Biological & Environmental Sciences
From the ecology of the Amazon rainforest to the marvels of the human body, you will find rich opportunities to develop your interests.
Whether you are interested in the ecology of the Amazon rainforest, the biodiversity of East Africa, the wonders of field zoology, the excitement of exploring Europe through our London Center, the secrets of modern cell and molecular biology, the stewardship of the environment, the fascination of the medicinal value of plants, or the marvels of the human body, the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences will offer you rich opportunities to develop your interests.
Students pursue careers in medicine, teaching, research, dentistry, field biology, optometry, marine biology, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and health-related professions.
I learned a lot about the art of education from my time spent in Samford University's biology department. I studied my professor's delivery of their material and demeanor in the classroom just as much as I studied the curriculum they taught. —Allan Phipps, Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow Educator 2012, 2010 Broward County (Fla.) Teacher of the Year, 2007 SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm National Environmental Educator of the Year
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Majors
Biology
Biology majors address complex questions about the natural world and prepare for careers in research, health care, science writing and related disciplines. Small classes, collaborative research experiences and faculty mentoring contribute to students' successful exploration of the natural world in its many forms, from cellular signaling and genetic expression through anatomy and physiology to communities and ecosystems.Learn More
Environmental Science
Environmental science majors are at the forefront of critical efforts to identify and control threats to our biosphere, ecosystems and human health. They use skills and knowledge from multiple disciplines to work with businesses, industry, government, communities and individuals on issues that affect the natural environment and quality of life for humanity.Learn More
Marine Science
Marine science majors prepare for careers in an important and exciting part of modern biology. The program provides students with hands-on training in marine biology, including field studies, laboratory research and aquaculture as well as a summer experience at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) off the Alabama coast.
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Neuroscience
Neuroscience majors study the dynamic, reciprocal relationship between the brain, thoughts and behavior. Molecular and cellular biology, chemistry and physics provide an understanding of how neurons create signals, and psychology, psychiatry and neurology link neural processes to the mind and behavior while providing a strong foundation in the behavioral sciences, mathematics, statistics and computer science.
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Prehealth Program
Students in the prehealth program prepare for careers as physicians, dentists, optometrists and veterinarians. Our personal mentoring, MCAT preparation courses and network of professional alumni will help you make the best of your calling to a career in medicine.
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Undergraduate Minors
Bioinformatics
For Biology or Biochemistry Majors
An interdisciplinary program merging insights and techniques from the fields of biology, computer science, mathematics and information technology. Computational methods lead to the discovery of new biological insights and the creation of global perspectives from which to discover unifying principles in biology, pharmacology and medicine. Three versions of the bioinformatics minor are available. Students majoring in biology or biochemistry should follow the minor table below. Students majoring in computer science or any other discipline should follow one of two bioinformatics minor tables as seen in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science section.
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Biology
The minor in biology develops students' abilities to address complex questions about the natural world, and helps prepare students for careers in research, health care, science writing and related disciplines. Through small classes, collaborative research experiences, and intentional faculty mentoring, students develop skills to explore the natural world in its many forms, from cellular signaling and genetic expression through anatomy and physiology to communities and ecosystems.
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Marine Science
The minor in marine science offers specialized opportunities for study and research in the fields of marine zoology, botany and ecology.
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Neuroscience
The field of neuroscience contains the greatest undiscovered body of knowledge in any area of biological, physiological and computational science. This rapidly-growing field covers a wide range of subjects including normal brain function, artificial intelligence and the causes and treatments of neuropathological conditions. This interdisciplinary neuroscience minor compliments disciplines including: biology, psychology, biomedical engineering, criminal justice, philosophy, public health, education, kinesiology, business and economics.
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Graduate Programs
Environmental Management (M.S.E.M.)
Samford's fully online, 36-hour Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM) degree program that will prepare you to address important environmental issues faced by industry, non-profits, governments, and individuals, regardless of your undergraduate degree or career background. The program is designed with maximum flexibility, and can be completed in one year while still allowing you time for family, work and other commitments. You can complete your study whenever you like, wherever you have an Internet connection, and still have full access to our advisers, faculty and excellent on-campus resources such as career development and library resources.
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Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management
The all-online, 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management is designed to help you apply interdisciplinary concepts and methods to address environmental problems facing industry, nonprofits, governments and individuals without committing to a full graduate degree.
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Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The all-online, 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems program will help you develop the skills needed for sophisticated gathering, analysis, mapping, and reporting of geographic data related to the environment.
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Biological & Environmental Sciences Scholarships
Martha Myers Medical Missions Scholarship
The Martha Myers medical missions scholarship is awarded to a pre-medical/dental student that expresses an interest in participating in or supporting medical missions.
Hezz & Suaylor Cox Scholarship
The Hezz & Suaylor Cox Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded based on faculty recommendation.
Harold Wilcox Scholarship
The Harold Wilcox Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded based on faculty recommendation.
Fincher-McCullough Scholarship
The Fincher-McCullough Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded based on faculty recommendation.
Herbert McCullough Scholarship
The Herbert McCullough Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded based on faculty recommendation.
Ronald L. Jenkins Research Fellow Scholarship
The Ronald L. Jenkins Research Fellow Scholarship is awarded for summer research with departmental faculty.
W. Mike Howell Scholarship
The W. Mike Howell Scholarship is awarded for summer research with departmental faculty.