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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of MemphisThe Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Environmental Science concentration at the University of Memphis is designed for students who want to understand living organisms, ecological systems, and the impact of environmental change on the natural world. By combining a strong foundation in biology with environmental science studies, students can explore ecology, conservation, genetics, and environmental issues while developing scientific research and analytical skills relevant to environmental careers and postgraduate study.
Curriculum Structure
The exact concentration-specific sequence should be confirmed against the official programme catalogue and with an academic adviser. The outline below describes a possible progression using official Biology course requirements and environmental science course options; it is not a verified, mandatory four-year plan for this concentration.
Year 1: Foundations in Biology and Chemistry
Students begin with General Biology I and Lab (BIOL 1110/1111) and General Biology II and Lab (BIOL 1120/1121), exploring the basic principles of living systems and biological diversity. General Chemistry I and Lab (CHEM 1110/1111) introduces the chemical concepts needed to understand biological processes and environmental interactions.
Year 2: Understanding Cells, Organisms, and Environmental Systems
Students develop their understanding of biological mechanisms through Cell Biology (BIOL 3130), while continuing chemistry studies and exploring approved environmental science electives. Depending on the approved concentration requirements, subjects such as Ecology (BIOL 3050) or Environmental Science (BIOL 4204) can help students examine ecosystems, relationships between organisms and their surroundings, and environmental challenges.
Year 3: Genetics, Evolution, and Ecological Processes
Genetics with Lab (BIOL 3072/3073) introduces inheritance and genetic processes, while Evolution (BIOL 4100) explores how populations and species change over time. Students can complement these subjects with relevant approved electives, such as Biogeography and Ecology (BIOL 4241) or Microbial Ecology (BIOL 4450), to investigate biodiversity, ecosystem relationships, and the role of organisms in environmental systems.
Year 4: Advanced Environmental Study and Research
In their final year, students can complete advanced Biology electives that include organismal and laboratory-based coursework, as required by the Biology B.S. curriculum. Eligible students may also pursue faculty-supervised research through Research I (BIOL 4000) or Research II (BIOL 4001), or investigate an approved environmental topic through relevant electives and research opportunities.
Focus Areas
Ecology and conservation biology, environmental science, biodiversity, genetics and genomics, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, microbial ecology, ecosystem relationships, environmental change, biological research, and the effects of environmental conditions on living organisms.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop a foundation in biology from the cellular level to ecosystems, strengthen their understanding of genetic and evolutionary processes, and learn to interpret scientific data and investigate biological questions. Through laboratory coursework and potential research experience, they can build analytical reasoning, quantitative skills, scientific communication, and problem-solving abilities applicable to environmental and biological challenges.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Biology B.S. prepares students for entry-level employment using biological knowledge and for further study in graduate and professional programmes. The official information reviewed does not identify a specific professional accreditation for the Environmental Science concentration; students should verify any accreditation requirements relevant to their intended career.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences publishes major fact sheets containing career options, salary information, and employment outcomes. However, the available Earth Sciences salary figures should not be presented as outcomes for Biology students, and a verified salary figure specific to graduates of the Biology Environmental Science concentration was not identified in the sources reviewed.
The University of Memphis encourages Biology students to gain practical experience through laboratory work, faculty-supervised research, and field-based investigations. For students pursuing the Environmental Science concentration, these opportunities can help connect biological concepts with real environmental questions, including biodiversity, conservation, ecological change, and the effects of environmental conditions on living organisms.
Specific learning opportunities and resources include:
Biology Laboratories: General Biology I and II include laboratory components, helping students develop practical scientific skills and learn to investigate biological processes.
Faculty-Supervised Research: Research I (BIOL 4000) and Research II (BIOL 4001) allow students to undertake laboratory and/or field research with a faculty mentor. Research II also requires a formal paper and presentation of research results.
Ecology and Environmental Research: Students may find opportunities to investigate ecological questions, including how organisms respond to environmental conditions and how urban environments influence wildlife.
Conservation and Biodiversity Research: Faculty research areas include plant ecology, evolutionary genetics, conservation, insect–plant interactions, and evolutionary ecology, offering possible directions for students interested in environmental science.
Genetics and Genomics: Research opportunities may involve DNA extraction, sample analysis, genomic libraries, and conservation genomics, depending on the faculty project and student eligibility.
Fieldwork and Environmental Data: Some faculty-led projects involve field trapping, GIS and environmental data, behavioural experiments, and investigations of ecological differences between urban environments.
Internship and Practicum Opportunities: Biology Practicum (BIOL 4570) may provide credit for eligible off-campus research or internship experience. Students should consult a faculty sponsor to confirm whether a particular placement qualifies.
Research Centres and Facilities: Relevant resources include the ACRE Institute, Center for Biodiversity Search, Edward J. Meeman Biological Station, Integrated Microscopy Center, and the University of Memphis Herbarium. Access and involvement depend on the particular project and its requirements.
Graduates of the Biology B.S. with an Environmental Science concentration can explore careers involving biological research, ecological monitoring, conservation, environmental assessment, and natural resource management. The programme's scientific foundation can also support applications to postgraduate programmes in biology, ecology, environmental science, conservation, and related disciplines, depending on each programme's admission requirements.
Potential Career Paths
Environmental Science Technician
Conservation Research Assistant
Ecological Research Assistant
Environmental Monitoring Technician
These are potential career directions rather than guaranteed graduate destinations; some specialist roles require additional qualifications or experience.
Career Development and Employment Opportunities
Career Support: The College of Arts and Sciences offers a STEM career specialist who can help students explore career options, prepare for employment, and identify opportunities relevant to their academic background.
Internships: The university provides information about sponsored internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Biology students can also investigate whether an off-campus internship can count toward Practicum (BIOL 4570) credit.
Research Experience: Faculty-supervised research can help students develop laboratory, fieldwork, data interpretation, scientific writing, and presentation skills. Students should contact relevant faculty members to explore available projects and eligibility.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The university publishes a Biological Sciences major fact sheet with career information and sample curriculum details. A verified salary figure specifically for graduates of the Environmental Science concentration was not identified, so a concentration-specific salary should not be assumed.
University–Research Partnerships: Students may explore research associated with the ACRE Institute, Center for Biodiversity Search, Edward J. Meeman Biological Station, and other departmental research facilities. These resources can support academic development, although participation and employment are not guaranteed.
Professional Accreditation: The official programme information reviewed does not establish a specific professional accreditation for this concentration. Students pursuing specialist careers should check whether their intended occupation requires additional certifications or postgraduate qualifications.
Graduation Outcomes: The university's Biology B.S. programme aims to prepare students for entry-level employment using biological knowledge and for admission to graduate and professional programmes. Individual outcomes depend on experience, academic performance, and career goals.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can consider postgraduate study in biological sciences, ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, genetics, genomics, or related disciplines. The University of Memphis lists a Master of Science in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, which may suit students seeking more advanced research training. Students interested in environmental careers can also explore related postgraduate programmes at other institutions, subject to their prerequisites and admission requirements.
US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Environmental ScientistEnvironmental ConsultantEcologistConservation BiologistEnvironmental ResearcherWildlife BiologistEnvironmental Policy AnalystSustainability SpecialistNatural Resource Management SpecialistEnvironmental Laboratory TechnicianBiodiversity Specialist
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