Nov 24, 2024  
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin ARCHIVED

Biology, BS


University Core Curriculum Requirements


B. Mathematics


Three hours from:


C. Life and Physical Science


D. Language, Philosophy and Culture


E. Creative Arts


F. American History


G. Government/Political Science


H. Social and Behavioral Science


I. Component Area Option


Three hours from:


Foundation of Knowledge


For All Concentrations


For Non-Teaching Concentrations


For Biology Teacher Certification Concentration


Biology Major


Biology Non-Teaching Concentrations


If the topic is deemed appropriate by the instructor and the department chair, BIOL 3390 BIOL 4317 , and BIOL 4398  may also fulfill requirements for a degree track. Consult with a faculty advisor for assistance.

Aquatic Biology (Freshwater and Marine) Concentration


Aquatic Plant Biology

Four hours from:

Advanced Biology Electives

Complete 5-10 hours of BIOL upper-level electives.  Up to two upper-level courses outside the major may be selected in consultation with an advisor.

This section is not required if a student chooses to declare a minor.

Cellular and Molecular Concentration


Cellular and Molecular

Complete the following:

Advanced Biology Electives

Complete 20-23 hours of BIOL upper-level electives.  Up to two upper-level courses outside the major may be selected in consultation with an advisor.

This section is not required if a student chooses to declare a minor.

Conservation, Ecology and Evolution Concentration


Cell/Molecular Biology

Three hours from:

Advanced Biology Electives

Complete 12-17 hours of upper-level BIOL electives. Up to two upper-level courses outside the major may be selected in consultation with an advisor.

This section is not required if a student chooses to declare a minor.

Biology Teacher Certification Concentration


Minor Option


A minor of 18 to 24 semester hours in a single discipline is optional. At least six hours in the minor must be in advanced-level courses at SFA. Biology majors may choose the Combined Sciences Minor.  Biology majors contemplating graduate work are advised to select a minor in the sciences or in mathematics, or complete advanced Biology electives.

General Electives


The student may be required to complete additional elective hours to complete the degree.

Total hours: 120


Grade Requirements


  • A grade of at least C in each first-year English course (ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 )
  • A C average in work completed in the major field
  • A C average in work completed in the minor field

The required averages are based on those SFA courses taken in each category that are included in the student’s official degree plan (CAPP). Transfer and advanced placement coursework are not included in GPA calculations.

In-Residence Requirement


Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degrees require at least 25% semester credit hours completed in-residence.

Undergraduate degrees with 120 hours total degree program hours require a minimum of 30 advanced (upper level) in-residence semester credit hours. The in-residence hour requirement will be fulfilled as part of the individual discipline major, which includes as least 12 advanced in-residence semester credit hours. Minor requirements also may contribute to the total in-residence hours as at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours are required. The balance of in-resident hours will be fulfilled through additional advanced semester credit hours and may include further major and minor coursework.

Undergraduate degrees with more than 120 total degree program hour requirements will ensure semester credit hours for the specific discipline include at least 25% of total semester credit hours in-residence.

View HOP policy 02-214.

Texas Success Initiative Program


All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See the TSI information  bulletin page.

Degree Map for Aquatic Biology Concentration


The following is the recommended sequence of course completion for this degree.

Freshman year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Fall


Spring


Senior Year


Fall


  • Credit(s): 3
  • Aquatic Science Credit(s): 4
  • Advanced Survey Biology Credit(s): 6-8
  • E.  Creative Arts Credit(s): 3

Spring


  • Credit(s): 1
  • H.  Social and Behavioral Science Credit(s): 3
  • Advanced BIOL electives Credit(s): 6-8
  • Aquatic Plant Biology Credit(s): 4

Degree Map for Cellular and Molecular Concentration


The following is the recommended sequence of course completion for this degree.

Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Fall


Spring


Junior Year


Fall


Spring


Senior Year


Fall


Spring


Degree Map for Conservation, Ecology and Evolutionary Concentration


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Fall


Spring


Senior Year


Fall


  • E. Creative Arts Credit(s): 3
  • Advanced Ecology/Evolution Credit(s): 3-6
  • Advanced BIOL electives Credit(s): 6-8
  • Credit(s): 3

Spring


  • H. Social and Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
  • Cell/Molecular Biology Credit(s): 3
  • Advanced Form/Function Credit(s): 3-4
  • Advanced BIOL electives Credit(s): 3-4
  • Credit(s): 1

Degree Map for Biology Teacher Certification Concentration


The following is the recommended sequence of course completion for this degree.

Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Fall


Spring


Junior Year


Senior Year