Biology
Biology is the study of life in all its diverse forms: bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, plants and animals. The Department of Biology at Coastal Carolina University gives students opportunities to explore these various life forms at molecular, cellular, organismic and ecological levels. In addition to core curriculum requirements, a biology major includes 38-40 credit hours in upper-division biology courses as well as related courses in chemistry and physics.
The Student Experience
- Students have access to professors with a broad range of expertise, from the molecular scale to the ecosystem. Faculty have varied research interests that include infectious diseases, circadian rhythms, cellular and molecular biology, plant population genetics, ichthyology (the study of fish), herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians), sea bird conservation, stream and wetland ecology, phylogenomics, and neurology.
- Classes take students into both the laboratory and the field. Many laboratories involve outdoor activities and field trips to sites such as Waties Island, wetlands, forests, swamps and the Carolina bays.
- Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on independent research projects. Recent topics have included landscape ecology of golf courses, ecology of the Carolina bays, freshwater ecology, using DNA to determine bird parentage, fungus on beaches, and investigating prions.
- Internships, employment, and/or volunteer opportunities are available at locations such as Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, pharmacies, veterinary and medical practices, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
- The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee assists students with career goals in the health professions.
Beyond the Classroom
Biology majors go on to careers in a variety of areas including: environmental and medical fields; industrial biologist; zoologist; biomedical engineer; teacher; pharmacologist; clinical researcher; toxicology researcher; biostatistician; botanist; and food and nutrition scientist.
Courses
Concentrations:
- Cellular/Molecular Biology & Genetics
- Integrative Biology
- Ecology, Evolution & Conservation
Biology majors choose from three areas of specialization. Students take two courses targeted toward these areas and then select from an additional 18-20 credit hours of upper-level biology courses:
Cellular/Molecular Biology & Genetics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Integrative Biology
- Plant course
- Animal course
Ecology, Evolution & Conservation
- Evolution
- Conservation Ecology
Students in our department have access to professors with a broad range of expertise, from the molecular scale to the ecosystem. Faculty in the biology department take pride in providing excellent opportunities for learning inside the classroom and out. Our faculty have varied research interests, and we provide opportunities for undergraduates to participate in that research in the field and the laboratory.
INFORMATION
John Hutchens, Ph.D.
Department Chair
843-349-2169
jjhutche@coastal.edu
Visit the Department of Biology website »