The 340 Biology majors represent a
cross-section of all students on campus. By gender, you almost
equally divide between male and female. While most are traditional
students (recent high school graduates), non-traditional students
are well represented.
Biology majors come from all parts of Kansas,
the greater 4-states area (especially Missouri and Oklahoma),
and around the world. Many students reside in residence halls, while
some live in town, or commute.
You will find biology majors as student leaders in residence halls, in
student government, and as student ambassadors. In 2003, 5 of the 20
students selected for service awards were biology majors.
What do students do besides study?
As is the trend everywhere, most students
work more hours now than did students 10-20 years ago. This places
an additional burden on students, with less time for study but
still a desire to graduate on time.
Southeast Kansas has many recreational
opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. The
southeast Kansas strip pits (lakes formed from pits left from
mining days) are great for fishing and the land around them for
hunting. We're close to great Kansas lakes and state parks (Lake
Crawford, Elk City Lake, Fall River Lake) and not all that far
from great outdoor opportunities from the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas.
In the summer, the city of Pittsburg opens a large "Aquatic
Center" with swimming, a raft ride, and slide.
Culture comes to southeast Kansas and southwest
Missouri, too. Music and theater programs are scheduled throughout
the year. PSU sponsors the Performing Arts and Lecture Series
each year, there is the Pittsburg Community Theatre, and the
famous Labor Day weekend "Little Balkans" Festival.
What's the biology building like?
Heckert-Wells Hall has only laboratories
and offices. Lectures are held in surrounding buildings. Three
student lounge areas are located in the building and are especially
crowded with students studying before exams. The department also maintains a
small computer lab.
Use the play button
at the right to start a mini-walk around of the displays in the 3rd floor
lounge area. There is no sound. [You may need to click the movie once to activate the control.]
Do you have large class sizes?
The Department tries to keep class size low for our majors. The largest class is
probably Principles of Biology I in the fall, with about 64 students in each
section. Most freshmen
labs are capped at 32 and some at 24. General education classes, like General
Biology or Environmental Life Science will seat from 75-100
students.
What about advising?
Advising is taken seriously in Biology.
Each student is given an advisor in their field of interest.
While pre-enrollment is always a time to "see" your
advisor, come by anytime. To a great extent, we try to mentor
our majors. More an apprenticeship than just "instruction",
faculty look upon students as the future of our field. You will be assigned an
advisor based on your area of interest.
What other experiences can I look forward to?
In biology, you will have the opportunity
to do more than sit in a class or lab. During the semester or
summer, students may participate in research projects - as a
part of coursework, an independent study, or working with faculty
on sponsored research. These experiences enhance the undergraduate
program. Several students have gone on to give research presentations
at state or regional meetings of professional societies. Each
spring, the Department sponsors the "Undergraduate Research
Colloquium", where students report on the results of their
work. We encourage our students to take advantage of summer opportunities
for relevant employment, workshops, internships, and so on. These
experiences expose the students to the "real world"
of practicing biologists. Often, credit can be arranged for these
experiences.
Any scholarships?
The Department offers a variety of scholarships.
Each spring, many departmental scholarships are awarded. Any enrolled
biology major may apply. The funds are a combination of alumni funds from
several sources.
The winner of the Undergraduate Research Colloquium also is awarded a stipend.
Unfortunately, there are no departmental scholarships at this time for incoming
freshmen or transfer students, but the university does provide opportunities for
freshmen (http://www.pittstate.edu/scholarships/).
What about student clubs?
There are three student organizations: Biology Club, Beta
Beta Beta (Tri-Beta), and Premed
Club (see student organizations page). They meet at least once a month and sponsor programs and activities
for their membership. The Annual Biology Bowl, a part of Science Day held on
campus each spring, is sponsored by the Biology Club. The Premed Club has
sponsored several fund raisers for the free clinic.
How to apply? Want to visit?
We'd love to have you visit. Contact the
Pittsburg State University Office of Admissions for all the details. Want to visit? We'll be happy to see you.
Make arrangements with the Biology
Office or visit the PSU
Admissions web site for more information.
