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Biology

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The Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama is a flagship department in the College of Arts and Sciences, with one of the highest student enrollments on campus.  The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and undergraduates can pursue a concentration in Marine Biology or Environmental Sciences.  Additionally, South offers a Master of Science in Biology and students can choose to be mentored by one of the department’s faculty members, which includes renowned experts in a range of biology-related disciplines.  

Courses are taught primarily by full-time faculty, and students are provided with research opportunities each semester. Through mentorship, teaching and research, biology faculty foster an environment for active learning where students acquire knowledge in all areas of the field, including ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology, conservation and global change.  South strives for excellence and provides students with the analytical and technical skills necessary to work on microbes, marine mammals, and everything in between.  Students from this program graduate as well-rounded alumni capable of pursuing professional, governmental and academic careers to tackle challenges facing our planet.

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Undergraduate Program
South offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  The multitrack major provides students with a well-rounded background in biology.  Students may also select courses in the multitrack curriculum that prepare them for graduate study, pre-health professional fields (such as medicine or dentistry), marine biology or environmental science.
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Graduate Program
The Master of Science in Biology degree program provides students the opportunity to further their knowledge in generalized and specialized areas of biology.  Students may also concurrently pursue a teaching certificate through a cooperative agreement with the USA College of Education and Professional Studies.  Graduate assistantships may be available for qualified students.
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Research
The University of South Alabama has a history of investment in biology education and research, supporting a faculty of renowned experts in a range of biology-related disciplines.  Multiple faculty members are currently working on grant-sponsored research projects, which provides fantastic opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields.

 

  Latest News
A Passion for Tarantulas
A Passion for Tarantulas
Tuesday - April 30, 2024
When Jorjia Elmore graduated from Pensacola High School and was planning to enroll at the University of South Alabama, her parents told her to get out of her comfort zone. She did, studying tarantulas.
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Roots of Research
Roots of Research
Tuesday - November 21, 2023
Dr. Tuan Tran wins USDA grant to study a soil-based pathogen that causes bacterial wilt in plants such as potatoes and tomatoes.
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South Professor Receives Grant to Study Migratory Birds
South Professor Receives Grant to Study Migratory Birds
Wednesday - September 27, 2023
University of South Alabama assistant professor of biology Dr. Jonathan Pérez has been awarded a $478,878 grant from the National Science Foundation for his paper titled 'Determining the Neural Mechanisms Regulating Photo-stimulation of Migratory Physiology and Behavior.' Pérez's research focuses on how the brains of songbirds use environmental information to time seasonal migration.
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