Department of Biology and Health Sciences

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Mark L. Wygoda, Head
Faculty: Beasley, Bradley, Bushnell,Cormier, Dees, Hidalgo, Hinton, J. Hoffman, T. Hoffman, Hutton, Jackson, Jessup, Kersten, Kirkhoff, Meyer, Struchtemeyer

The purpose of the Department of Biology and Health 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 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 Biology and Health Sciences offers four-year programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Radiologic Sciences.

The curricula and programs within the department are listed below:

1. 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 teach biology at the secondary level or to enter graduate or professional schools.
2. Medical 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.
3. 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.

Minor

The Department of Biology and Health Sciences offers a minor in Biology.

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 Biology and Health 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.

Graduation Requirements

Each student majoring or minoring in the Department of Biology and Health Sciences must earn no grade lower than a “C” in all courses taught within the Department of Biology and Health Sciences 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 laboratory science 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, ASCP BOC, PRAXIS, or ARRT Examination for Certification in Radiography. The results from ASCP, PRAXIS, and ARRT examinations will be compared to national scores for assessment of program progress.

A student majoring in Biological Science with a concentration in Biology Education—Grades 6-12 is responsible for all requirements pertaining to Teacher Education Preparation.

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