The Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama is a flagship department in the College of Arts and Sciences, with one of the highest student enrollments on campus. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and undergraduates can pursue a concentration in Marine Biology or Environmental Sciences. Additionally, South offers a Master of Science in Biology and students can choose to be mentored by one of the department’s faculty members, which includes renowned experts in a range of biology-related disciplines.
Courses are taught primarily by full-time faculty, and students are provided with research opportunities each semester. Through mentorship, teaching and research, biology faculty foster an environment for active learning where students acquire knowledge in all areas of the field, including ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology, conservation and global change. South strives for excellence and provides students with the analytical and technical skills necessary to work on microbes, marine mammals, and everything in between. Students from this program graduate as well-rounded alumni capable of pursuing professional, governmental and academic careers to tackle challenges facing our planet.
Role of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Biology
The Department of Biology believes that diversity is crucial to our pursuit of academic
excellence and is deeply committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community.
A universal lesson in biology is that more diverse systems function better. The diverse
faces, experiences, and cultures each of us brings to the university and our department
improves the quality and creativity within our community. The Biology faculty will
continue to educate ourselves, to implement intentional, inclusive teaching practices,
and to foster a strong sense of belonging for ALL students in our program. ALL means
that no matter your race, gender expression and identity, who you love, background,
ability, beliefs, or country of origin, everyone is welcome in the Biology Department.
Public Outreach on the Upper Tensaw River
Upcoming bird outreach events featuring Joel Borden
Skyler Magnus Kerr, Masters Student, Successfully Defends Thesis
Announcement
The Great Alabama Tick Survey
Alabama has experienced an increased incidence of tick-borne diseases affecting humans (ADPH 2017). Presently, the only state-wide tick surveillance program is based at the University of South Alabama. Given the size of Alabama, limited resources, and the potential importance of tick-borne diseases in the state, I am asking the public for help. All it takes is to send in any ticks found on a person (or pets) while outside. Sending is easy, just tape (Scotch tape is best) the tick(s) to a piece of paper, put it in a sealed envelope and send it to Dr. John McCreadie at the University of South Alabama (mailing address below). Submitted ticks will be identified to species and this information passed along to the person submitting the specimen. The only information needed about the tick is the location where the tick was found and date when the tick was found. Please also include an email address to receive the information about the identification of the species.
Thank you for your assistance!
Dr. John McCreadie, Entomologist
Department of Biology, 5871 USA Drive North
LSCB Room 124
University of South Alabama
Mobile AL 36688
(251) 460 6332