Biology is the scientific study of living systems. The Bachelor of Science in biology curriculum includes the study of organismal diversity, cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students are encouraged to master basic principles of scientific inquiry while familiarizing themselves with the traditional aspects of a sound liberal education.
The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with four options: General Biology, Pre-Professional, Biotechnology, and a track in Biology Education. Details on the former may be found elsewhere in this Catalog in the sub-section on the School of Education, Human Development, and Consumer Sciences. A minor in Biology is also offered.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Kentucky State University offers a curriculum that prepares students for post-baccalaureate programs and many possible career fields including medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, dental, education, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and other related areas. Incoming students who desire to pursue a biology degree should work with their advisor and the biology faculty members to ensure that they are selecting electives that will meet their desired career goals. For more information students can contact the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Natural Sciences@kysu.edu or (502) 597-6603.
Students who major in Biology must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, including the University's Liberal Studies Requirements. See the Race Tracks, below, for specific recommended curriculum plans.
Biology majors must earn a C or better in all core, elective, and support courses.
Biology core course requirements: BIO 111, 115/116, 210, 212, 302, 303, 307, 316, 401, 408, and 410.
Biology electives include: any biology course at the 300- or 400-level that is not required for the major and BIO 410 after it has been taken once to fulfill the major requirement. Biology electives also include CHE 315/350, AQU 300/400 level courses (except AQU 425). Additional elective courses may be approved by the Biology Committee.
Bachelor of Science in Biology General Biology Track
120 credit hours
| Term 1 (Fall) | Hours |
|---|---|
| MAT 131 Calculus & Analytical Geom I | 5 |
| CHE 101 General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| ENG 101 English Composition I | 4 |
| KSU 118 Intro to University Learning | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Term 2 (Spring) | Hours |
| BIO 111 Principles of Biology | 4 |
| BIO 115 Freshman Biology Seminar | 1 |
| CHE 102 General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 120 General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| ENG 102 English Composition II | 3 |
| COM 103 Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| KSU 186 Navigating the Tech. World | 3 |
| Term 5 (Fall) | Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 316 Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 307 Genetics | 4 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Req | 3 |
| BIO 300/400 Guided Elective | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
| Term 6 (Spring) | Hours |
| BIO 302 General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 300/400 Guided Elective | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Req | 3 |
| BIO 303 Human Physiology | 4 |