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Did You Know?

In 2004-05 six departmental faculty members had research funding from outside agencies

Our graduates are currently pursuing graduate/medical degrees at such institutions as UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Tennessee, Louisiana State, Mississippi State, MCG, MUSC, and Clemson

 


Department of Biology and Geology

Academic Program

BIOLOGY PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
 
The Biology Program offers students the opportunity to learn concepts, conduct research, communicate ideas, and accept responsibilities in a scientific setting. Biology majors and non-majors study the history, laws, principles, and theories of the biological sciences. By the time of graduation, Biology majors will have:
 
1. Worked productively within a group setting, recognizing the roles of leader and group member.
2. Used the scientific process to conduct and communicate research of biological concepts in both oral and written format.
3. Discussed the history, principles, theories, and laws of biological sciences.
4. Performed common biological laboratory and field exercises with minimal assistance from faculty.
5. Performed analytical procedures using scientific instruments with computer interface.
6. Analyzed data obtained from experiments or scientific journals for their significance and relevance to the field of Biology.

Biology Advisement Tracts
The Department offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with informal advisement tracks in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Environmental Science, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, or General Biology.

Graduates with a major in Biology are prepared to enter graduate or professional school or to gain employment that requires a high quality education in a liberal arts and sciences setting. Typical careers chosen by our graduates are those related to medicine and health, the environment, teaching, marine or wildlife resources, and industry.


The Department of Biology is affiliated with research facilities at the Highlands Biological Field Station at Highlands, NC, the Gerace Field Station at San Salvador, Bahamas, and the Environmental Field Station at the Savannah River Forestry Station.

These facilities plus several local and regional sites afford Biology majors the opportunity to conduct research in a variety of environments.

In addition, the Department contains several laboratories dedicated to cellular and molecular biology research. Our library resources for Biology are updated yearly and currently hold approximately 40 journal subscriptions and hundreds of books on a wide variety of Biology-related topics.

Minor in Biology
Non-Biology majors can choose to support their major by completing a minor in Biology. Prerequisites for courses used toward the minor in Biology are Biological Science I and II.
The Biology Minor consists of a minimum of 15 hours at or above the 300 level. We suggest that students seek advice of the Department of Biology and Geology Chairperson regarding specific courses best suited for their major.

GEOLOGY PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION
 
The three years of coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology are available at USCA in a program that is coordinated with the Columbia campus. Specific requirements for the geology major are listed in the USC Columbia catalog and also are available from the geology advisor at USCA.

Appropriate courses at USCA for the geology major include general education courses; Geology 101, 102,311, 325, 331, 335, 336, 398, 401/401L, 431, 500 and 570, 571, and 598; and courses in mathematics, chemistry or physics.
 
Cognate in Geology
Those students wishing to complete a cognate in geology should choose from the following: Geology 311, 325, 331, 335, 336, 398, 401, 401L, 431, 500, 571, and 598.
 
Minor in Geology
 
Majors in other disciplines may choose to support their major by completing a minor in geology. Geology 101(Physical Geology) is the prerequisite for courses used toward a minor in geology. All courses in the minor must be passes with a grade of C or getter and consists of a minimum of 15 hours drawn from the following:
 
·         AGLY102 Historical Geology
·         AGLY311 Paleontology
·         AGLY325 Depositional and Diagenic Environments
·         AGLY331 Structural Geology
·         AGLY335 Igneous and Metamorphic Environments
·         AGLY336 Introduction to Geophysics
·         AGLY398 Topics in Geology
·         AGLY401 Environmental Geomorphology
·         AGLY401L Environmental Geomorphology Laboratory
·         AGLY431 Southern Appalachian Geology
·         AGLY500 Field Geology
·         AGLY570 Environmental Hydrogeology
·         AGLY571 Environmental Hydrogeology Laboratory
·         AGLY598 Advanced Topics in Geology  


 

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