Biology

• Gain an edge with undergraduate research
• Be challenged by a rigorous curriculum
• Learn from award-winning professors
• Work in state-of-the-art facilities

Research

Converse is a leader in the state in the number of student/faculty research proposals funded by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) consortium. Many aspiring scientists have to wait until graduate school to begin conducting original research. But as a Converse biology major, you’ll be exposed to research opportunities as an undergraduate. Working independently or side-by-side with faculty mentors, our students have won awards at state, regional, and national conferences. Some of our recent student research topics include:

• The effects of caffeine on time perception
• Prevalence of deer liver fluke infestations in the Upstate South Carolina deer populations
• Methods of controlling an invasive plant species
• Upper Cretaceous Plant diversity of South Carolina (70 million years ago)
• Cellular and molecular responses of plants to stress
• Evaluation of genetic damage caused by pesticides in mammalian systems

Travel

As a biology major, you can participate in travel study programs to explore the diversity and complexity of organisms and their natural habitat both in the U.S. and abroad. Places you could go include:

• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• Galapagos Islands
• Spain
• The American Southwest

Internships

As a biology major, you will be guided through intensive training through internships, shadowing, or undergraduate summer research experience. Recent students and graduates completed training at:

• Good Zoo, Wheeling, WV
• MedEx Academy, Greenville Health System
• Medical University of South Carolina Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
• ProAxis Therapy, Spartanburg, SC
• Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Biology Honor Society

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honor Society was established in 1922 at Oklahoma City University for students interested in the biological sciences. The Nu Xi Chapter of TriBeta was founded in 2009 at Converse by Dr. Neval Erturk. Its top priority is to spread scientific knowledge and to encourage student research. TriBeta Nu Xi activities have included hosting speakers (science experts), research scholarship competitions, and hosting biology-related games for the campus community.

Biology is a diverse field and the courses taught at Converse reflect that diversity. You will learn about the internal structure and functions of organisms in such courses as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Human Physiology and Comparative Anatomy. You will also learn about the broad spectrum of biology through classes in botany, zoology, ecology, and evolution. As a biology student, you will learn how the choices you make affect your own health and that of the environment around you.

At Converse, many biology classes meet in a laboratory, while others will take you out into the natural world. As a biology major, you may receive either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Both degrees will prepare you to pursue a career in research, teaching or in health professions such as medicine, physical therapy, nursing, veterinary medicine, and many others.

All biology majors receive research experience, and you will give scientific presentations in the Junior and Senior Seminar courses.

Sample Courses

• Biology of Cancer
• Comparative Anatomy
• Ecology
• General Zoology
• General Botany
• Genetics
• Human Physiology
• Parasitology

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology

Through completion of the BA in Biology,  you’ll gain an intermediate understanding of the fundamental biological principles and integrate these principles from the major areas of biology (cellular biology, organismal biology, field biology, genetics, and evolution). As a biology student you will acquire laboratory and field skills in biology, develop written and oral communication skills and engage in the scientific process to gain an advanced understanding of research, methods, and analysis.

View the BA in Biology Major requirements

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology

In addition to the core coursework associated with a BA in Biology, the BS in Biology will provide you with a more rigorous science and mathematics background than the BA major.

View the BS in Biology Major requirements

Minor in Biology

A Biology minor will complement most any major you choose at Converse. This versatile minor will provide you with a broad background in biology while allowing you to choose courses that interest you.

View the Biology Minor requirements

Course Offerings & Academic Catalogs

What are common careers in Biology?

• Animal Technician (Zoos, Veterinary hospitals, pet stores)
• Attend Health Professions School (Medicine, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Nursing)
• Biology teacher (middle school, high school, museums, zoos)
• Conservation biologist
• Environmental Technician (Aquatic, Wildlife, Forest, etc.)
• Laboratory Technician (Pathology, Food, Brewery, Cell culture)
• Sales representative (Pharmaceutical Company)
• Zoo manager

What are Biology alumni doing?

Our Biology graduates are currently working in a wide variety of careers. Some are also in graduate school and PhD programs.

• Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesGrad Schools
• Emory University
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Mercer University
• North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Southern College of Optometry
• University of Alabama
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of South Carolina
• University of Missouri
• University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Jobs

• Assistant Professor at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy
• Chiropractor/Owner at Integrative Spinal & Sports Rehabilitation, Ltd.
• Dentist/Owner at Terrell Mill Family Dentistry
• Director of research operations at the University of Texas Health Science Center
• Genetic Counselor at Phoenix Children’s Hospital
• Medical Lab Technician at Kershaw Health Hospital
• Nurse Practitioner at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Pediatrician at United States Air Force
• Physical Therapist at HGI Healthcare – Rehab Therapy Staffing Solutions
• Veterinarian at Appalachian Animal Hospital