The Biology program in Alpine focuses on an organismal approach to the life sciences, emphasizing integrated ecological and co-evolutionary studies of plants and animals through field work in the Chihuahuan Desert region. It offers broad training in aspects of biology and prepares students for advanced specialty disciplines. In addition, students can also work toward either life science or composite science teaching certification, or toward an associate certification as a wildlife biologist as set forth by the Wildlife Society, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The Bachelor of Science can be tailored to field biologist, laboratory-focused biology, and various pre-health professions. The biology program advises for pre-medical, pre-dental, and other pre-health science disciplines. The composite science education track is designed to provide future teachers and educators a broad background in science, with a concentration in the biological sciences. The program also offers courses emphasizing non-game and small game organisms which meet the requirements for certification as a wildlife biologist as set forth by the Wildlife Society and lead to the professional B.S. degree in Biology. The department maintains one of the largest herbaria in Texas, highly regarded vertebrate animal and insect collections, modern greenhouses, and laboratories for microbiology and molecular biology.
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology at Rio Grande College is oriented towards an organismal and ecological approach to the life sciences, emphasizing ecological and evolutionary plant and animal interrelationships. The course work is designed to provide a broad training in most aspects of modern biology and will prepare students for almost any advanced specialty discipline. The curriculum is balanced between the scientific preparation to enter such fields as wildlife biology, environmental science, medicine, teaching and postgraduate work in biology as well as the liberal arts preparation of scientifically literate members of society who have the knowledge to contribute and compete in a rapidly changing world. The biology program offers students an opportunity to gain an appreciation of the biological world, to develop an inquisitive nature and to think scientifically.
Biology Minor
Biology is available for students who want a basic background in the biological sciences. Courses required for this minor include 8 hours of freshman biology, genetics, cell biology, and an upper level biology lecture/lab elective of your choice. This flexibility allows students who want to get a sampling of botany, pre-health, microbiology, or zoology to get the biology experience to complement their degree. This is particularly beneficial to those interested in forensics science (Homeland and Criminal Justice majors), resource management (Natural Resource Management majors), pharmacy (Chemistry majors), or domestic animal work (Animal Science majors). Requirements for the Biology minor are as follows: Biol 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 3306, 4301, and 4 sch advance Biology (3000-4000).
Wildlife Biology Minor
A minor for Criminal Justice majors only is offered for those C.J. majors seeking employment or certification as game wardens or park rangers. This program is aimed at preparing the individual to be able to identify plants and animals in the field with emphasis placed on species protected by federal or state laws.
Biology Graduate Program
Students who are accepted into the graduate program in biology may choose from three plans. For Plan I, the degree may be obtained by completing 30 semester credit hours in biology, including the writing of a thesis; Plan II by completing 36 semester credit hours and a “mini thesis;” or Plan II), by completing 36 semester credit hours in biology. Plans I and II require a thesis defense presentation and comprehensive oral exam. For Plan III, both oral and written comprehensive exams are required. Plan III must be approved by the biology faculty. A “mini thesis” is usually a one-semester project. At the discretion of the student and the committee, the department will accept six semester credit hours of coursework in a department other than the major.
Alpine Program Coordinator
Dr. Chris Ritzi
critzi@sulross.edu
432.837.8420
RGC Program Coordinator
Dr. Dan Foley
dfoley@sulross.edu
830.703.4838
The Biology program operates with the mission to advance biological knowledge via hands-on active-learning, problem-solving and reasoning-skills. This is accomplished through outdoor field experiences, independent research projects, and formal laboratory courses integrated throughout the program. Our biology courses are designed to provide students with opportunities to learn concepts, theories, and basics of the discipline while developing critical-thinking skills that are crucial toward later job and professional placement. Students take away an understanding of how evolution via natural selection is the unifying theory of biology, gain hands-on skills for field and lab work that most do not have the opportunity to gain during undergraduate education, and learn to read and analyze scientific literature in order to apply critical thinking skills.
Previous students have returned and discussed the strengths they gained from our small class size, individual attention, and hands-on opportunities that are possible due to the design of our program. Students leave the program with a broad training in most aspects of modern biology, as well as being prepared to apply for advanced specialty disciplines such as pre-medicine and other health fields. Our faculty participate in outreach to the state, nation, and world through service to the university community, public, governmental sectors, and professional societies, so that these experiences can be shared with our students, giving many undergraduates opportunities that are not commonly encountered until graduate education.
Pre-Nursing
Sul Ross State University offers courses which satisfy requirements for the first two years of most four-year professional nursing programs outlined by the various schools of nursing. Students should follow the course rotation for the first two years of the SRSU BSN program to prepare for the SRSU BSN or any other BSN program in Texas.
Pre-Health Professions including Pre-Medicine and Pre-Dentistry and Pre-Pharmacy
Students interested in applying for admission to medical or dental school may major in any undergraduate field they wish. Professional school admission committees do not state a preference about an undergraduate major field, and students may select a degree program suited to their interests. They must work closely with the Pre-Professional Advisor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences to develop a program which will satisfy the requirements of both their chosen major field and the professional schools of their interest. To prepare for professional schools a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry allows students to accrue all the course work needed for admission to most programs. The program of study is included in the Pre-Professional Degree Plan.
For those students that are eligible, Sul Ross also participates in the JAMP, or Joint Early Admission Program, for medical school admission and assistance for economically disadvantaged Texans. For more information, see the JAMP tab. Sul Ross also works with UTHSC-SA for a Dental Early Admission Program, DEAP. More information is in the DEAP tab.
Joint Admission Medical Program
The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a program created by Senate Bill 940 of the 77th Texas Legislature to:
- Provide services to support and encourage economically disadvantaged students (Estimated Family Contribution- EFC-of up to $8,000 to be eligible for consideration) pursuing a medical education (Includes students that are Pell Grant eligible);
- Award undergraduate and medical school scholarships; and
- Provide for the admission of those students who satisfy both academic and non-academic requirements to at least one participating medical school.
JAMP is supported by continuing appropriations from the Texas Legislature. Students receive
- A scholarship each semester beginning in the spring semester of student’s sophomore year of college.
- A stipend to attend summer internships following the student’s sophomore and junior years of college at SRSU.
- Mentoring and personal assistance to prepare for medical school while attending SRSU.
- Interviews to Texas medical schools if all program requirements are met
- A scholarship to attend one of the participating medical schools in Texas.
How to become a part of JAMP
First, it is preferred that students who graduate from high school or a home-school program enroll at SRSU in the fall semester immediately following graduation, although early transfer and military are encouraged to apply as well. As a senior in high school, the student must
- Be an American citizen or permanent U.S. resident.
- Be a Texas resident in terms of college tuition.
- Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry into the program.
- Apply for admission to SRSU.
- Take the SAT or ACT and earn a score not less than the mean for the state of Texas and provide the scores to SRSU.
- No more than 3 courses can be used toward JAMP from Advanced Placement hours earned in high school.
- Complete and submit the FAFSA and be eligible to receive a Pell Grant in the student’s freshman year of college.
- Must be able to participate in 2 summer internships with JAMP.
As a freshman, or a transfer student, the student must
- Complete 27 hours of undergraduate credit during the freshman year with a 3.25 overall GPA or higher and a 3.25 GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, and math (no more than 3 hours of AP credit can be counted toward this requirement).
- Have completed both semesters of General Chemistry with a C or better.
- Be able to participate in 2 summer internships with JAMP.
- Be capable of performing medical school essential functions and tasks required to complete medical school curriculum.
- Meet requirements to be employed as a medical resident, including but not limited to passing criminal history checks and complying with immunization requirements.
- Applicants will need to provide an EFC score for their freshman year and sophomore year. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their EFC.
Applying to JAMP
The student may begin the online application on May 1st and submit the completed application no later than October 1st. For details about the pre-JAMP and JAMP scholarship programs, contact:
Dr. Christopher Ritzi, JAMP Faculty Director
Sul Ross State University
Box C-64 Alpine, Texas 79832
432.837.8112
critzi@sulross.edu
Dental Early Admission Program
Through a cooperative agreement between The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Sul Ross State University, individuals interested in dentistry may obtain both a bachelor’s of science degree and a doctorate in dental science degree in seven years. Dual degree students will complete three years of their undergraduate degree at Sul Ross State University, and after completion of the first year of dental courses, complete their fourth year while attending dental school. Sul Ross will apply those credits towards completing the bachelor’s degree requirements.
Students Accepted to DEAP Receive
- Mentoring and personal assistance to prepare for dental school while attending SRSU.
- Admission to UTHSC-SA Dental School if all program requirements are met.
- Undertake a Dental Immersion Experience- get to meet and shadow individuals already at dental school and meet your future professors.
- Complete fourth year of B.S. in Biology while taking dental courses at UTHSC-SA.
- 3 + 4 = 2 (Three years college, four years dental school, two degrees)
- Receive access to study materials for DAT preparation.
Applying for DEAP
Students should apply for the DEAP Program after completing 12 semester hours, but before they have completed 32 semester hours. The student will have a pre-entry interview with UTHSC-SA and must have Texas residence status or receive a waiver from UTHSC-SA. Applications are available at the Biology Office.
For more information, contact
Dr. Christopher Ritzi
Sul Ross State University Box C-64 Alpine, TX 79832
432.837.8420
critzi@sulross.edu
| Angela Brown Chair of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences, Professor of Mathematics ACR 107 432.837.8223 abrown4@sulross.edu |
Geraldine Goosen Proposed Director, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ACR 202A C-58 432.837.8337 ggoosen@sulross.edu |
| Crystal Graham Assistant Professor of Biology WSB 220 C-64 432.837.8820 cxg16kw@sulross.edu |
Sean Graham Associate Professor Biology WSB 221 C-64 432.837.8084 spg14ek@sulross.edu |
| Julia Green Instructor WSB 314A C-64 432.837.8112 |
Tomas Hernandez Adjunct WSB 216 C-64 432.837.8112 |
| Anne Marie Hilscher Adjunct Lecturer, Biology (BGPS) WSB 314A C-64 (ACE) FH 210 C-132 432.837.8408 ahilscher@sulross.edu |
David Leaver Associate Professor Chemistry WSB 318 C-64 432.837.8115 djl14jh@sulross.edu |
| Richard Mrozinski Instructor RAS 113 C-16 432.837.8606 richard.mrozinski@sulross.edu |
Christopher Ritzi Professor of Biology WSB 217 C-64 432.837.8420 critzi@sulross.edu@sulross.edu |
| Melissa Schenkman Lab Instructor Center for Enrollment Services Midland College, AHSF 128, 3600 N Garfield 432.685.6454 msch4288@sulross.edu |
Barbara Scown Adjunct WSB 216 C-64 432.837.8112 |
| James Zech Professor WSB 218 C-64 432.837.8114 jzech@sulross.edu |
Rio Grande College Dan Foley Chair, Dept. of Natural & Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Biology F 207, 205 Wildcat Dr, Del Rio, TX 78840 830.703.4838 dfoley@sulross.edu |
| Rio Grande College Kevin Young Adjunct mailto:kvy16cy@sulross.edu |
Degree Plans
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Biology Major (Minor Required)
Freshman Year
Semester I
Semester II
ENGL 1301
3 credit hours
ENGL 1302
3 credit hours
BIOL 1306 + 1106 Lab
4 credit hours
BIOL 1307 + 1107 Lab
4 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
MATH 1316 or 2312
3 credit hours
Creative Arts Core Req
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + 1111 Lab
4 credit hours
SRSU 1101
1 credit hour
COMM 1315
3 credit hours
Total: 14 sch
Total: 17 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL 24xx
4 credit hours
BIOL 24xx
4 credit hours
GOVT/PS 2305
3 credit hours
GOVT/PS 2306
3 credit hours
CHEM 1312 + 1112 Lab
4 credit hours
MATH 1342
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Req
3 credit hours
Language, Philosophy & Culture Core
3 credit hours
Total: 17 sch
Total: 16 sch
Junior Year
Semester I
Semester II
CHEM 2423 or 3407
4 credit hours
Soph Lit SRSU Core
3 credit hours
PHYS 1411, 2405, 1311+1111 Lab, or 2305+2105 Lab
4 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 4301
3 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 3301, 3407, 3408, 4402, 4408, 4415
3-4 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 3303, 3309, 3406, 3602, 4409, 4414, 4607
3-6 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 3306
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 17-18 sch
Total: 12-15 sch
Senior Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL/BIO (choose 2) 3301, 4403, 4405, 4410
7-8 credit hours
BIOL/BIO (choose 1 if needed) 3305, 3403, 3405, 3406, 3601, 4404, 4601
3-6 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 3302
3 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 3307
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 4101
1 credit hour
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
–
–
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Total: 16-17 sch
Total: 13-16 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Biology: 120
NOTES
This degree plan includes:
42 Core credit hours
8 Bachelor of Science credit hours
61 Biology major credit hours including 8 Biology lower elective hours, 13 Biology advanced core credits, and 44 Biology advanced elective credits
18 minor credits
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED: 120
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Biology Major (Chemistry Minor)
Freshman Year
Semester I
Semester II
ENGL 1301
3 credit hours
ENGL 1302
3 credit hours
BIOL 1306 + 1106 Lab
4 credit hours
BIOL 1307 + 1107 Lab
4 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core Req
3 credit hours
Creative Arts Core Req
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + 1111 Lab
4 credit hours
SRSU 1101
1 credit hour
COMM 1321
3 credit hours
Total: 14 sch
Total: 17 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL 2301 + 2101 Lab
4 credit hours
BIOL 2302 + 2102 Lab
4 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
CHEM 1312 + 1112 Lab
4 credit hours
MATH 1342
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
_
_
BIOL 3303/3305/3309/3405/3406
3 credit hours
Total: 14 sch
Total: 16 sch
Junior Year
Semester I
Semester II
MATH 2413 or 1316
3-4 credit hours
PSY 1302
3 credit hours
BIOL 3306
3 credit hours
BIOL 2321
3 credit hours
BIOL 3301
3 credit hours
CHEM 3408
4 credit hours
CHEM 3407
4 credit hours
Component Area Core Req
3 credit hours
_
_
BIOL/BIO 4301
3 credit hours
Total: 14 sch
Total: 16 sch
Senior Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL 4410/4412/3403
4 credit hours
BIOL 4410/4412/3403
4 credit hours
CHEM 4301
4 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 3307
3 credit hours
PHYS 1311 + 1111
4 credit hours
PHYS 1312 + 1112
4 credit hour
BIOL/BIO 3302
3 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 4101
1 credit hour
–
–
SOC 2303
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 15 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Biology: 120
This degree rotation is recommended for students that need a 4 year Pre-Professional degree.
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Biology Major – Secondary Certification
Freshman Year
Semester I
Semester II
ENGL 1301
3 credit hours
ENGL 1302
3 credit hours
BIOL 1306 + 1106 Lab
4 credit hours
BIOL 1307 + 1107 Lab
4 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
COMM 1321
3 credit hours
Creative Arts Core Req
3 credit hours
CHEM 1311 + 1111 Lab
4 credit hours
SRSU 1101
1 credit hour
_
_
Total: 14 sch
Total: 14 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL 2405 or 2406
4 credit hours
MATH 2413 or 1316
3- 4 credit hours
CHEM 1312 + 1112 Lab
4 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
GEOL 3302
3 credit hours
Component Area Option Literature Core
3 credit hours
Total: 14 sch
Total: 12-13 sch
Junior Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL 3403, 3408, 4402, 4403, 4404, or 4409
4 credit hours
PSY 1302
3 credit hours
BIOL 3306
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
CHEM 3407
4 credit hours
BIOL 3406
4 credit hours
BIOL 3405, 3602, 4405, or 4408
4 – 6 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 4301
3 credit hours
Total: 15-17 sch
Total: 13 sch
Senior Year
Semester I
Semester II
BIOL/BIO 3302
3 credit hours
PHYS 1312 + 1112 Lab
4 credit hours
PHYS 1311 + 1111 Lab
4 credit hours
BIOL/BIO 4101
1 credit hour
ED 3302
3 credit hours
ED 4322
3 credit hours
ED 4314
3 credit hours
ED 3303
3 credit hours
–
–
Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core Req
3 credit hours
Total: 13 sch
Total: 14 sch
Student Teaching Semester
Semester I
_
ED 4605
6 credit hours
_
_
ED 3301
3 credit hours
_
_
ED 3300
3 credit hours
_
_
Total: 12 sch
_
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Science in Biology-Certification Track: 121
This degree rotation is recommended for students that are seeking a Biology degree with a Composite Science Teaching Certification for Secondary Education
