Biology

Biology
Bachelor of Science

Division of Mathematics, Science, & Technology

The B.S. in Biology is one of several science degrees offered at YHC. The degree allows you to pursue careers in many areas from health care to the environmental field. Students in this major develop a thorough knowledge of the biological sciences, learn instrumental, field, and research techniques, learn to think critically about biological problems, conduct authentic and relevant undergraduate research, gain the ability to work collaboratively with others, and develop an appreciation for the importance of ethics in scientific research. 

The Math, Science, and Technology majors are all built on the same liberal arts core. The major offers an undergraduate research track, in which students collaborate with a faculty mentor to study a biological problem, leading to a capstone presentation and, often, presentation at scientific conferences. The biology department and its faculty are involved with numerous entities locally, regionally, and nationally, including the Hemlock Project, YHC/UGA Beekeeping Institute, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Conservation Section, the Appalachian Teaching Project, and the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Biology is also offered as a minor; details are below.

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What classes will you take?

  • A diverse set of classes in the liberal arts core
  • General Chemistry I and II, Pre-calculus, Statistics, Physics I and II
  • With a faculty of diverse skills and expertise, the biology major offers a broad range of courses that can be explored here .  Examples of major classes in Biology include:
    • BIOL 3501 Microbiology: This course surveys prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms emphasizing bacteria and viruses and includes classification, evolution, cytology, genetics, physiology, and ecology of microorganisms; Students learn laboratory techniques for isolating, culturing, and identifying microorganisms.
    • BIOL 3301 General Botany: The integration of form and function in angiosperms and gymnosperms is studied, emphasizing evolutionary patterns of development in vegetative and reproductive organs. Laboratory includes macro- and microanatomy, physiological experiments, outdoor studies, and field trips to plant habitats and gardens.
    • BIOL 3801 Vertebrate Zoology: The anatomy, classification, and natural history of the vertebrates is explored. Students learn methods of collecting, preserving, and identifying vertebrates through the laboratory, which includes field trips to local sites with distinctive biodiversity.

What can you do with a degree in biology?

The biology major prepares you for a range of graduate school and career options. Coursework offered in the biology major allows graduates to meet the requirements for application to professional and graduate schools in the areas of:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Veterinary sciences
  • Physical therapy
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Dentistry
  • Biomedical and Health Sciences
  • Zoology and Ecology

Graduates with a B.S. in Biology have pursued careers across the region in many different disciplines.  Learn more about recent graduates from the biology program here .  Questions about the Biology major can be directed to Dr. Andrea Kwiatkowski, Chair of Biology.

There are many pathways a degree in biology can lead you down.

Click on the links below for details on each pathway.

Biology is also offered as a minor!

The biology minor allows students pursuing bachelor's degrees in disciplines other than biology to engage in focused and in-depth study of the subject. For instance, an English major who would like to be a scientific journalist or a business and public policy major who is interested in agribusiness or environmental policy may wish to pursue a minor in biology. Any student interested in a profession that involves health care, scientific research or any other biological application would benefit from a biology minor.

A student who pursues a minor in biology will have the opportunity to research and interpret biological facts and systems, and examine the biological sciences from the perspective of a scientist.

View the minor curriculum here.