physiology
  • Bisc 530: Adv. Field Study in Ecology
  • Bisc 547: Adv. Histology
  • Bisc 553: Comparative Animal Physiology

Five or six biology electives (18 credit hours) at the 300-level or higher except Bisc 492

Additional Requirements

• Chem 105, 115: Gen Chem I and Lab (4 hours)
• Chem 106, 116: Gen Chem II and Lab (4 hours)
• Chem 221, 225: Elem. Organic Chem I & lab (4 hours)
• Chem 222, 226: Elem. Organic Chem II & lab (4 hours)
• Math 261: Calculus I (3 hours)
• Math 262: Calculus II (3 hours)

Emphasis Requirements

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Emphasis

The Ecology & Evolutionary Biology emphasis requires a minimum of three courses from the following:

• Bisc 300: Research Methods in Biology
• Bisc 301: Evolution
• Bisc 305: Science in Practice
• Bisc 320: Introductory Marine Biology
• Bisc 321: Introductory Aquatic Biology
• Bisc 323: Biology of Invasive Species
• Bisc 345: Symbiosis: From Parasitism to Mutualism
• Bisc 352: Coastal Ecology
• Bisc 413: Conservation Biology
• Bisc 417: Evolution and Medicine
• Bisc 435: Research in Freshwater Biology
• Bisc 443: Ecology of Plant Communities of MS
• Bisc 445: Introduction to Coral-Reef Ecology
• Bisc 448: Tropical Studies in Biology
• Bisc 451: Ecotoxicology
• Bisc 504: Biometry
• Bisc 505: Aquatic Microbiology
• Bisc 510: Theoretical Ecology
• Bisc 513: Limnological Methods
• Bisc 514: Population Genetics
• Bisc 515: Conservation Biology: Viable Populations
• Bisc 524: Aquatic Botany
• Bisc 525: Conservation and Restoration Ecology
• Bisc 528: Conservation Physiology
• Bisc 530: Advanced Field Study in Ecology
• Bisc 534: Freshwater Insects
• Bisc 535: Plant-Insect Interactions
• Bisc 540: Chemical Ecology
• Bisc 550: Biological Oceanography
• Bisc 554: Ecological Physiology
• Bisc 560: Microbial Experimental Evolution
• Bisc 566: Evolutionary Biology
• Bisc 567: Evolutionary Biology Laboratory
• Bisc 568: Infectious Disease Ecology

Integrative Biology Emphasis

The Integrative Biology emphasis requires a minimum of three courses from the following: 1 course from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology list 1 course from the Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology list 1 course from the Organismal Biology list

Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology Emphasis

The Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology emphasis requires a minimum of three courses from the following:

• Bisc 300: Research Methods in Biology
• Bisc 305: Science in Practice
• Bisc 306: Virology
• Bisc 333: General Microbiology
• Bisc 370: Introductory Molecular Genetics
• Bisc 372: Introductory Cell Biology
• Bisc 414: Immunology and Serology
• Bisc 418: Introduction to Molecular Systematics
• Bisc 436: Human and Vertebrate Genetics
• Bisc 438: Microbial Physiology
• Bisc 439: Developmental Biology
• Bisc 440: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Bisc 503: Topics in Bioinformatics
• Bisc 507: Cell Biology of Cancer
• Bisc 509: Microbial Genetics
• Bisc 511: Applied Microbiology
• Bisc 520: Medical Microbiology
• Bisc 521: Cell Physiology
• Bisc 522: Microbial Ecology
• Bisc 523: Molecular Microbiol. of Soils & Sediment
• Bisc 541: Cell Biol. of Neurodegenerative Disease
• Bisc 542: Microbial Diversity
• Bisc 548: Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
• Bisc 555: Radiation Biology
• Bisc 560: Microbial Experimental Evolution

Organismal Biology Emphasis

The Organismal Biology emphasis requires a minimum of three courses from the following:

• Bisc 300: Research Methods in Biology
• Bisc 305: Science in Practice
• Bisc 310: Human Anatomy
• Bisc 318: Botany
• Bisc 327: Introductory Neuroscience
• Bisc 329: Biology of Fishes
• Bisc 330: Introductory Physiology
• Bisc 331: Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates
• Bisc 332: Comparative Embryology of Vertebrates
• Bisc 334: Ornithology
• Bisc 335: Human Reproduction
• Bisc 337: Introductory Entomology
• Bisc 338: Invertebrate Zoology
• Bisc 339: Phycology
• Bisc 342: Plant Diversity
• Bisc 349: Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives
• Bisc 350: Mammalogy
• Bisc 352: Coastal Ecology
• Bisc 415: Vertebrate Histology
• Bisc 416: Elementary Parasitology
• Bisc 427: Methods in Comparative Neuroscience
• Bisc 502: Mycology
• Bisc 504: Biometry
• Bisc 512: Animal Behavior
• Bisc 516: Plant Physiology
• Bisc 518: Microtechnique
• Bisc 519: Physiology of Aquatic Animals
• Bisc 528: Conservation Physiology
• Bisc 529: Endocrinology
• Bisc 531: Plant Morphology
• Bisc 532: Plant Taxonomy
• Bisc 533: Advanced Neuroscience
• Bisc 538: Hormones and Behavior
• Bisc 543: Functional Neuroanatomy
• Bisc 546: Herpetology
• Bisc 547: Advanced Histology
• Bisc 551: Protozoology
• Bisc 553: Comparative Animal Physiology

Pre-Health Biological Sciences Emphasis

The Pre-Health Biological Sciences emphasis requires a minimum of three courses from the following:

• Bisc 300: Research Methods in Biology
• Bisc 305: Science in Practice
• Bisc 306: Virology
• Bisc 310: Human Anatomy
• Bisc 327: Introductory Neuroscience
• Bisc 330: Introductory Physiology
• Bisc 331: Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates
• Bisc 332: Comparative Embryology of Vertebrates
• Bisc 333: General Microbiology
• Bisc 335: Human Reproduction
• Bisc 372: Introductory Cell Biology
• Bisc 414: Immunology and Serology
• Bisc 415: Vertebrate Histology
• Bisc 417: Evolution and Medicine
• Bisc 436: Human and Vertebrate Genetics
• Bisc 439: Developmental Biology
• Bisc 440: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Bisc 507: Cell Biology of Cancer
• Bisc 520: Medical Microbiology
• Bisc 521: Cell Physiology
• Bisc 529: Endocrinology
• Bisc 533: Advanced Neuroscience
• Bisc 541: Cell Biol. of Neurodegenerative Disease
• Bisc 543: Functional Neuroanatomy

Minor in Biological Science

A minor in biology consists of a minimum of 18 credit hours of biology courses.

• Bisc 160, 161: Bio Sciences I & Lab (4 hours)
• Bisc 162, 163: Bio Sciences II & Lab (4 hours)
• 10 credit hours at the 300-level or higher

Department Opportunities

The Department of Biology offers various opportunities for students to enhance their education and prepare for their future careers.

Meet Student Ambassadors

Student ambassadors are available to answer questions about academics, campus life, and Oxford.

Student Success Resources

The department, College, and university offer scholarship opportunities and student success resources.

Undergraduate Opportunities

Students can enhance their education with experiences beyond the classroom, gaining a more well-rounded education and better preparation for the workforce.

Choosing an Optional Minor

Bachelor of Science students may select an optional minor (or double major), combining their study of biology with many other subjects based on their interests and career goals.

Available Minors

• Society and Health, Minor
• Mathematics, B.A.
• Environmental Studies, B.A.
• Chemistry, B.A.
• Physics, B.A.
• Computer Science, B.A.
• Neuroscience, Minor
• Disaster Sciences, Minor
• Professional Writing, Minor
• Psychology, B.A.

Alumni Examples

Meet Biology Alumni who have pursued various careers, including:

• Research Scientist, Proctor & Gamble
• Chief Medical Officer, UM Medical Center
• President and CEO, MS Health Partners
• Vice President, Merrill Lynch
• Principal, Holly Springs School District
• Rehabilitation Specialist, Sea Turtle Hospital
• Nurse, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
• City Planner, City of Portland
• Senior Environment Analyst, MS Department of Environmental Quality
• Team Physician, Carolina Panthers
• Editor, Environmental Management Journal
• Psychiatrist, National Institutes of Health
• Cardiologist, Jackson Heart Clinic
• Microbiologist, Indiana University Medical School
• Dentist, Gulf Coast Pediatric Dentistry
• Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy

Careers:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Research and development
• Conservation organization
• Business
• Government
• Environmental law
• Urban planning
• Science or technical writing

University of Mississippi

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Overview:

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. It is a time-honored institution known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich tradition of success. Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing students with boundless opportunities.

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Services Offered:

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Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, as well as a variety of graduate programs. The university also provides a Freshman Studies program for undecided students.

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The university offers comprehensive admissions services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including campus visits, request information, and application processes.

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Ole Miss provides a diverse and engaging student life experience, including campus living, student involvement, support and resources, campus recreation, and international student support.

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As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers opportunities for students to engage in research with expert faculty across various fields.

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Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program, with teams competing at the highest level of college athletics.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ole Miss boasts a vibrant student community with a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can experience the renowned tailgating tradition in the Grove, explore the charming town of Oxford, and participate in various student organizations. The university also emphasizes community engagement and service opportunities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

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The university provides a dynamic and engaging student experience with numerous opportunities for involvement and social interaction.

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Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of community, both on campus and in the surrounding town of Oxford.

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As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

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Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program and passionate fan base.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Programs:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, including programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and more.

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The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.

Special Programs:

Ole Miss provides special programs for undergraduates, such as study abroad opportunities and programs tailored to specific interests.

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Other:

Regional Campuses:

Ole Miss has regional campuses located in DeSoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Rankin, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Alumni Network:

Ole Miss has a strong alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

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Ole Miss has a rich history and unique traditions, including the iconic Grove and the "Hotty Toddy" cheer.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.