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
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
