Faculty
- Andy Laughlin, Ph.D., Chair
- Rod Blackwood, Ph.D.
- Bart Durham, Ph.D.
- Rachel Keylon, M.S.
- Doug Swartz, Ph.D.
- Allie Webb, M.S.
Degrees
To earn a degree, students must complete the curriculum and meet other requirements for a degree listed in the academic policy section of this catalog.
Minors
To earn a minor, students must complete the curriculum and meet other requirements listed in the academic policy section of this catalog.
Introduction
The Department of Natural Sciences includes biological, ecological, and agricultural sciences. The scientific study of the diversity of organisms, including microbes, plants, animals, and humans and the interrelationships among these provide abundant opportunities for scientific careers in research, human health, animal health and production, environmental health and management, and science education. The department bases its approach to the study of science on the biblical view that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Students taking courses in the department are introduced to major concepts of biology, ecology, and agriculture such that they can discover and interpret the characteristics of nature as part of the creation of God. Students learn that science is not merely a collection of facts to be memorized, but a process by which to understand the world. Students are equipped to be successful with the skills of careful observation, critical thinking, careful investigation, and effective communication. Major emphases include:
Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Medicine
The pre-veterinary science degree equips students for a career in veterinary medicine with specialized training in animal physiology and reproduction, as well as research procedures and techniques.
Health Professions Programs
The department offers information-intensive, research-supplemented, and service-oriented programs to prepare students for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, veterinary medicine, and the allied health sciences such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, and chiropractic science.
- Pre-Dental: Enroll in Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Pre-Medical: Enroll in Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Pre-Health Professions (pre-pharmacy, pre-PA, pre-allied health sciences): Enroll in Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Natural Resource Ecology and Conservation
The degree in Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation provides students with a broad background in natural resources management and conservation with specific emphasis in ecology, wildlife and fisheries management, conservation biology, and environmental science. Students completing this program will be prepared for graduate education or for employment with governmental and private agencies that are directly involved in managing our natural resources. Examples of employment include Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and private environmental consulting.
Science Education
Science content courses are taken by students preparing to teach biological sciences at the primary and secondary levels. Students seeking a degree in science education through the College of Education must complete a designated block of science courses and demonstrate competency in science pedagogy.
Undergraduate Research
Field research projects and research in the biotechnology and microbiology labs prepare graduates of the department to enter graduate research programs. Research projects within the department and the biochemistry research lab provide opportunities for student involvement in research and to gain experience in multiple laboratory techniques and procedures.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
- General Education Core (45-48 hours)
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- MAT1312 Trigonometry
- MAT1313 Precalculus
- MAT1316 Business Calculus
- MAT1402 Analytical Geometry and Calculus
- Scientific Reasoning (SR): 4 hours from:
- CHE1306/1106 Introduction Chemistry/Lab
- CHE1307/1107 General Chemistry I/Lab
- Health and Wellness (HW): 1-2 hours form
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- ESS Activities Course
- Social Science Literacy (SSL): 3 hours from
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- PSY1300 General Psychology
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- SOC1300 General Sociology
- Communication Proficiency (CP):
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- Creative Arts Literacy (CAL): 3 hours from
- AFA2350 Introduction to Fine Arts
- ART1305 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART1303 Drawing I
- ART2307 Art History Survey I
- ART2308 Art History Survey II
- ART3306 Art and Children
- ENG3305 Introduction to Creative Writing
- ENG3326 Introduction to Film Studies
- MUS1301 Music Literature
- MUS3300 Survey of the Music of Worship
- MUS3303 Music History I
- MUS3304 Music History II
- THA1361 Introduction to Acting
- Intercultural Competence (IC): 3 hours from
- COM3372 Intercultural Communication
- ENG3321 African-American Literature
- GBC3310 Global Experience
- FOL courses
- LIN2302 How Language Works
- MIS3312 Intercultural Engagement
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- REL3301 World Religions
- REL3313 World Christianity
- Christian Wisdom (CW):
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- Civic Engagement (CE); Critical Thinking & Ethical Awareness (CTEA): 3 hours from
- ECO2301 Macroeconomics
- ECO2302 Microeconomics
- GOV2301 National Government
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- HIS courses
- PHI2304 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI3305 Ethics
- Human Experience (HE): 3 hours from
- ENG2301 Masterpieces of Literature
- HIS1315 World History and Geography I
- HIS1316 World History and Geography II
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- HUM2300 Exploring Human Experience
- MUS3304 Music History II
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- Major (35 hours)
- ANS1303/1003 Principles of Animal Science/Lab
- ANS3403 Advanced Feeds and Nutrition
- ANS3314 Physiology of Farm Animals
- ANS3323 Physiology of Reproduction
- ANS4313 Concepts in Animal Health and Disease
- BIO1405/1005 Majors Biology I/Lab
- BIO1406/1006 Majors Biology II/Lab
- BIO3304/3004 Advanced Botany/Lab
- BIO3305/3005 Advanced Zoology/Lab
- NRC1300 Introduction to Wildlife Management
- NRC4200 Senior Seminar
- Supporting Courses (28 hours)
- AEC1304 Principles of Soil Science
- AEC3304 Farm and Ranch Management
- BIO2401/2001 Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
- IST3300 Advanced Spreadsheet Design
- MAT3303 Probability and Statistics
- NRC3323/3023 General Ecology/Lab
- 9 hours (3 hours must be upper level) from AEC, ANS, BIO, CHE, or NRC
- Electives (12 hours)
- Total (120-123 hours)
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with Pre-Veterinary Emphasis
- General Education Core (45-48 hours)
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- MAT1312 Trigonometry
- MAT1313 Precalculus
- MAT1316 Business Calculus
- MAT1402 Analytical Geometry and Calculus
- Scientific Reasoning (SR):
- CHE1307/1107 General Chemistry I/Lab
- Health and Wellness (HW): 1-2 hours form
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- ESS Activities Course
- Social Science Literacy (SSL): 3 hours from
- PSY1300 General Psychology
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- SOC1300 General Sociology
- Communication Proficiency (CP):
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- Creative Arts Literacy (CAL): 3 hours from
- AFA2350 Introduction to Fine Arts
- ART1305 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART1303 Drawing I
- ART2307 Art History Survey I
- ART2308 Art History Survey II
- ART3306 Art and Children
- ENG3305 Introduction to Creative Writing
- ENG3326 Introduction to Film Studies
- MUS1301 Music Literature
- MUS3300 Survey of the Music of Worship
- MUS3303 Music History I
- MUS3304 Music History II
- THA1361 Introduction to Acting
- Intercultural Competence (IC): 3 hours from
- COM3372 Intercultural Communication
- ENG3321 African-American Literature
- GBC3310 Global Experience
- FOL courses
- LIN2302 How Language Works
- MIS3312 Intercultural Engagement
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- REL3301 World Religions
- REL3313 World Christianity
- Christian Wisdom (CW):
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- Civic Engagement (CE); Critical Thinking & Ethical Awareness (CTEA): 3 hours from
- ECO2301 Macroeconomics
- ECO2302 Microeconomics
- GOV2301 National Government
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- HIS courses
- PHI2304 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI3305 Ethics
- Human Experience (HE): 3 hours from
- HIS1315 World History and Geography I
- HIS1316 World History and Geography II
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- Major (45 hours)
- ANS1303/1003 Principles of Animal Science/Lab
- ANS3314 Physiology of Farm Animals
- ANS3323 Physiology of Reproduction
- ANS3403 Advanced Feeds and Nutrition
- ANS4313 Concepts in Animal Health and Disease
- BIO1405/1005 Majors Biology I/Lab
- BIO1406/1006 Majors Biology II/Lab
- BIO3300 Genetics
- BIO3303 Cell and Molecular Biology
- BIO3305/3005 Advanced Zoology/Lab
- BIO3310 General Microbiology
- BIO3111 Microbiology Lab
- 6 hours from ANS, BIO, NRC
- NRC4200 Senior Seminar
- Supporting Courses (3 hours)
- CHE1308 General Chemistry II
- CHE1108 General Chemistry II Lab
- CHE3301 Organic Chemistry I
- CHE3101 Organic Chemistry I Lab
- CHE3302 Organic Chemistry II
- CHE3102 Organic Chemistry II Lab
- CHE4311 Biochemistry I
- MAT3303 Probability and Statistics
- PHY1303 Physics I
- PHY1103 Physics I Lab
- PHY1304 Physics II
- PHY1104 Physics II Lab
- Electives (6 hours)
- Total (126-129 hours)
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation
- General Education Core (46-48 hours)
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- MAT1312 Trigonometry
- MAT1313 Precalculus
- MAT1316 Business Calculus
- MAT1402 Analytical Geometry and Calculus
- Scientific Reasoning (SR):
- BIO1405/1005 Majors Biology I/Lab
- Health and Wellness (HW): 1-2 hours form
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- ESS Activities Course
- Social Science Literacy (SSL): 3 hours from
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- PSY1300 General Psychology
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- SOC1300 General Sociology
- Communication Proficiency (CP):
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- Creative Arts Literacy (CAL): 3 hours from
- AFA2350 Introduction to Fine Arts
- ART1305 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART1303 Drawing I
- ART2307 Art History Survey I
- ART2308 Art History Survey II
- ART3306 Art and Children
- ENG3305 Introduction to Creative Writing
- ENG3326 Introduction to Film Studies
- MUS1301 Music Literature
- MUS3300 Survey of the Music of Worship
- MUS3303 Music History I
- MUS3304 Music History II
- THA1361 Introduction to Acting
- Intercultural Competence (IC): 3 hours from
- COM3372 Intercultural Communication
- ENG3321 African-American Literature
- GBC3310 Global Experience
- FOL courses
- LIN2302 How Language Works
- MIS3312 Intercultural Engagement
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- REL3301 World Religions
- REL3313 World Christianity
- Christian Wisdom (CW):
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- Civic Engagement (CE); Critical Thinking & Ethical Awareness (CTEA): 3 hours from
- ECO2301 Macroeconomics
- ECO2302 Microeconomics
- GOV2301 National Government
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- HIS courses
- PHI2304 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI3305 Ethics
- Human Experience (HE): 3 hours from
- ENG2301 Masterpieces of Literature
- HIS1315 World History and Geography I
- HIS1316 World History and Geography II
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- HUM2300 Exploring Human Experience
- MUS3304 Music History II
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- Major (37 hours)
- AGR1304 Principles of Soil Science
- BIO1406/1006 Majors Biology II/Lab
- BIO3304/3004 Advanced Botany/Lab
- BIO4318 Biometrics
- NRC1300 Introduction to Wildlife Management
- NRC2300 Environmental Systems
- NRC3322 Natural Resources Policy, Regulation, and Compliance
- NRC3323 General Ecology
- NRC3325 Aquatic Ecology and Conservation
- NRC4200 Senior Seminar
- NRC4314 Conservation Biology
- NRC4405 Wildlife and Fisheries Science
- Supporting Courses (37 hours)
- AEC3312 Natural Resources Economics
- BIO3300 Genetics
- BIO3305/3005 Advanced Zoology/Lab
- 4 hours from
- CHE1306/1106 Introductory Chemistry/Lab
- CHE1307/1107 General Chemistry I/Lab
- 3 hours from MAT
- 15 hours from ANS, BIO, CHE, CRJ, ENG, or NRC
- 6 upper level hours from ANS, BIO, CHE, CRJ, ENG, or NRC
- Electives (6 hours)
- Total (126-128 hours)
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
- General Education Core (45-48 hours)
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- MAT1312 Trigonometry
- MAT1313 Precalculus
- MAT1316 Business Calculus
- MAT1402 Analytical Geometry and Calculus
- Scientific Reasoning (SR):
- CHE1307/1107 General Chemistry I/Lab
- Health and Wellness (HW): 1-2 hours form
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- ESS Activities Course
- Social Science Literacy (SSL): 3 hours from
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- PSY1300 General Psychology
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- SOC1300 General Sociology
- Communication Proficiency (CP):
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- Creative Arts Literacy (CAL): 3 hours from
- AFA2350 Introduction to Fine Arts
- ART1305 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART1303 Drawing I
- ART2307 Art History Survey I
- ART2308 Art History Survey II
- ART3306 Art and Children
- ENG3305 Introduction to Creative Writing
- ENG3326 Introduction to Film Studies
- MUS1301 Music Literature
- MUS3300 Survey of the Music of Worship
- MUS3303 Music History I
- MUS3304 Music History II
- THA1361 Introduction to Acting
- Intercultural Competence (IC): 3 hours from
- COM3372 Intercultural Communication
- ENG3321 African-American Literature
- GBC3310 Global Experience
- FOL courses
- LIN2302 How Language Works
- MIS3312 Intercultural Engagement
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- REL3301 World Religions
- REL3313 World Christianity
- Christian Wisdom (CW):
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- Civic Engagement (CE); Critical Thinking & Ethical Awareness (CTEA): 3 hours from
- ECO2301 Macroeconomics
- ECO2302 Microeconomics
- GOV2301 National Government
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- HIS courses
- PHI2304 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI3305 Ethics
- Human Experience (HE): 3 hours from
- ENG2301 Masterpieces of Literature
- HIS1315 World History and Geography I
- HIS1316 World History and Geography II
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- HUM2300 Exploring Human Experience
- MUS3304 Music History II
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- Major (43 hours)
- BIO1405/1005 Majors Biology I/Lab
- BIO1406/1006 Majors Biology II/Lab
- BIO2401/2001 Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
- BIO2402/2002 Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
- BIO3300 Genetics
- BIO3304/3004 Advanced Botany/Lab
- BIO3310/3111 General Microbiology/Lab
- BIO4202 Biological Literature and Seminar
- BIO4318 Biometrics
- 12 hours upper level BIO, NRC, or ANS
- Supporting Courses (25 hours)
- 3 hours from MAT (recommended: MAT3303 Probability and Statistics)
- CHE1308 General Chemistry II
- CHE1108 General Chemistry II Lab
- 6 hours upper level CHE
- 6 hours upper level PSY, SOC, or ECO
- 3 hours FOL or LIN
- 3 hours upper level ENG
- Electives (13 hours)
- Total (126-129 hours)
Bachelor of Science in Biology
- General Education Core (45-48 hours)
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- MAT1312 Trigonometry
- MAT1313 Precalculus
- MAT1316 Business Calculus
- MAT1402 Analytical Geometry and Calculus
- Scientific Reasoning (SR):
- CHE1307/1107 General Chemistry I/Lab
- Health and Wellness (HW): 1-2 hours form
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- ESS Activities Course
- Social Science Literacy (SSL): 3 hours from
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- PSY1300 General Psychology
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- SOC1300 General Sociology
- Communication Proficiency (CP):
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- Creative Arts Literacy (CAL): 3 hours from
- AFA2350 Introduction to Fine Arts
- ART1305 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART1303 Drawing I
- ART2307 Art History Survey I
- ART2308 Art History Survey II
- ART3306 Art and Children
- ENG3305 Introduction to Creative Writing
- ENG3326 Introduction to Film Studies
- MUS1301 Music Literature
- MUS3300 Survey of the Music of Worship
- MUS3303 Music History I
- MUS3304 Music History II
- THA1361 Introduction to Acting
- Intercultural Competence (IC): 3 hours from
- COM3372 Intercultural Communication
- ENG3321 African-American Literature
- GBC3310 Global Experience
- FOL courses
- LIN2302 How Language Works
- MIS3312 Intercultural Engagement
- PSY2340 Psychology of Diversity
- REL3301 World Religions
- REL3313 World Christianity
- Christian Wisdom (CW):
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- Civic Engagement (CE); Critical Thinking & Ethical Awareness (CTEA): 3 hours from
- ECO2301 Macroeconomics
- ECO2302 Microeconomics
- GOV2301 National Government
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- HIS courses
- PHI2304 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI3305 Ethics
- Human Experience (HE): 3 hours from
- HIS1315 World History and Geography I
- HIS1316 World History and Geography II
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): 3-4 hours from
- Major (40 hours)
- BIO1405/1005 Majors Biology I/Lab
- BIO1406/1006 Majors Biology II/Lab
- BIO2401/2001 Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
- BIO2402/2002 Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
- BIO3300 Genetics
- BIO3303 Cell and Molecular Biology
- BIO3310/3111 General Microbiology/Lab
- BIO4202 Biological Literature and Seminar
- 12 hours upper level BIO, NRC, or ANS
- Supporting Courses (29 hours)
- CHE1308 General Chemistry II
- CHE1108 General Chemistry II Lab
- CHE3301 Organic Chemistry I
- CHE3101 Organic Chemistry I Lab
- CHE3302 Organic Chemistry II
- CHE3102 Organic Chemistry II Lab
- CHE4311 Biochemistry I
- 3 hours CHE
- PHY1303 General Physics
- PHY1103 General Physics I Lab
- PHY1304 General Physics II
- PHY1104 General Physics II Lab
- MAT3303 Probability and Statistics
- Electives (12 hours)
- Total (126 hours)
Minor in Biology
(19-20 hours)
- BIO1405 Majors Biology I
- BIO1406 Majors Biology II
- 4 upper level courses from BIO or NRC