Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments.  MSU does not have a single Department of Biology.  For additional options see   Biological Sciences at MSU.

Department of Ecology

Four options are available in the Department of Ecology which lead to the B.S. in Biological Sciences: Biology Teaching, Ecology and Evolution, Fish and Wildlife Management, and Organismal Biology.

Students interested in secondary school biology teaching and Montana state certification must fulfill a Biological Sciences major and the professional education courses; a teaching minor or second area of certification is recommended.

Most positions for professional biologists require a graduate degree. The degree options are intended to provide the prerequisite educational background for graduate programs. However, admission to graduate programs is highly competitive and will depend on academic performance, scores on standardized exams (the Graduate Record Exams), and other factors.

Requirements for Admission to Upper Division Courses in Biology

For admission to upper division (numbered 300 or higher) Biology (BIOL) and Fish and Wildlife Management (F&WL) courses, students must have completed at least 45 total university credits, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for all courses with a "C-"or better for any prerequisite courses. Any student who enrolls in an upper division biology course without satisfying these requirements will be required to withdraw from the course.

Grade Requirements

To graduate with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, students must earn a grade of "C-" or better for every course required for the specific option (Fish and Wildlife Management, Ecology and Evolution, Organismal Biology, and Biology Teaching), including courses taken to fulfill required biology elective credits, all required courses in non-biology rubrics, and all upper division courses.

Curricula in Biological Sciences

• Ecology and Evolution Option
• Fish and Wildlife Management Option
• Organismal Biology Option
• Biology Teaching Option

ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OPTION

The option in Ecology and Evolution combines (1) a basic sequence of courses in ecology, (2) a broad background in the sciences and mathematics, and (3) a flexible curriculum of upper-division courses in biology and related disciplines. The program requires students to develop strength in one supporting science or in mathematics and statistics. Because most professional positions in ecology and evolution require an M.S. or Ph.D., this program is designed to prepare students for graduate study, while allowing the flexibility to develop an area of specialization, or to study a broad range of disciplines related to ecology.

There are two possible biology sequences for Ecology and Evolution: BIOL 101IN and BIOL 102 or BIOL 214 & BIOL 215. The choice of sequence depends on prerequisites and influences both the freshman and sophomore year. If you prefer to begin biology immediately, or you will not complete STAT 216Q and CHEM 131 during your freshman year, you should take the BIOL 101IN and BIOL 102 sequence. If you will take CHEM 131 and STAT 216Q during your freshman year, and you intend to complete the B Chemistry sequence (see below), you may prefer to take the BIOL 214 and BIOL 215 sequence your sophomore year.

Students pursuing the Ecology and Evolution Option should begin each of the two supporting sequences in their freshman year. As the two supporting sequences are completed, students should shift their effort toward satisfying the requirements for upper division courses in BIOL and related disciplines.

*Depending on first letter of your last name. Students are told at Orientation when to take WRIT 101W.

**Other Required Courses from (I) Supporting Courses and (II) Biology Electives

(I) Supporting Courses: Students must take one sequence in each of the following three categories. Sequence B or C must be selected in at least one of the three categories. Students taking the BIOL 214 & 215 Sequence must take the Sequence B in the Chemistry category below.

(II) Biology Electives: A minimum of 23 elective credits must be completed. Of these 23 credits at least 15 must be upper division; no more than 6 total credits of BIOL 470, 489,490 and no more than 2 credits of BIOL 401 can be applied toward these 23 elective credits. Elective credits are typically from courses in biology (BIOL) and fish and wildlife management (F&WL) rubrics. Certain courses in other rubrics (PS, LRES, BCHM (UD only), MB (except 407), VTMB, ARNR, ENTO, ESCI, GEOG, MATH, and STAT) can be applied toward the 23 elective credits, with the prior approval of both your advisor and the certifying officer for the Ecology and Evolution option before the course is taken. If BIOL 214 and BIOL 215 are taken, then BIOL 213 is a highly recommended elective.

University requirements for graduation also must be completed, including university core requirements and a minimum of 120 total credits of which at least 42 credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Depending on supporting and biology elective courses selected, the curriculum requires 27 to 42 credits from courses numbered 300 and above. From 0 to 15 additional credits must be taken from courses numbered 300 and above to satisfy the university requirement for 42 credits.

FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OPTION

The option in Fish and Wildlife Management is a professional degree program offered for those students who have an interest in employment in these fields. Study leading toward a bachelor's degree emphasizes basic principles of animal ecology, with considerable work in related fields. Students graduating with a bachelor's degree will be qualified for entry-level positions in natural resource management. However, the four-year option primarily provides prospective fish and wildlife biologists an adequate background for graduate work, which is required for most professional positions in natural resource agencies.

*Depending on first letter of your last name. Students are told at Orientation when to take WRIT 101W.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; at least 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. The curriculum includes 35-39 credits numbered 300 and above, so an additional three to five credits must be selected. Additional upper division electives must be taken in biology, fish and wildlife, or a related field ( ARNR, ENTO, ESCI, GEOG, LRES, PSPP and STAT). You should consult with your advisor about the appropriateness of potential upper division electives taken outside the BIOL or F&WL rubrics. This curriculum satisfies all about but 12 -18 credits of the University Core Requirements depending on which core courses are taken to meet the Diversity and Humanitites core requirement. Students are expected to be aware of all requirements for graduation and to ensure that they meet these requirements.

ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY OPTION

The Organismal Biology option provides a rigorous program of study in plant or animal biology at the whole-organism, species, population, and community levels, while allowing students flexibility in selecting those biology courses that best meet their interests and objectives. It accomplishes this by requiring students to select 20 required credits in biology in consultation with their advisor to achieve a personal curriculum. In addition, students can use the elective credits to develop strength in a second area which may enhance their prospects of gaining employment with a bachelor's degree or their prospects of acceptance into specialized graduate programs. Most professional positions in biology require completion of one or more graduate degrees, and the Organismal Biology option is excellent preparation for graduate studies.

There are two possible biology sequences for Organismal Biology: BIOL 101 & BIOL 102 or BIOL 213 & BIOL 214. The recommended sequence depends on prerequisites and influences both the freshman and sophomore year.

If you prefer to begin biology immediately, have not had high school chemistry, or will not take MATH 170 or STAT 216 during Fall semester of your freshman year:

*Depending on first letter of your last name. Students are told at Orientation when to take WRIT 101W.

If you had high school chemistry and will take either MATH 170 or STAT 216 during Fall Semester of your freshman year:

*Depending on first letter of your last name. Students are told at Orientation when to take WRIT 101W.

A minimum of 20 credits of Biology electives also must be completed, from courses in BIOL, F&WL, ARNR, PSPP, BCHM (upper division only), VTMB or MB (except MB 407). At least 16 of these credits must be in upper division courses numbered 300 and above. Credits must be for regularly scheduled courses, except that up to 4 total credits of undergraduate research in Biology (BIOL 470, 489, 490) and up to 2 credits of Biology Teaching (BIOL 401) may be included. Up to 6 credits of certain courses in basic biological sciences from departments other than these may be included, with the prior approval of the advisor and Organismal Biology Certifying Officer before the course is taken.

University requirements for graduation also must be completed, including university core requirements and a minimum of 120 total credits of which at least 42 credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Depending on courses selected, the curriculum includes 39 to 42 credits numbered 300 and above, so an additional three credits may need to be selected.

BIOLOGY TEACHING OPTION

The Biology Teaching Option certifies graduates to be qualified to teach secondary school biology. It is similar to the Organismal Biology Option, but includes professional preparation courses required for state teacher certification. Since the Biology Teaching Option includes 40 credits of biology courses, it is an extended major and the State of Montana does not require a teaching minor. However, employment opportunities will be enhanced by obtaining a second are of certification, usually a teaching minor (listed under College of Education, Health and Human Development). Obtaining a Biology Teaching major, a teaching minor, and certification will require more than eight semesters.

The Biology Teaching Option includes 40 credits of Biology (24 to 25 credits of basic biology courses, plus MB 101 or MB 301, and 12 Biology elective credits); supporting Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics courses; 32 credits in the university core; and 32 credits of professional preparation. Biology electives must include 7 to 8 credits of advisor-approved upper division credits in biological sciences.

*Must be taken in assigned semester

University requirements for graduation also must be completed, including university core requirements and a minimum of 120 total credits of which 42 must be in courses numbered 300 and above. In order to student teach, your GPA in sciences and math must be at least 2.50, and your GPA in basic skills (math verbal writing) must be at least 2.50 with no grade less than "C".

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