About
In Appalachian’s Biology (BS) - Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology degree (affectionately called “Triple E”), students examine the characteristics of ecosystems, their evolution and the greater environment. The university’s location puts students in an area with great biodiversity, where they can see and study many phenomena they learn about in class or in Appalachian’s research facilities.
Students work closely with Appalachian’s outstanding Environmental Science program to take advantage of all that Appalachian has to offer. Students who choose to study Triple E are interested in outdoor science and prepare for careers or graduate studies.
All biology students may apply to the biology honors program which includes two research courses and an honors thesis.
After Graduation
Employment: Students typically have gone to work for the National Park Service.
Graduate schools: University of Georgia, Auburn University, Rutgers University.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. Popular choices include:
- Geography
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Geology
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society - TriBeta was established to recognize academic achievement and promote research in the biological sciences. Membership is by invitation.
Highlands Biology Club - a student club that works to advance knowledge, inspire the community, as well as open doors of opportunity for members through events involving Biology while having fun.
Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors - a day held at Appalachian where students showcase their research projects and present their results in either a performance, platform talk or poster.
Department Seminars - hosted by the Department of Biology for all biology students every Wednesday. Seminar topics range from research to animal biology and ecology to bioengineering.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Department of Biology faculty members have led short-term study abroad programs to Zambia, South Africa, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- The department offers a Master of Science in Biology.
- Students are taught by faculty with diverse research interests and expertise.
- The Department of Biology has 23 specialized research facilities including the William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility, the Scientific Computing and Visualization Laboratory, the I.W. Carpenter Herbarium, a vivarium, a greenhouse, a campus nature preserve, the Robert Gilley Field Station and the Elicia Caroon Johnston Biological Reserve.
- Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in graduate-level research projects with department faculty.
- The Department of Biology offers scholarships.
Research Facilities
Research facilities include:
- William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility
- Vivarium (animal facility)
- I.W. Carpenter Herbarium
- Department of Biology Greenhouse
Location
Boone campus only
Careers
- Animal Ecologist
- Aquarium & Museum Worker
- Botanist
- Ecologist
- Environmental Educator
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Environmental Lobbyist
- Environmental Scientist
- Fisheries Conservationist
- Forester
- Ground Water Manager
- Marine Biologist
- Museum/Aquarium Administrator
- Natural Resource Manager
- Soil Conservationist
- State Parks & Recreation Worker
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Ava Udvadia
Department Chair
udvadiaaj@appstate.edu
828-262-6511