Our modular approach to the curriculum gives you flexible options and the possibility of transfering from one biology degree course to another (subject to certain restrictions). Those who entered under a code other than C110 and who wish to transfer to the Biology with a Year in Industry/Research course must apply to do so in their first year. This ensures that your training placement can be arranged well in advance.

The first year course covers the basic core areas of biology. In the first term, there are also classes on information retrieval and literature referencing, and tuition in mathematics and chemistry is available.

In the second and third years, we organise courses for those who wish to study for the flexible, broadly based suite of degrees in biology and specialisms in ecology and environmental biology, microbiology, plant biology and zoology. To encourage a wider outlook, all second year students choose one of the courses offered by the Department of Humanities, which includes a wide range of language options; or you can choose a management course in Imperial College Business School.

The last term of the final year is devoted to a full-time individual research project. Your project is often the most exciting and rewarding part of your degree. You are allowed considerable freedom in choosing a project and may suggest your own line of research. An academic staff member will supervise your work.

South Dakota does not have a professional College of Veterinary Medicine. A pre-veterinary medicine curriculum is offered which allows students to obtain prerequisites for application to Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in other states. Students may meet requirements in two or three years of pre-veterinary study. Many students complete a major for the Bachelor of Science Degree before entering the professional curriculum of Veterinary Medicine. Many degree options are available to students in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum, but popular choices include Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, Dairy Science, or others. Students typically select a BS option late in their freshman year or during their sophomore year.

Entrance into the professional curriculum in a College of Veterinary Medicine rests with the individual applicant, and is based upon many factors including their academic record and experience. The applicant should be aware of the difficulties involved in being accepted to a College of Veterinary Medicine. Keen competition should be anticipated.

Integrated within the Department of Veterinary Science is the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL). The ADRDL is one of 36 full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S. that is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The ADRDL is a reference lab that investigates naturally occurring animal health problems. The lab receives over 20,000 submissions and conducts over 400,000 test procedures annually. The lab is the official test center for the SD Animal Industry Board and promotes animal agriculture commerce by performing required export testing. The lab is also integral to national disease eradication programs and serves public health by tracking zoonotic diseases.