Biological Sciences Program

Program Leader: Oswald D’Auvergne

Professors: Oswald D’Auvergne, Lidiya Dubityska, Eduardo Martinez-Ceballos, Pushpa Samkutty

Associate Professors: Deidra Atkins-Ball, Kebede Beshera, Jean Christopher Chamcheu, Bryan Rogers, Shervia Singleton Taylor, Xiaoping Yi

Assistant Professors: Ekhtear Hossain, Raphyel Rosby, Anna Wilson

Assistant Professors of Practice: Mary Beals, Tanganika Johnson

Instructors: Derek Cole, Antigone Francis, Keerthika Yalakaturi

Technicians: Masomehbibi Fatemi

Professors Emeriti: George Williams, Fitzgerald Spencer

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences provides a comprehensive undergraduate education focused on the study of life processes and biological systems. The program emphasizes a strong foundation through a required core of biological sciences coursework, followed by a wide range of elective options that allow students to tailor the degree to their academic and career goals. This flexible curriculum prepares students for advanced study in graduate and professional programs, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, public health, and other health-related fields. Students may also pursue pre-professional and allied health pathways such as physical therapy, medical technology, physician assistant studies, or sports medicine. In addition to preparing students for further education, the program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for employment in government, education, industry, and research laboratory settings. Academic advising supports informed course selection aligned with individual interests and career objectives.

Biological Sciences Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

The biological sciences curriculum at Southern University is dedicated to preparing students for productive careers in the state, nation, and the world. Graduates of the biological sciences program will:

PEO-1:	Career and Graduate Preparation: Graduates will successfully pursue employment or advanced study in biological sciences–related fields, including graduate programs, professional schools, allied health programs, or careers in government, education, industry, and research laboratories.
PEO-2:	Foundational Biological Knowledge: Graduates will apply a strong foundation in biological principles and life processes to analyze, interpret, and solve problems relevant to biological and health-related disciplines.
PEO-3:	Pre-Professional Readiness: Graduates will demonstrate readiness for pre-professional pathways (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, public health, allied health) through completion of appropriate preparatory coursework and competencies.
PEO-4:	Critical Thinking and Scientific Literacy: Graduates will employ critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and scientific methods to evaluate biological information and emerging issues in the life sciences.
PEO-5:	Professional Development and Lifelong Learning: Graduates will exhibit professional skills, ethical awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning necessary for adapting to evolving scientific, technological, and societal demands.

Core Mathematics and Science Courses Requirements for the Biological Sciences Program

All biology majors must earn a “C” or better in all required and elective courses taken in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Students must also meet all requirements for the college and the University.