Biology Department

Kaius Helenurm, Chairperson
191 Churchill-Haines Laboratories
(605) 677-5211
helenurm@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/biology

FACULTY:

Professors:

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

Associate Professors:

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

Assistant Professors:

Mark D. Dixon, Landscape and Plant Ecology, Riparian Ecosystems
Jacob L. Kerby, Ecotoxicology, Conservation Biology, Behavioral Ecology, Disease Ecology
Alicia F. Paulson, Developmental Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Neural Development

Instructor:

Katherine Rasmussen, Introductory Laboratory Coordinator, GTA Supervisor

MAJORS:

Biology, Ecology and Evolution Specialization, B.S.

Biology, Molecular Biology and Physiology, 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 include conservation biology, environmental stress physiology, neuroendocrinology, and population and evolutionary ecology.

The Biology core curriculum provides an introduction to the major areas of biology. Beyond the core curriculum, students take courses that are of particular interest to them, including certain courses offered by the Sanford School of Medicine, 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.

Students select either the Molecular Biology and Physiology Specialization or the Ecology and Evolution Specialization. The Molecular Biology and Physiology Specialization is recommended for students interested in careers in the health professions, biomedical research, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and biotechnology. The Ecology and Evolution Specialization is intended to serve students interested in education, ecology, evolution, systematics, conservation biology, wildlife/fisheries biology, and 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.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Edward and Nellie Churchill Awards

Harrington Book Award

Lucile B. Wendt Memorial Scholarship

Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship