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.
Master of Science in Biology
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.
| 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 |
Master of Science in Biology, Thesis track
Please see notes below for Non-Thesis and Mini-Thesis options.
Year 1
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
BIOL 5305
3 credit hours
NRM/BIOL 5413
4 credit hours
NRM/BIOL 5412
4 credit hours
BIOL 6301
3 credit hours
BIOL 5307 or 5407
3-4 credit hours
BIOL 5307, 5311, 5407, 5601, or 5607
3-6 credit hours
Total: 10-11 sch
Total: 10-13 sch
Year 2
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
BIOL 5307, 5312, 5404, or 5407
3-4 credit hours
BIOL 6302
3 credit hours
BIOL 5307, 5312, 5404, or 5407
3-4 credit hours
BIOL 5307, 5310, 5407, 5602, or 5607 (if needed)
3-6 credit hours
Total: 6-8 sch
Total: 6-9 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Master of Science in Biology: 30-36 hours
NOTES
- BIOL 5307 and 5407 are Special Topic course numbers and may be repeated if topic varies.
- Non-Thesis and Mini-Thesis tracks differ from the above in that they do not require BIOL 6301 and 6302, and students also must take an additional six credit hour course for a total of 36 hours. Mini-Thesis track still requires the generation of a thesis-like document, but it is to be used as a program-only document.
- 17 Biology advanced core credits and 13 Biology advanced elective credits (19 advanced electives credits for Non-Thesis and Mini-Thesis tracks).
- Written or oral comprehensive exam required at end of degree for completion of all tracks.
- TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED = 30 (36 for Non-Thesis and Mini-Thesis tracks)
