Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 SDSM&T Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, BS


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Contact Information

Lori D. Coble, Interim Department Head
Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences
Chemical and Biological Engineering/Chemistry 3317
Office Phone: 605-394-5132
E-mail: Lori.Coble@sdsmt.edu

BIOL Flowchart  

The Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences (CABS) offers a BS degree as well as a minor in Biology.  The core curriculum includes a foundation in key applied biological areas including microbiology, genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and bioinformatics, as well as coursework in chemistry, math, and physics. For detailed information about this major or department please view the Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences department webpage.

BiologyCurriculum/Checklist

The following curriculum shows one example of a path toward the Biology degree. The sequence of courses taken will depend on the academic preparation and career objectives of the individual student. Students can “tailor” their degree with a variety of electives and may choose one of the following areas of emphasis: Pre-health, Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology, or Pre-biomedical Engineering. Students in the program will work with an advisor for a more personalized course of study.  

Freshman Year


First Semester


Total: 16


Second Semester


Total: 15


Sophomore Year


First Semester


Total: 15 or 16


Second Semester


Total: 16


Junior Year


First Semester


Total: 13


Second Semester


Total: 15


Senior Year


First Semester


  • Credits: 1 to 3
  • Major Program Elective Credits: 9
  • Free Elective Credits: 6

Total: 16


Second Semester


  • Major Program Elective Credits: 6 or 7
  • Free Elective Credits: 7

Total: 13 or 14


120 credits required for graduation


Curriculum Notes


*Fulfills General Education requirement. Students should consult the General Education Requirements  section of this catalog for a complete listing of all general education requirements. Biology majors should consult their advisor to tailor an individualized curriculum based on their areas of interest and academic preparedness.

Math Requirement:  11 credits (MATH 123, 125, and 321 or 381)

Physics Requirement:  7 credits (100 or 200 level PHYS courses)

Chemistry Requirement:  25 credits (CHEM 112, 112L, 114, 114L, 326, 326L, 328, 328L, 464, 464L, and 465)

Biology Requirement:  24 credits (BIOL 111, 151, 151L, 153, 153L, 331, 331L, 371, 371L, 446, 480, and 490)

Biology Program Electives:  19 credits

Free Electives:  13 credits (May include Military Science (MSL), Physical Education (PE), Music (MUS), music ensemble (MUEN) courses, and any courses selected by student and advisor.

Total 120 credits required for the Bachelors of Science in Biology.

Choosing Electives for Career Paths

Program electives (from the list below) and free electives (any courses approved by student’s academic advisor) will vary depending on student’s area of emphasis and career interests. Emphases include Pre-health, Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology, and Pre-biomedical Engineering. All students should consult with their academic advisor when selecting electives.

Biology Program Electives


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