Department of Biological Sciences

Dr. Darrell Ray, Interim Chair
248 Brehm Hall
731-881-7171
fax 731-881-7187

Faculty

Thomas A. Blanchard, Nancy L. Buschhaus, Ann D. Gathers, Joaquin Goyret, Jennifer L. Greenwood, Jack W. Grubaugh, Linda K. Husmann, Michael J. Kempf, Lisa M. Krueger, Katherine Madden, Andrew J. Morency, Kevin M. Pitz, Matthew A. Pritchett, Darrell L. Ray, Katie Reams, Donald Shaw, James L. Smart, Amanda M. Vanhoose, H. Dawn Wilkins

Mission

The Department of Biological Sciences provides a diverse, rigorous program with a curriculum designed to produce scientifically literate majors and non-majors students knowledgeable in contemporary issues in biology. The department offers opportunities for experiential learning through close student/faculty research collaborations. We prepare our students for post-graduate programs and careers in the life sciences and health professions. The public service activities of the department are primarily directed to the regional needs of West Tennessee.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of the Biology major the graduating senior is expected to:

define and explain fundamental elements of cell biology, organismal biology, and ecology,
define and explain how concepts of genetics and evolution influence biological diversity, and
apply the scientific process to natural phenomena

Summer Field Courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

The University of Tennessee at Martin is affiliated with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for the purpose of training in the marine sciences. The GCRL is administered by the University of Southern Mississippi. Institutional affiliation allows students at the University of Tennessee at Martin to enroll at the GCRL for summer courses without paying out-of-state fees.

Course offerings are announced annually by the GCRL and are available from their website (http://gcrl.usm.edu/). Additional information may be obtained from the Department of Biological Sciences.

Facilities

The Biology Department and faculty offices are located in Brehm Hall. Research and summer course opportunities are also available at the Reelfoot Lake Environmental Field Station in Samburg, TN.

Student Organizations

Tri Beta Honorary Biological Society. Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society was established as a society for undergraduate students. It emphasizes a three-fold program: stimulation of scholarship, dissemination of scientific knowledge and promotion of biological research. Therefore, BBB gives students the opportunity to report on their findings in the lab through BIOS, the journal of the society. Published since 1930, BIOS is a quarterly journal which publishes articles of interest to the society, articles written by undergraduates and articles of general biological interest.

Mu Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Science Fraternity. Mu Epsilon Delta is a pre-health science organization composed of Biology, Chemistry and other majors dedicated to promoting the health sciences. Its mission is to assist students in the pre-health sciences by sponsoring seminars, visits with health science professionals, tours of professional schools, etc. and fellowship with students, teachers and professionals, who are interested in health science professions.

The Ecology Club. The goals of the Ecology Club are to: 1) cultivate and support student interest in ecology, 2) develop professional skills in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, and environmental biology, and 3) participate in community service that promotes sound ecological practices.