Biological Sciences
Bachelor/Master of Science
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Program Intro
The 4 + 1 degree is a track that allows qualified students to earn both a BS and MS in a five-year window. Jumpstart your career goals and prepare for future success with this accelerated program.
Department of Biological Sciences
Whether you plan on entering a professional school, Ph.D. program or today’s job market, our dedicated and accomplished faculty are committed to your preparation for future success in research and education.
Curriculum Overview
The program curriculum is identical to the BS and MS degrees in biology, but students in this program can apply nine credits of 50000-level biology elective courses to fulfill both degree requirements. After admission to the 4+1 dual degree program, you are required to meet the MS Program Coordinator and establish a tentative plan of study.
You can currently complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond campus.
Develop foundational knowledge of key concepts in biology and learn essential lab skills.
SAMPLE COURSES
- BIOL 10008 – Foundation Of Biology
- BIOL 11000 – Fundamentals Of Biology I
- BIOL 10200 – Introductory Biology
Continue your study plan toward the BS degree in Biology and meet the qualifications for the 4+1 program.
SAMPLE COURSES
- BIOL 12800 – The Biology Behind Modern Medicine
- BIOL 13100 – Biology II: Development, Structure, And Function Of Organisms
- BIOL 14300 – Current Topics In Modern Biology
Expand your knowledge through upper-level biology courses. Apply for the 4 +1 program after completion of 80 credits toward the BS in Biology degree.
SAMPLE COURSES
- BIOL 32200 – Microbiology
- BIOL 33000 – Biostatistics
- BIOL 34000 – Human Physiology
Complete the senior capstone course and select nine credits of 50000-level biology courses to fulfill both degree requirements.
SAMPLE COURSES
- BIOL 58200 – Ecotoxicology
- BIOL 58700 – Biogeography
- BIOL 59100 – Field Ecology
During your fifth year, complete your M.S. studies by forming a graduate advisory committee and developing a plan of study. Non-thesis students complete 30 credits of coursework and take an exit exam.
SAMPLE COURSES
- BIOL 59500 – Special Assignments
- BIOL 59700 – Sex and Evolution
- BIOL 60100 – Graduate Seminar
Highlights
The BS/MS in Biology 4+1 program offers:
- The opportunity to complete both degrees in five years
- A wide variety of upper-level undergraduate and graduate course offerings
- Small class sizes
- Faculty supervised research opportunities
- Teaching assistant positions
Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you’ll develop in-depth knowledge in biological sciences as well as critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills that will enhance your career opportunities in the field.
Scholarships
There are multiple scholarships available to students in this program, including:
- Donald Clark Memorial Scholarship
- Robert G. Husted, M.D. Scholarship
- Undergraduate and graduate teaching assistantships
Beyond the Classroom
We know that learning happens everywhere, so we encourage you to supplement your studies through research, internships, and volunteering in the community.
Career Paths
This degree prepares you for professional and PhD programs and a number of careers in the field, including:
- Biology instructor
- Research scientist
- Field ecologist
- Natural science manager
Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations like:
- Hospitals
- University research laboratories
- Food testing laboratories
- National Park Service
Meet the Faculty
Interim Chair, Biological Sciences; Professor of Biological Sciences
Research in my lab addresses questions related to the evolution of behavior. Specifically, I combine both laboratory and field experiments to test hypotheses related to how the social environment influences life history evolution.
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Scott Bates is currently an assistant professor on PNW’s Westville campus, whose foci include bioinformatics, microbial ecology, microbiology and mycology. His research seeks to harness the power of modern molecular methods to broadly investigate how assemblages of microbes function in their environment.
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Radmila Stanic is an associate professor of biological sciences. Her research and teaching focus on cellular physiology, animal physiology and molecular biology.
Take the Next Step
Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW’s flexible programs can meet your needs.
