Biology

Erskine’s Department of Biology has a history of successfully placing graduates in a diversity of professional and graduate programs, ranging from Medicine and Human Genetics to Environmental Law and Toxicology. Other graduates directly enter competitive job markets, pursuing such careers as veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, genetic technology, and management.

Our educational philosophy is simple. We seek to help our students understand (a) fundamental and applied concepts in the biological sciences; (b) scientific ways of discovering, thinking, and learning; (c) skills (both technical and cognitive) that will be needed for career or further study; and (d) the role of biological principles and processes in society and the real world.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in scientific research and/or who wish to pursue advanced medical studies or graduate studies in the biological sciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology is intended primarily for three groups of students: (a) those wishing to maximize course-selection opportunities (e.g., a minor); (b) those planning to enter environmental and health profession fields that do not require a doctoral degree or its equivalent; and (c) students pursuing science-related careers such as teaching, law, or managerial/ compliance/quality assurance positions in science-related firms.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical Science (BS-Biomed) is designed for students who plan to seek advanced degrees in medicine (e.g., M.D., P.A., M.S.N, D.V.M., D.D.S., D.P.T.), Pharmacology/Pharmacy, and M.S. and Ph.D. programs such as Biomedical Research, Forensic Science, Genetics, Physiology, and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. Candidates for this degree take the following Biology courses: 110 and 111; 202; 320 or 322; 403 and 404; and 340 or 407. Students select an additional 16-17 hours of Biology electives, generally including some combination of 200, 201, 210, 211, 302, 303, and/or 401. In addition, BS-Biomed candidates take Chemistry 101, 102, and 214-215; Physics 110 or 111 or 120; and Calculus or Scientific Statistics.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Environmental Science, and Wildlife Biology (BS-EEW) is designed for students seeking to work or pursue graduate studies in conservation biology, ecology, zoology/botany, wildlife management, and environmental science. Candidates for this degree take the following Biology courses: 110 and 111; 202; 320 or 322; 403 and 404; and 340 or 407. Students select an additional 16-17 hours of Biology electives, generally including some combination of 204, 206, 207, 209, 220, 214, 215, 216, 217, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, and/or 406. In addition, BS-EEW candidates take Chemistry 101, 102, and 214-215; Physics 110 or 111 or 120; and Calculus or Scientific Statistics.