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
John G. Swallow, Evolutionary Physiology, Animal Behavior
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

Assistant Professors:

Mark D. Dixon, Landscape and Plant Ecology, Riparian Ecosystems
Jacob L. Kerby, Ecotoxicology, Conservation Biology, Behavioral Ecology, Disease Ecology

Instructor:

Katherine Rasmussen, Introductory Laboratory Coordinator, GTA Supervisor

MAJORS:

Biology, Conservation and Biodiversity Specialization, B.S. (Pending BOR approval)

Biology, Molecular Biology and Physiology Specialization, 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 medicine, 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 Conservation and Biodiversity Specialization. The Molecular Biology and Physiology Specialization is recommended for students interested in careers in medicine, other health professions, biomedical research, physiology, cell and molecular biology, and biotechnology. The Conservation and Biodiversity 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 P. and Nellie Churchill Awards
Harrington Book Award
Lucile B. Wendt Memorial Scholarship
Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship
Gladys Ripper Scholarship
Louella E. Cable Memorial Scholarship
Webster Sill Memorial Scholarship