2008-2009 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
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Mark L. Wygoda, Head
Faculty: Beasley, Bradley, Bushnell, Calvert, Comeaux, Cormier, Dees, Dong, Drost, Hinton, Horton, Hutton, Jackson, Kersten, Meyer, Moore, Neyland, Phillips, Stevenson, Wilson, Wyman, Young
The purpose of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences parallels the purposes of the College of Science and the University. The purposes of the department are reflected in the following: (1) preparing students for advanced study in graduate or professional schools, (2) providing graduates with skills required for employment in the discipline of their choice, (3) advancing knowledge through scientific research, (4) serving the community in matters relating to biological and environmental concerns, (5) serving scientific disciplines through professional activities, and (6) providing the instructional service to students in other areas of study within the University.
Curricula
The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences offers four-year programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science, Biology Education, Clinical Laboratory Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Science Education, and Radiologic Sciences. Information concerning graduate work in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences can be found in the Graduate School section of this catalog.
The curricula and programs within the department are listed below:
- Biological Science. This program provides individuals with a basic foundation in the biological sciences. The completion of this curriculum provides the student with the background to enter graduate or professional schools.
- Biology Education—Grades 6-12.
- Clinical Laboratory Science. This curriculum is planned to prepare clinical laboratory science/medical technology students to meet the standards of modern medical practices and to fulfill the certification requirements. The curriculum is accredited by NAACLS (P. O. Box 75634, Chicago, IL 60675-5634, (773-714-8880). Upon successful completion of the curriculum the student is granted a B.S. degree and is eligible to take the national certification examination.
- Environmental Science. This program provides individuals with the essential background for understanding and working with the protection, monitoring, and conservation of the environment. Students who complete the program are prepared for a wide variety of careers in business, industry, and government. The program also prepares students to enter graduate programs in environmental science or related fields.
- Environmental Science Education—Grades 6-12.
- Radiologic Sciences. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to become competent radiographers. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible for a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences and is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists national certification examination to become a certified radiographer.
Minors
The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences offers minors in Biology and in Environmental Science. Requirements are listed in each program.
Prerequisite Courses for Certain Professional Programs
Students may take courses at McNeese State University in order to be eligible for the clinical phase of certain associate or baccalaureate professional programs not affiliated with the university. Each professional school has control of its admission procedures and policies, and admission to clinical training is on a competitive basis. McNeese State University, therefore, has no role in or control over the selection and admission of students in these professional schools.
Each student should study carefully the precise requirements of the professional school of his or her choice and, if simultaneously pursuing a degree at McNeese State University, should make sure that all of the professional school’s prerequisites also are included in their degree plan. The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences will assist students in making course selections; however, students should be aware that ultimate determination of course equivalency rests solely with the professional school.
Most inquiries to this department regarding associate or baccalaureate level professional schools have been for information on prerequisites required by accredited schools of chiropractic, dental hygiene, and physician assistant. Listings of all such schools in the United States can be accessed through the following Web sites:
Prerequisite courses for chiropractic and dental hygiene programs can be found by following links to individual schools from the Web sites shown above. Prerequisites for the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center physician assistant program can be found at http://www.sh.lsuhsc.edu/ah.
Graduation Requirements
Each student majoring in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences must earn no grade lower than a “C” in all science courses (including, but not limited to, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology, Microbiology, Physics, Radiologic sciences, and Statistics) and must meet all graduation requirements listed in the Graduation Requirements section located in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
In selecting electives, a student must take into consideration the degree requirements which state that he or she must earn at least 40 semester hours in courses numbered above 300, and at least 12 of these hours must be in his or her major subject.
In partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, the University must receive certification from an accredited school of clinical laboratory science/medical technology that the student has successfully completed all of its requirements.
All graduating seniors will be required to complete an exit survey form and/or participate in an exit interview. Students will be questioned as to their opinions on such subjects as value of courses in their curriculum, expediency of course offerings, and evaluation of instructors. The results of these surveys will be compiled and problematic areas identified for a periodic assessment of the departments courses and programs.
Each graduating senior will be required to take at least one of the following examinations: departmental exit examination, ETS Major Field Examination, ASCP Certification Examination for Medical Technologist, or ARRT Examination for Certification in Radiography. The results from MCAT, DAT, Major Field Exam, ASCP, and ARRT examinations will be compared to national scores for assessment of program progress.
A student majoring in Biology Science Education—Grades 6-12 or Environmental Science Education—Grades 6-12 is responsible for all requirements pertaining to Teacher Education Preparation.
Graduate Studies
The departments of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, and Agricultural Sciences offer an interdepartmental Master of Science Degree in Environmental and Chemical Sciences.
A student may concentrate in Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Chemistry/Environmental Science Education.
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