WKU Department of Biology degrees and requirements

• Biology Student Advising
• WKU Undergraduate Course Catalog
• The 4-year degree plan; how to graduate in four years
• Alternative, Secondary, and Middle School Certification in Biology

Pre-professional and interdisciplinary programs:

• Pre-Chiropractic
• Pre-Dentistry
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Optometry
• Pre-Podiatric Medicine
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry
• Medical Technology

Department of Biology

Thompson Complex, North Wing
Office 201, Phone: (270) 745-3696
Fax: (270) 745-6856

Dr. Bruce Schulte Head

Professors: R. Bowker, C. Davis, B. Ferrell, D. McElroy, C. Rinehart, S. Sahi, M. Stokes
Associate Professors: L. Alice, K. Crawford, K. Doerner, S. Grubbs, S. Jacobshagen, H. Johnson, R. King, P. Lienesch, A. Meier, T. Phillips, N. Rice, R. Wyatt
Assistant Professors: S. Huskey, J. Marcus, M. Smith
Instructors: J. Doarmal, W. Mason, K. McDaniel, N. Sharma

Because of recent advances in technology related to the biological sciences, students interested in biology are presented with an ever-increasing array of educational opportunities. These opportunities, involving the diverse biological subdisciplines from molecules to ecosystems, provide the student of biology one of the most exciting and challenging eras in human history. The Department of Biology is dedicated to producing well-informed, scientifically literate graduates capable of applying the knowledge and skills acquired to ensure professional success and lifelong learning.

The faculty take pride in the success of undergraduate student engagement in research. By applying what students have learned in the classroom to research projects, students can more smoothly make the transition to professional and graduate programs and the work force. Our novel Biotechnology Certification program is designed to provide students with technical skills for research. New state-of-the-art research laboratories and the recently acquired Potter-Nicely Outdoor Education Center and Upper Green River Biological Preserve provide outstanding settings for student research. The Biology Department is also proud to house the Biotechnology Center and Center for Biodiversity Studies. Both centers are integral components of the Applied Research and Technology Program, a state-funded program of distinction.

When planning a program of study in the Department of Biology each student must be aware of the University‘s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the section, “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Education Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department head.

Major in Biology (without a minor)

The interdisciplinary major in biology (reference number 525) requires a minimum of 48 hours in biology and leads to the B.S. degree. No minor is required. Several areas of emphasis are available including ecology and evolutionary biology, molecular and cellular biology, and plant and animal biology and microbiology. All students are required to complete BIOL 120-121 and BIOL 122-123, and at least one course from each of the following three groups:

(A) BIOL 222-223, BIOL 224-225, BIOL 226-227
(B) BIOL 319-322, BIOL 327
(C) BIOL 315, BIOL 430.

Students, with the aid of their advisor, select additional 300- and 400-level courses to focus their studies on specific areas within biology. Because an understanding of the principles of mathematics, physics and chemistry is essential to the study of biology, majors are required to complete supporting courses as follow:

1. MATH 118, or MATH 116 and MATH 117, or higher
2. PHYS 231-232 or PHYS 250-251
3. CHEM 120-121, and
4. two courses from the following list: BIOL 283, CHEM 222-223, CHEM 314 or CHEM 340-341, CHEM 330, CIS 343, CIS 226 or CS 226 or CS 230, GEOG 317, GEOG 328, GEOG 416, GEOG 417, MATH 126, MATH 227, MATH 305, MATH 307, PHYS 332-233 or PHYS255-256.

Students may count a maximum of 6 credit hours of BIOL 369, 389, and 399 toward this major.

Major in Biology (with minor)

The major in biology (reference number 617) requires a minimum of 36 semester hours in biology plus the requirements of a minor area, the major-minor combination to be at least 54 semester hours, at least one-half of which must consist of 300- and 400-level courses. All students are required to complete BIOL 120-121 and BIOL 122-123, and at least one course from each of the following three groups:

(A) BIOL 222-223, BIOL 224-225, BIOL 226-227
(B) BIOL 319-322, BIOL 327
(C) BIOL 315, BIOL 430.

Students with the aid of their advisor, select additional 300- and 400-level courses to focus their studies on specific areas within biology. Because an understanding of the principles of mathematics, physics and chemistry is essential to the study of biology, majors are required to complete supporting courses as follows:

1. MATH 118, or MATH 116 and MATH 117, or higher
2. PHYS 231-232 or PHYS 250-251
3. CHEM 120-121, and
4. two courses from the following list: BIOL 283, CHEM 222-223, CHEM 314 or CHEM 340-341, CHEM 330, CIS 343, CIS 226 or CS 226 or CS 230, GEOG 317, GEOG 328, GEOG 416, GEOG 417, MATH 126, MATH 227, MATH 305, MATH 307, PHYS 332-233 or PHYS 255-256.

Students may count a maximum of 3 credit hours of BIOL 369, 389, and 399 toward this major.

Suggested Program of Study

Suggested Program of Study

Minor in Biology

The minor in biology (reference number 326) requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in biology. The required courses are BIOL 120-121 and BIOL 122-123. Students, with the aid of their advisor, select additional biology courses to complete the minor; at least 12 hours must be at the 300-level or above.

Minor in Investigative Biotechnology

The minor in Investigative Biotechnology (reference number 399) requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in biology. The required courses are BIOL 150, 151, and 350. Students, with the aid of their advisors, select additional biology courses to complete the minor; at least 12 hours must be at the 300-level and above.

Major in Biochemistry

(See Biochemistry, reference number 519.) Interested students should contact Dr. S. Jacobshagen, Department of Biology.

Major in Medical Technology

(See Medical Technology, reference number 582) Interested students should contact Dr. K. McDaniel, Department of Biology.

Major in Investigative Biotechnology

This program (reference number 714) meets the needs of students interested in the rapidly growing field of genetic engineering and molecular genetics and biotechnology. Biotechnology is expanding in many directions including the production of new pharmaceutical drugs, industrial chemicals, food products, energy sources, pollution-control products and, more recently, methods employed in agriculture. In addition to receiving training for industrial employment, graduates of this program will also have the broad liberal arts training necessary to enter graduate programs and the contemporary skills to be competitive for top positions in industry or academia. The major requires a minimum of 48 semester hours in biology. The required core courses are: BIOL 150, 151, 199, 275, 312, 327, 350, 369 or 399, 411, 446, and 495. Required supporting courses are: MATH 126 or BIOL 283, CHEM 120-121, 222-223, 314 or 340-341/342-343, and PHYS 231-232, 332-233. Any course in the biology curriculum applicable to the biology major may be used as an elective for the Biotechnology major in consultation with the student’s advisor. Interested students should contact a faculty member affiliated with the Biotechnology Center.

Secondary Teaching Certification in Biology

Biology major (reference number 525 or 617) is required.  See Program of Study in Secondary Education for grades 8-12 in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for Education requirements.  Interested students should contact Dr. H. Johnson, Department of Biology. 

Middle Grades Science Certification

Major in Middle Grades Science (reference number 579) is required.  Interested students should contact Dr. H. Johnson, Department of Biology.  

Other Department Programs

Several other biologically oriented, specialized programs are available such as biophysics, environmental studies, environmental science, as well as several pre-professional programs. Specific details of these programs are listed under Pre-Professional and Interdisciplinary Programs.

A Five–Year Plan

For highly motivated students, especially those planning to pursue graduate study, the department offers a five-year program leading to both B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. Typically, students will also participate in the University Honors Program as undergraduates. Completion of the M.S. portion of the program requires enrollment in summer terms during the fourth and fifth years. A key component of this program is early and sustained involvement in undergraduate research, beginning in the sophomore year. As such, interested students must work closely with their undergraduate advisor early in their freshman year to design their five-year plan and identify a faculty mentor and area of research.

Graduate Degree Programs

Students interested in graduate study in biology should consult the University’s Graduate Studies Catalog for detailed information concerning the various programs available. The department offers: (1) M.S. degree with research thesis for students interested in a career in biology or in preparation for Ph.D. studies; (2) M.S. degree without research thesis; (also offered online) (3) M.A. degree in Education (major or minor in biology) which places less emphasis on specialization and research and more on breadth in biology.

WKU Graduate Catalog: http://www.wku.edu/graduate/uploads/documents/07-09GradCatalog.pdf (Biology information on pages 16, 112-113)

Admission to graduate study in biology requires a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale overall grade point average with superior performance in biology and related sciences, and an appropriate GRE score. The prospective graduate student is expected to have completed an undergraduate course program equivalent to that required for a standard major in biology at Western Kentucky University.

Graduate Course Numbering

• 500 to 800: Courses numbered 500 and above are open to graduate students only.
• 400G: Upper division undergraduate courses numbered at the 400-level and have a “G” designation (e.g., ENG 401G) may be taken for graduate credit. In these courses, graduate students are expected to complete additional course requirements as prescribed by the instructor.
  However, a student who has taken a particular 400-level course may not repeat that same course for 400G level credit. A maximum of 12 hours of 400G courses may be applied to the master’s degree. Specialist degree candidates may not use any 400G-level courses to fulfill degree requirements.
• 400 and below: Courses numbered at the 400-level or below cannot be taken for graduate credit. Courses of this nature will remain in a student’s overall GPA, but will not affect the student’s degree GPA.