COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Biology at Texas State University is a 120-credit-hour program designed to prepare students for careers in aquatic sciences through a rigorous blend of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and general education coursework. The curriculum begins in the freshman year with foundational science courses including general biology with laboratories, general chemistry with laboratories, and introductory mathematics, along with communication, humanities, and university seminar requirements. These early courses build essential scientific literacy, laboratory skills, and analytical thinking. In the sophomore year, students progress into more advanced scientific training, including organic chemistry sequences, physics with laboratory components, intermediate biology, and additional mathematics. This stage strengthens students’ understanding of chemical reactions, physical systems, and biological processes that support aquatic life studies, while also incorporating social science and elective coursework to broaden academic perspectives. The junior year focuses on upper-level specialization, where students take advanced biology and chemistry courses such as biochemistry and environmental-related subjects, alongside continued general education requirements in government and history. These courses emphasize research skills, data interpretation, and scientific problem-solving, preparing students for independent study and fieldwork. In the senior year, students complete advanced biology and chemistry electives, laboratory-intensive coursework, and a required minor in a related field, often Biology, which deepens subject expertise. Electives and remaining core requirements are also completed during this stage, ensuring both breadth and depth of academic preparation. Across all years, the program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, quantitative reasoning, and interdisciplinary learning. Students are trained to analyze aquatic ecosystems and understand biological interactions in environments such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal systems. Overall, the program provides a strong scientific foundation combined with practical and research-based learning, preparing graduates for careers in environmental science, fisheries, conservation, wildlife management, and graduate-level study in aquatic biology and related natural science disciplines, with strong emphasis on real-world application.