Bachelor of Science in Biology

The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest within Florida A&M University in terms of faculty and student population. The department offers degree programs for two specialty tracks, viz. Biology and Pre-Medicine tracks. Students completing these biological sciences programs are well prepared to enter graduate or professional schools, such as medical and pharmacy schools, or to enter immediate employment after graduation. The programs provide insight and direction for students to graduate in four years. 

Students in biology classroom
Bachelor of Science in Biology
The Department of Biological Sciences encourages students to expand their appreciation for biological diversity, form an understanding of the morphology and physiology of living systems, retain laboratory competency for future careers in the sciences, obtain research and presentation experience, acquire internship and volunteer experience, and gain teaching and tutorial experience.

Curriculum Course Map (PDF)


Students investigate the structure, function, and evolution of living organisms through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning.
Students investigate the structure, function, and evolution of living organisms through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning.

What is Biology?


Biology is study of living organisms, including, plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Biologists investigate various research topics, including the origin, structure, growth, function, and evolution, from the molecular level of cells to whole ecosystems.

 

 

Undergraduate research opportunities allow students to contribute to breakthroughs in genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.
Undergraduate research opportunities allow students to contribute to breakthroughs in genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.

Biological Sciences Careers

Biological Sciences graduates work in a wide range of careers, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and biological research.

  • Teaching Biology
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical School
  • Pharmacy School
  • Graduate School
  • Post Baccalaureate Research

 


Field studies and internships give biology majors practical experience applying science to real-world challenges.
Field studies and internships give biology majors practical experience applying science to real-world challenges.

Biology Employment Expectations

The states with high employment rates for biology graduates are:

  1. Florida
    2. Georgia
    3. California
    4. Massachusetts
    5. Texas

 


FAMU Biology students develop critical thinking and lab skills that prepare them for graduate studies and STEM careers.
FAMU Biology students develop critical thinking and lab skills that prepare them for graduate studies and STEM careers.

Biology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q: How well does the biology program prepare students for medical school?
A: The potential to make it to medical school is very high for dedicated students who pass through our program.

Q: Does the department have a graduate program?
A: Yes, the department has an MS degree program for our graduates and others from different schools. We have various specialties for students to conduct their research.

Q: Is the biology program an interesting course?
A: Biology is very interesting. Our program encourages students to expand their appreciation for biological diversity, form an understanding of the Morphology and Physiology of Living systems, and retain laboratory competency for future careers in the sciences.

 

Department of Biology Faculty

Name Email Phone
Dr. Lekan M. Latinwo
Professor/Department Chair 
lekan.latinwo@famu.edu

(850)-561-2745

Dr. Gokhan Hacisalihoglu
Professor
gokhan.hacisalihoglu@famu.edu (850)-599-3665
Dr. Ramesh Katam

ramesh.katam@famu.edu  (850)-561-2218
Dr. Virginia A. Gottschalk
Associate Professor
virginia.gottschalk@famu.edu (850)-521-2750
Dr. Richard A. Long
Professor
richard.long@famu.edu (850)-599-8281
Dr. Patricia Mendonca
Assistant Professor
patricia.mendonca@famu.edu (850)-561-2777
Dr. Caroline O. Odewumi
Professor
caroline.odewumi@famu.edu (850)-561 2741
Dr. Jillian L. Pope
Assistant Professor
pope.jillian@famu.edu (850)-599-8828
Dr. Thomas Sawicki
Associate Professor
thomas.sawicki@famu.edu (850)-561-2397
Dr. LeeShawn Thomas

leeshawn.thomas@famu.edu (850)-599-3328
Dr. Samia S. Messeha
Associate Professor
samia.messeha@famu.edu (850)-599-8815
Dr. Clement G. Yedjou
Associate Professor
clement.yedjou@famu.edu (850)-599-8788
Dr. Michael Thornton michael.thornton@famu.edu (850)-412-5059
Dr. Monica O. Aghimien
Assistant Professor
monica.aghimien@famu.edu (850)-412-5089
Dr. Adrian T. McCollum adrian.mccollum@famu.edu (850)-412-5059
Dr. Rashid I. Elhag
Associate Professor
rashid.elhag@famu.edu (850)-561-2740
Dr. Eriola Betiku
Assistant Professor
eriola.betiku@famu.edu (850)-599-8831
Dr. Dawn E. Lewis
Instructor
dawn.lewis@famu.edu (850)-599-3908
Dr. Kirstie Grant
Instructor
Kirstie.grant@famu.edu (850)-599-3908

 

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Contact Us

CST Department of Biology
Florida A&M University
1530 S. Martin Luther King Blvd | Jones Hall 211
Tallahassee, Florida 32307
P:
(850) 599-3907
F:
(850) 561-2520
E: