Become a leader in the field of medicine, genetics, research or teaching with a degree from Alabama State University. Start your journey with our undergraduate programs in biology and marine biology, or continue your education with our graduate program in biology or doctoral program in microbiology. No matter what path you take, you’ll benefit from curricula designed to give you a solid science foundation and faculty who are recognized for their groundbreaking research.

At ASU, you’ll find unmatched opportunities for industry exposure, thanks to events like the Research Symposium and seminars from industry professionals. And you’ll get the real-life training and research opportunities you need to succeed, thanks to our Biomedical Research & Training Program. National Science Foundation HBCU-UP, and the Center for Nanobiotechnology Research.

 

Biology

What makes biology exciting is its diversity. A biologist might gather field samples for environmental impact statements, study the responses of whole organisms to stre ss, or insert new genes into a microbe. Biologists seek to unravel the mystery of living organisms from biomolecules to ecosystems A biology major needs to understand how data is gathered and how conclusions are drawn. You can focus your studies in one of several core areas leading to a variety of careers in fields like teaching, industry, health care, or research. Or you can apply your biological knowledge to careers outside the traditional, like science writing or environmental law.

A large proportion of biologists work in laboratories, in areas of research or industrial technology, or in health-related fields. The expansion of biology into fields beyond the traditional sciences is especially fast-growing, producing new opportunities in law, business, journalism, and related professions. With a background in biology, some students pursue careers in teaching, management, or sales, as science writers or illustrators, or as medical librarians. Still others use their undergraduate degree in biology as a foundation for professional training in such areas environmental law or for graduate study in biology. Curriculum

Concentrations: Basic Biology*, Microbiology* and Biotechnology*

 

Biology Pre-Health

This program is designed to prepare students for medical or dental school or graduate school in medical and molecular biology. This program is also appropriate for students interested in veterinary medicine, medical technology, or other health related professions. Health professional schools often require specific courses in addition to those in the biology major. As minimum academic requirements vary by program and by school, the college does not prescribe specializations for students to complete. Instead, students may use the biology pre-health curriculum as a general guide to determine graduate school prerequisites. Students are strongly encouraged to consult faculty members and academic advisors to discuss their curriculum plan. In addition, it is recommended that students review Web sites of those professional schools for which an application is being considered. This review should take place early and often during the academic course of study. Curriculum

 

Marine Biology

The marine biology major is designed to introduce students to marine ecosystems, including the great diversity of marine organisms and their coastal and oceanic environments. The emphasis is on basic principles that help us to understand the processes that shape life in marine environments. Marine Biology majors spend two summers at Dauphin Island Sea Lab to conduct their marine courses.

Students with bachelor’s degrees in marine biology find employment opportunities in a variety of fields. In conjunction with a teaching credential or graduate degree in teaching, students often use their marine biology background to teach science at the K–12 level.

Technical positions with local, state, and federal governmental agencies are most commonly pursued. Coastal cities and counties maintain biology staffs for monitoring and evaluating water quality and environmental impacts of marine discharges. Elsewhere in the private sector, students find employment with mariculture, environmental consulting, aquariums and biotechnology firms. Academic research institutions also hire students for technical research positions. All of the above provide students opportunities to explore career trajectories as they consider continuing their education in graduate programs. Curriculum

 

Graduate Program
M.S. in Biology

The goals of the M.S. program in biology are to prepare competitive graduates who demonstrate proficiencies as learning outcomes in 1) subject content and specified literacies; 2) ability to conduct original experimental research; 3) technology dexterity, and 4) appropriate pre-professional dispositions.

The M.S. program provides diverse course work in biological science and specialized research training in a selected biological science discipline. The average time to graduation is approximately two years. The M.S. track is also used to prepare students who lack the prerequisites for enrolment into the Ph.D. program in Microbiology.Curriculum

 

Ph.D. in Microbiology

The aim of the Ph.D. program in microbiology is to impart advanced scientific knowledge in microbiology, to provide training opportunities in conducting state-of-the-art basic research in microbiology, and closely related disciplines. The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in independent research or related careers in academia, industry or government. Learn more.