" I am an athlete here at USC Aiken. The professors work well with me, and understand that I am going to miss class occasionally. They take time to explain to me the things I missed. USC Aiken is the place for me. "
- Jeremy Smith , Business Administration major
Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.
"USC Aiken has the best faculty around! Professors and advisors really have your best interest in mind and will always work with you."
- Dalisha Williams, Middle School Education major
"USC Aiken has so much to offer. Whether it’s Greek life, student activities, athletics, honor societies, or residential life, our campus is full of opportunities and ways to become involved."
- Aaron Doctor, Exercise and Sports Science major
"USCA has many different students from many different backgrounds, but one thing that ties us all together is the campus atmosphere. When I left high school I was scared that I was not going to meet anyone that would be as good as my friends back home. Within my first couple of days at USCA, I had more friends than I have ever had before."
- John Ellis, Communications major
"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "
- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major
"Getting involved in Greek Life and participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people. I have participated in every intramural sport offered, and it has helped me stay active. "
- TJ Johnston, Business Marketing major
"Working on campus is a great opportunity for students at USC Aiken. You have the chance to meet so many faculty and staff members and see what happens behind the scenes here at school. Your job will also work around your class schedule because they always put academics first. "
- Chris Brown, Fine Arts major
"I love living in the Honors housing here at USCA. Just living on campus makes participating in university events and activities that much easier. Living in the honors wing is an added bonus because it keeps me in close proximity with like-minded students who are committed to succeeding and in turn inspire me to reach my fullest potential. The atmosphere is great for learning."
- Kelsey LopezdeVictoria, Biology and Psychology double major
"Through the wide variety of classes and clubs, USCA offers a little something for everyone. Its small class sizes, charm, and personal professors make it the perfect choice."
- Jessica Walters, Nursing major
"As a sophomore at USCA, I have really enjoyed the college classroom setting. Since the class sizes aren’t too big, I can always get help from professors anytime I’m in need."
- Thomas Mcleod, Exercise and Sports Science major
"Attending USC Aiken has been a great experience for me. From the campus events to classes and to housing, we are a like a family – a home away from home."
- Alyssa Gadsden, Chemistry major
"I love attending USC Aiken because I feel as if am in a family oriented environment. What I love most about is its location, the independence you gain from attending, and our Pacer spirit!"
- Alesha Jones, Communications major
"I never thought I would meet people from all around the world on such a small campus. You can find the best of both worlds: the advantages of a big campus in a small, friendlier environment."
- Dana Hallat, Biology (pre-dental) major
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