The Bachelor of Science in Biology teaches current scientific concepts and principles. Moreover, many courses will require you to spend considerable time in the laboratory or field. Through the actual performance of laboratory methods and field techniques, you will learn many of the skills needed to participate in original research, and have the opportunity to work with your instructors and professors on current research projects.
Completing the biology core will exposed you to all major areas of biology and allowed you the freedom to concentrate on an area of special interest within the major.
An emphasis is a set of courses that educate you on the content and methods associated with a particular sub-discipline or area of biology. Emphases are designed to effectively prepare you to enter professional schools of medicine or dentistry, and environmentally or biotechnology related careers in various governmental agencies, private companies, or academia. View emphasis courses below.
Students completing the pre-medical technology emphasis will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology that emphasizes the course work needed to compete for acceptance into hospital programs in the clinical laboratory sciences. Most hospital programs last for one or occasionally two years. During this time, students receive laboratory training in practical aspects of the clinical laboratory sciences. In addition, a certification exam must be passed to be employed as a clinical laboratory scientist in most states.
Students pursuing a concentration in Medical Technology should take the course recommended above as well as additional courses decided upon in consultation with the program director. Entry into hospital programs is competitive, and completion of these courses will best-prepare students for acceptance into hospital programs. A list of hospital programs for the state of Texas is provided below.
Students interested in these programs should contact Dr. Ana Christensen for detailed advising (Maes 101A, christenab@lamar.edu, (409) 880-8260).
Certification to teach Biology can be obtained along with a B.S. in Biology. Consult with the Biology Department Chair for specific information. A list of Biology courses for certification is available in the departmental office.
A Bachelor of Science in Biology is an excellent way to prepare for medically oriented professional schools.
Freshman and transfer students declaring themselves as Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, or Pre-Pharmacy status should consult the College of Arts and Sciences section of the catalog for information on the Pre-Professional Program.
Students in the pre-professional program will receive initial advising through the Pre-Professional Office. Students are encouraged to contact the Pre-professional Advisor at (409) 880-8534 for information and assistance.
More about Pre-Professional Programs
*Note that a Pre-professional program cannot be declared as a degree major.