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MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Biological Sciences program at Tennessee State University is to provide training in the basic biological sciences leading to the bachelor of science in biology degree for pre-health professionals, for entry into life science graduate training programs, for acquisition of entry level positions in the job market, or for students seeking certification for secondary teaching careers; to provide graduate training leading to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees for students interested in higher level studies of biological processes; to teach service courses for other degree programs of the University; and to raise the level of understanding of and interest in life science processes in the scientific and general communities. HISTORY The Department of Biological Sciences was established in 1927; at the time there were five faculty members. At its inception courses were offered in various disciplines, such as zoology and botany. The focus of the Department gradually changed from preparing students for careers in secondary education to preparing them for entry into professional and graduate schools. The Department was housed in the Administration Building until 1928, when Harned Hall was completed. In 1948, the department was approved to offer the Master of Science degree, and later in 1997 the doctor of philosophy. Today, the department consists of 20 faculty, 55% of whom are actively engaged in ongoing research programs. A variety of courses in the botanical, microbiological, molecular biological and zoological life science areas are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. HUMAN RESOURCES Twenty-two full-time faculty members, of whom 86% have terminal degrees. Students: 442 majors, approximately 403 of whom are undergraduates and 39 of whom are graduate students. The strength of the program is best demonstrated through the success of graduates. During the past decade, more than 90% of its graduates who have gone on to graduate and professional schools have performed successfully and have entered society to provide service and leadership as life scientists. FACILITIES The Department of Biological Sciences occupies modern teaching and research facilities on both the Main and the Avon Williams Campuses. In support of its teaching and research programs, the Department is well equipped with the latest in audio-visual and state-of-the-art scientific equipment. Through these holdings, students are afforded the use of extensive teaching aids, as well as hands-on experience in the use of modern scientific instrumentation. On the Main Campus, the Department is housed in Harned Hall and McCord Hall. ACADEMICS The Department offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees: Biology (pre-professional) B.S., Biology (Teacher Education) B.S., Biology (Graduate Level) M.S. and Ph.D. in Biological Science. The Department also has a cooperative program with Meharry Medical College in which students complete their TSU degree while working on a medical or dental degree at Meharry, thus saving a year in their education. Request Undergraduate Admission Information Online Application for Undergraduate Admission Access Graduate Admissions Forms/Apply Online SPECIAL PROGRAMS Minority Biomedical Research Support - Support of Continuous Research Excellence (MBRS/SCORE): The MBRS-SCORE program has received continuous funding since 1973 from National Institutes of Health, the National Institute General Medical Sciences. The primary goals of the program are to increase the number of minority scientists in biomedical research and to enhance the infrastructure which supports biomedical research at institutions that serve large numbers of minority students. Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program: The MARC Honors Undergraduate Research Training Program has been funded by the National Institutes of Health since June 1, 1980. The objective of the program is to increase the number of well-prepared minority students who can compete successfully for entry into graduate programs leading to the Ph.D. degree in the biomedical sciences.
Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions (RIMI) Program:
The
RIMI Program, formerly supported by the National Center for Research Resources (NCCR)
and and currently administered by The National Center on Minority Health and
Health Disparities (NCMHD), focuses on building research capacity in
predominantly minority-serving academic institutions that offer one or more
baccalaureate and/or master's degrees in the sciences related to health.
The program seeks to facilitate the integration of teaching and research with
the ultimate aims of: 1) developing sustainable research programs and 2)
enhancing the quality of the educational experience for the students in the life
sciences and related areas. The faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences have been highly successful in generating external research funding over the past years. Funding of on-going research projects is presently supported through the following agencies: National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Education (Title III Program), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These funded research programs allow for student participation and support, as well as the acquisition of scientific equipment and instruments that have led to the development of highly successful ongoing research programs. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS There are several student organizations that serve the academic and social needs of students: Biology Club: All students majoring in biological sciences are encouraged to join the club. The club meets regularly to discuss current biological topics. The club also organizes social and athletic events. Undergraduate Student National Dental Association (SNDA): This organization was established primarily to assist pre-dental students in developing an infrastructure in order to prepare for entrance into dental school. Dr. Lois Harlston is the founding advisor and Ms.Christie Hogue is the founding president of Tennessee State University Chapter. Student National Dental Association (SNDA) originated from concerned dental students at Meharry Medical College in 1970. Over thirty years after the inception and creation of the National Dental Association, these students at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry organized and put together the foundation of what would become the largest minority student organization in the United States. Contact: Dr. Lois Harlston (phone: 963-5760; email: lharlston@tnstate.edu).
Student National Medical Association (SNMA): The Association is an organization that promotes academic excellence. Students are invited for membership twice a year and attend annually the national conference for the organization. During the year 1995-96, the Student National Medical Association inducted twenty-three members; it continuously recruits new students for membership. Contact: Dr. Lois Harlston (phone: 963-5760; email: lharlston@tnstate.edu). Beta Kappa Chi (BKX): Beta Kappa Chi is a scientific honor society open to students with GPAs of at least 3.2 who are majoring in natural and behavioral sciences. The members of this honor society promote intellectual environments for scientific inquiry. The motto of BKX is "Science Holds the Golden Key to the Royal Palace of Knowledge." Membership is open to both graduate and undergraduate students once per semester (October and March). Contact: Dr. Prem Kahlon (phone: 963-5784; email: pkahlon@tnstate.edu) Xi Phi Lambda: Xi Phi Lambda is a Pre –Professional Honor Society open to students with GPAs of at least 3.2 who are majoring in the Health Sciences. The motto of Xi Phi Lambda is: “Training Pre-professionals for professional roles in the Health Sciences.” Membership is open to both graduate and undergraduate students during the second week in October and the first week in March. Contact: Dr. Lois Harlston (phone: 963-5760; email: lharlston@tnstate.edu). The initial joining fee is $55. SUMMER PROGRAMS By affiliation agreement with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a wide range of marine biology courses may be taken for resident credit by Departmental majors. In addition, the department maintains a listing of available summer research and training programs in the MARC program office.
FURTHER INFORMATION Dr.
Terrance L. Johnson, Department Head
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