Biology Department | College of Arts and Sciences

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.

Undergraduate Program

South offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The multitrack major provides students with a well-rounded background in biology. Students may also select courses in the multitrack curriculum that prepare them for graduate study, pre-health professional fields (such as medicine or dentistry), marine biology or environmental science.

Female looking through microscope in lab.

Graduate Program

The Master of Science in Biology degree program provides students the opportunity to further their knowledge in generalized and specialized areas of biology. Students may also concurrently pursue a teaching certificate through a cooperative agreement with the USA College of Education and Professional Studies. Graduate assistantships may be available for qualified students.

Research

The University of South Alabama has a history of investment in biology education and research, supporting a faculty of renowned experts in a range of biology-related disciplines. Multiple faculty members are currently working on grant-sponsored research projects, which provides fantastic opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields.

Announcements

We are hiring a Department Chair

The Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama invites applications for the position of Department Chair at the rank of Professor. The starting date for this twelve-month, tenure track position is August 15, 2024.

Qualifications include 1) a Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related discipline, 2) a distinguished and active record of scholarly publications and excellence in research and teaching, 3) effective leadership and interpersonal skills, and 4) relevant administrative experience. The chair will also be expected to provide vision, creative leadership, and advance the department’s research and educational missions. Applicants must have at least one year in the respective rank at a comparable institution.

We are seeking candidates with a history of research productivity and evidence-based teaching, along with administrative skills and ability to lead a strongly cohesive department. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related discipline. For full consideration applications should be received by November 27, 2023.

Job application details are available at

http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/academicaffairs/facultyposition.html

Review of applications will begin on November 28, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.

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