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Biology (BS) - Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology

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.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Student Profile: Adrianna Nelson
    Student Profile: Adrianna Nelson

    Avid birder and biology major Adrianna Nelson has gained national recognition as a 2020 Young Birder of the Year — an honor bestowed by the American Birding Association. She also engages with faculty in their field research and preparing items for Appalachian’s zoology collection.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Rachel Bleich
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Rachel Bleich

    “My love of science and microbes started with a love of problem-solving and a love of chemistry. … Biology is a broad field that can feed into many different types of careers.”

    – Dr. Rachel Bleich, assistant professor of biology

    Meet more faculty

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Howard Neufeld
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Howard Neufeld

    Dr. Howard Neufeld is an expert in the science of fall colors, as well as a researcher of air pollution, the physiological ecology of plants and the ecology of invasive plants.

    Meet more faculty

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Biology (BA)
  • Biology (BS) - Cellular/Molecular Biology
  • Biology (BS) - Secondary Education

Minors

A minor is optional. Popular choices include:

  • Geography
  • Chemistry
  • Anthropology
  • Geology

View all minors

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.

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Costs and Aid

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

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Biology

Dr. Ava Udvadia
Department Chair
udvadiaaj@appstate.edu
828-262-6511

  • Department of Biology

    The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations – from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

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