Biology Department

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David Swanson, Chairperson
191 Churchill-Haines Laboratories
(605) 677-5211
dlswanso@usd.edu

FACULTY:

Professors:

Hugh Britten, Population Genetics, Evolution, Conservation Biology
Kaius Helenurm, Population Biology, Evolution, Plant Conservation Genetics
Karen L. Koster, Plant Stress Physiology, Cell Biology, Seed Biology
Paula Mabee, Developmental Biology, Systematics, Ichthyology
Kenneth J. Renner, Neuroendocrinology, Reproductive Physiology
Cliff H. Summers, Neuroendocrinology, Reproductive Biology, Vertebrate Stress Physiology
David Swanson, Physiological Ecology of Vertebrates, Ornithology, Vertebrate Cold Adaptation

Associate Professors:

Molly Nepokroeff, Plant Molecular Systematics, Biogeography
Daniel A. Soluk, Aquatic Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Endangered Species Biology
John G. Swallow, Evolutionary Physiology, Quantitative Genetics, Animal Behavior

 Assistant Professors:

Mark D. Dixon, Landscape and Plant Ecology, Riparian Ecosystems
Alicia F. Paulson, Developmental Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Neural Development

Instructor:

Katherine Rasmussen, Introductory Laboratory Coordinator, GTA Supervisor

MAJOR: BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION SPECIALIZATION, B.A., B.S.
MAJOR: BIOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY AND STRUCTURE SPECIALIZATION, B.A., B.S.
MINOR: BIOLOGY

The Department of Biology offers courses that provide a broad background in biology, as well as concentrations in particular areas. The teaching and research interests of the faculty are diverse, ranging from physiology and cell biology to ecology and evolution. Particular strengths of the department are conservation biology, environmental stress physiology, neuroendocrinology, and population and evolutionary ecology.

Students take a core of courses in the Biology curriculum that provides an introduction to the major areas of biology. Students may also elect to take certain courses offered by the School of Medicine. Beyond the core curriculum, students take courses that are of particular interest to them and that may lead to careers in the allied health sciences, conservation biology, agriculture, applied biology, and other fields. Students graduating with a degree in biology are nationally competitive for graduate programs.

Both B.S. and B.A. students may select either the Physiology & Structure Specialization or the Ecology & Evolution Specialization. The Physiology & Structure Specialization is recommended for students interested in careers in biomedical research, physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and the health professions. The Ecology & Evolution Specialization is intended to serve students interested in education, ecology, evolution, systematics, conservation biology, wildlife/fisheries biology, and/or other areas of biology. Both specializations also serve students interested in pursuing interdisciplinary careers such as public policy and law, pharmaceutical development and sales, and bioethics.

For more information about the department, please check our web site at http://www.usd.edu/biology.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Edward and Nellie Churchill Awards
For undergraduate Biology majors who have demonstrated academic excellence and research interest. Students apply for this award and are selected by the Scholarship Committee. Awards are usually made in April of each year.

Harrington Book Award
This award is intended to help students pay for textbooks. Students do not apply for the award but are selected by the Scholarship Committee. The award is usually made in April of each year.

Lucile B. Wendt Memorial Scholarship
For an upper-division Biology major who has an excellent scholastic record and plans to pursue graduate or professional study in a science-related field. Students do not apply, but are selected by the Scholarship Committee. The award is usually made in April of each year.

Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship
For an upper-division Biology major who has an excellent scholastic record and a demonstrated interest in research. Students do not apply, but are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Other support regularly available includes undergraduate research assistantships as well as competitive research supply awards from the USD Office of Research.

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