Welcome to the Biology Department at Livingstone College. The mission of the Biology Department is to provide students with a world-class education and academic experiences designed to prepare undergraduate students for science and engineering careers and advanced studies. In general, Biology is the study of the structure, function, and development of living systems and encompasses many subdisciplines and investigative techniques. The caring and committed Biology Department faculty and staff work diligently to:
  1. Provide a sound scientific background for those who will enter entry-level positions in biology and for students who plan to enroll in graduate school, medical school, and other health professional schools.
  2. Provide hands-on laboratory experiences and research training experiences.
  3. Assist in the development of the students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills to ensure success on standardized admissions examinations and beyond.
  4. Assist in the development of scientific communication skills and computational skills necessary to succeed in a global technologically sophisticated society.
  5. Offer students outreach opportunities through volunteer service to practice service responsibilities to the College and local community as well as offering quality academic advising.
Meet Our Biology Faculty/StaffClick Here to View

The Biology Department offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 
degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry:

The Biology Department offers introductory and advanced courses in Biology and Chemistry as well as introductory courses in physical science and environmental science. The Biology department offers one major and one minor:

Major
B.S. in Biology (129 Semester Hours)

Minor
Minor in Chemistry (20 Semester Hours)

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in biology degree provides fundamental coursework for students interested in a career in the biological sciences (e.g., biochemistry, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology) or health-related careers (e.g., dentistry, medicine, nursing, veterinary science). A total of 128 semester hours is required to obtain the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in biology degree at Livingstone College. Sixty-three semester hours of general education courses must be completed during the Freshman and Sophomore year and sixty-five semester hours of required Biology major courses must be completed during the Junior and Senior year.

Prospective Biology majors must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Students who do not have an overall GPA of 2.5 will be not be admitted in the Biology Department. Moreover, students designated as Biology majors at Livingstone College must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to remain in good academic standing in the Biology department. The academic transcripts of undergraduate students in the Biology department will be reviewed after the most recently completed semester by the Biology Department Chair and Dean of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences to verify adherence to the Biology department's GPA requirements. Students who do not meet the minimum academic standards (e.g., have an overall GPA of less than 2.5) will be directed to another academic department with the assistance of their academic advisor. Students interested in declaring Biology as a major must complete the Declaration of Major Form and submit the completed form to the Office of the Registrar in the Spring semester of their Sophomore year.

All courses taken by Biology majors at Livingstone College will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA. If a student retakes a course for not meeting the minimum grade requirement, only the highest grade will be used in the GPA calculation. A grade of “D” or better is required in all courses taken in the Freshman and Sophomore year with the exception of BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 214, BIO 242, CHE 241, CHE 242, ENG 131, and ENG 132 (a grade of "C" or better is required in BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 214, BIO 242, CHE 241, CHE 242, ENG 131, and ENG 132). A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses taken in the Junior and Senior year. Students must possess a 2.5 GPA to enter the Biology Department and maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain a Biology major while matriculating at Livingstone College. Students who fall below a 2.5 GPA will be placed on probation and allowed one additional semester to improve their GPA. Students must complete and submit a Declaration of Major Form to the Registrar during their Sophomore year (Spring semester). If a student does not possess a 2.5 GPA following the probation period (1 full semester) they will meet with the Biology Department Chair to initiate department transfer procedures. All seniors majoring in Biology are required to complete the Major Field Test in Biology before graduation. The Major Field Test in Biology is typically administered in the Spring semester of each academic year. At the beginning and middle of each semester Biology majors must perform the following four tasks: 1. Contact your advisor to schedule an appointment (bring LC/transfer transcripts to the advising meeting), 2. Get validated by reporting to the LC Business Office, 3. Use the Biology Department’s Plan of Study for Biology Majors to register for classes, and 4. Ensure that your FAFSA application is complete and current. Students must complete the last 30 credit hours (36 for transfer students) in residence at Livingstone College. Please contact Dr. Flowers (Department Chair - Biology Department - lflowers@livingstone.edu).