COURSE CURRICULUM

Wichita State University’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with an ecological, environmental, and organismal emphasis is a 120-credit-hour undergraduate program designed for students who want to study living systems at the level of organisms, populations, and ecosystems while building strong foundations in biology and chemistry. The program requires a minimum of 50 credit hours in biological sciences coursework, alongside university general education requirements and Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences competency requirements. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 in all biological sciences courses to remain in good academic standing. The curriculum begins with core biology courses including General Biology I and II, Evolution, Ecology, Genetics, and Molecular Cell Biology, which provide a comprehensive understanding of biological principles across multiple levels of organization. Students also complete a Biology Colloquium or Undergraduate Research experience, which introduces them to scientific communication, research methods, and data interpretation. A major component of the degree is the selection of 25–26 credit hours of advanced electives focused on ecological, environmental, and organismal biology. These electives allow students to specialize in areas such as microbiology, field botany, ecosystem management, conservation biology, vertebrate zoology, entomology, plant ecology, parasitology, developmental biology, and environmental microbiology, giving them flexibility to align coursework with career or graduate study goals. The program also includes essential supporting science coursework in chemistry and physics, including General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I, and General College Physics I, ensuring students have the quantitative and analytical background needed for advanced biological study. Applied learning is integrated throughout the program and is fulfilled through courses such as General Ecology and Undergraduate Research, where students engage in fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and faculty-led research projects. This hands-on experience helps students develop practical skills in ecological analysis, biodiversity assessment, and scientific problem-solving. Overall, the program combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, and field-based learning to prepare graduates for careers in environmental science, conservation, wildlife biology, research institutions, and advanced graduate programs in biological and environmental sciences.