Biology

Biology Program

Biology is the science that seeks to understand life on every level, from a strong molecular foundation up through genes, cells, tissues, organisms and beyond, to the way organisms interact in an ecosystem.  We study the living world - how it changes through the process of evolution, and how living things respond to the changing climate.

The A&M Texarkana Bachelor of Science in Biology degree offers concentrations in chemistry, environmental sciences, and pre-health sciences programs. A minor in chemistry is also offered, as well as teaching certifications with a focus in science education. A minor in Biology for other majors is also offered. There is a graduate education program with a focus in science education.

The biology program prepares students through rigorous coursework and hands-on labs. The B.S. degree in Biology is designed for the students to obtain a comprehensive and solid foundation in the major branches of Biology. The degree provides the opportunity for extensive study across the biological disciplines, ranging from molecular & cellular biology, environmental sciences, ecology & evolution, and pre-health sciences. This degree plan is recommended for students preparing for graduate programs in biological sciences or any professional programs in health and medical sciences such as medical, dental or veterinary schools. A&M-Texarkana Biology graduates can pursue advanced studies in biology, medicine, law, journalism, and business, while others may go on to hold positions in environmental science, instructional positions, industrial or governmental research labs, biochemistry, food science, or pharmaceuticals.

The biology degree is the most versatile of the many degrees in the life sciences. About one quarter of our majors go on for health professions schools listed above. Historically, our biology program has placed more of its graduates in professionals school than any other major at A&M-Texarkana. A significant number of our majors completed teaching certification in order to take positions as science teachers in primary and secondary schools in the Ark-La-Tex areas. Qualified science teachers continue to be in high demand, giving the applicant options to go to nearly any area of the state or country where they might choose to live. State and private agencies, and industries, continue to hire many of our graduates where skills and knowledge in the life sciences are in great and growing demand. Training in Biology provides a unique perspective in other professions. The biology program in the department of Natural Sciences is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all.

 What can I do with this Major?

Objectives and Outcomes

Within a few years of obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology from the A&M-Texarkana, the recent graduate will:

Demonstrate professional biology competence, broadly defined.

Demonstrate professional biology competence, via promotions and/or advancement to positions of increasing responsibility; via satisfactory progress towards completion of an advanced degree; or via a successful transition into a specialization such as medicine, business, government, education, etc.

Apply biological knowledge and science to solve technical problems.

Develop and implement innovative and effective solutions to difficult problems. Show proficiency in the application of biology in the presence of practical constraints, unknowns or complicating factors to solve real-world technical problems while demonstrating excellence in ethical standards.

Interact well with a broad range of people.

Grow continuously in the range of people with whom he/she interacts professionally, demonstrating the ability to relate well to superiors, subordinates, and peers, inside or outside the organization, perhaps involving difficult circumstances. Provide input that enables others to do their jobs better. Reach team leadership positions. Communicate ideas, findings, and knowledge through the composition of papers and/or internal reports, authorship of standards and guidelines, publication of scholarly articles, and application for patents. Deliver effective presentations to group leaders, internal and external scientific visitors, at conferences, or while training coworkers and associates.

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