COURSE CURRICULUM

The Conservation Biology emphasis in the Biological Sciences BS program at The University of Southern Mississippi is a 120-hour interdisciplinary degree focused on biodiversity conservation, ecology, environmental science, and wildlife management. The curriculum combines biological sciences, environmental studies, genetics, ecology, microbiology, and organismal biology to prepare students for careers in conservation, environmental consulting, ecological research, wildlife agencies, and environmental nonprofits, while also providing strong preparation for graduate study. Students begin with general education courses in communication, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and laboratory sciences. Core biology courses include Principles of Biological Science I and II, General Zoology, General Botany, General Microbiology, Evolution, Introductory Ecology, Genetics, Conservation Biology, and Senior Practicum. The program emphasizes fieldwork, laboratory experience, scientific analysis, and ecological problem-solving. Students complete specialized electives in physiology, ecology, organisms, and ecosystems, allowing them to focus on topics such as marine biology, plant ecology, environmental microbiology, behavioral ecology, freshwater biology, limnology, biogeography, entomology, herpetology, avian biology, marine mammals, dendrology, aquatic ecology, and conservation management. Laboratory-based learning is strongly emphasized, with students required to complete multiple upper-level laboratory courses. Additional science requirements include General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry, Physics I and II, Calculus, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Statistics, and advanced chemistry or biochemistry options. The inclusion of GIS and ecological data analysis helps students develop practical technical skills useful in environmental assessment and conservation planning careers. Writing-intensive courses such as Marine Biology, Plant Ecology, Population and Community Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, and Animal Behavior improve scientific communication abilities. Students work closely with faculty advisors to customize their academic path according to their career interests in wildlife biology, conservation science, environmental policy, ecosystem management, marine science, or ecological research. Overall, the Conservation Biology BS degree provides a strong scientific foundation, extensive field and laboratory experience, and flexible specialization opportunities, making it an excellent choice for students passionate about protecting biodiversity, studying ecosystems, and addressing modern environmental challenges through science and conservation practices.