College of Charleston | Homepage Link
Cougar TrailCougar Trail | Paw  image Web Mail WebCT Library Search
Biology Department Title | click to change imageRita Liddy Hollings Science Center
58 Coming Street, Room 214 | Charleston, SC 29401
PH: (843) 953-5504 | FAX: (843) 953-5453
Bio Homepage Faculty & Staff Handbook for Majors Seminar Series

 
 
Biology
Department
Seminars


Ft. Johnson Seminars

Grice Marine Lab
Grice Marine Laboratory


Graduate Program in Marine Biology


CofC Graduate School
The Graduate School


M.S. in Environmental Studies


CofC School of Science and Math
School of Science and Math
 
Handbook for Biology Majors UPDATED 09/06

   Handbook Home | Degree Requirements (OLD) | General Course Schedule (OLD)


Note: All Freshman entering in the Fall of 2005 an later MUST follow the NEW curriculum.
For all degrees, at least 12 hours of courses beyond Biology 111/111L, 112/112L must be taken at the College of Charleston.

OLD Curriculum


BIOLOGY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Major in Biology: 34 semester hours to include:

(1)        Biology 111/111L, 112/112L

(2)        26 semester hours in courses at the 300-level or above, including:

    (1)      3 of the following core courses:

                        Biology 311 - Genetics with optional laboratory

                        Biology 312 - Molecular Biology with optional laboratory
                        OR Biology 313 - Cell Biology with optional laboratory

                        Biology 304 - Plant Physiology
                        OR Biology 321 - General & Comparative Physiology

                        Biology 341 - General Ecology

                        Biology 350 - Evolution

           (2)        All of the following courses:

                        a. Biology 300- Botony (also may be satisfied by
                            Biology 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 444)

Students must complete at least four (4) biology courses with laboratories at the 300-level or above. The laboratory courses may carry separate credit or my be part of a 4-credit course. Independent study (HONS 398), Tutorial (BIOL/HONS 399), Bachelor's Essay (BIOL/HONS 499) or a Problems course (BIOL 450/451) with laboratories do not fulfill the laboratory requirement.

                        b. Chemistry 11/111L, 112/112L - General Inorganic Chemistry
                        Chemistry 231/231L, 232/232L - Organic Chemistry

                        c. Physics 101/101L, 102/102L OR 201/201L, 202/202L

                        d. Mathematics through calculus (Math 120)



 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Major in Marine Biology: 34 semester hours to include:

(1)    a.     Biology 111/111L, 112/112L

          b.     Biology 341-General Ecology plus two (2) other core courses from the above list

          c.      Biology 337-Invertebrate Zoology

          d.     Biology 335-Biology of Fishes

          e.      Biology 342-General Oceanography

          f.      A course in Botany (may be satisfied by Biology 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 444)

(2)    a.     Chemistry 111/111L, 112/112L

          b.     Chemistry 221 - Quantitative Analysis OR Chemistry 21/231L, 232/232L

          c.      Physics 101/101L, 102/102L OR 201/201L, 202/202L

          d.     One semester of Geology

          e.      Mathematics through calculus (Math 120)



 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Major in Biology
with an emphasis in Molecular Biology
: 34 semester hours in Biology to include:

(1)    Biology 111/111L, 112/112
 

(2)    26 semester hours in courses at the 300-level or above, including:

     a.    Biology 311/311L - Genetics and laboratory

     b.    Biology 312/312L - Molecular Biology and laboratory

     c.    Biology 313/313L - Cell Biology and laboratory

     d.    Biology 455 - Seminar in Molecular Biology

(3)    The 26 hours at the 300 level also to include any two (2) of the following courses:

     a.    Biology 304 - Plant Physiology

     b.    Biology 321 - General & Comparative Physiology

     c.     Biology 310 - General Microbiology

     d.    Biology 322 - Comparative Vertebrate Embryology

(4)    All of the following Chemistry Courses:

     a.    Chemistry 111/111L, 112/112L

     b.    Chemistry 231/231L, 232/232L - Organic Chemistry

     c.    Chemistry 351,352, 354L - Biochemistry with lab

     d.    Chemistry 221 - Quantitative Analysis (recommended)

(5)    All of the following Math and Physics Courses:

        Physics 101/101L, 102/102L OR 201/201L, 202/202L

        Math 120 - Calculus I



 

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Dual Degree in Allied Health:
See section on Careers in Allied Health Sciences.



 

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Major in Biology: 28 semester hours in Biology to include:

(1)   a.  Biology 111/111L, 112/112L

         b.  20 additional hours of Biology - 16 of which must be at the 300-level or above

Students must complete at least three (3) biology courses with laboratories at the 200-level or above. The laboratory courses may carry separate credit or may be part of a 4-credit hour course. Independent study (HONS 398), tutorial (BIOL/HONS 399), Bachelor's Essay (BIOL/HONS 499), or Problems courses (BIOL 450/451) with laboratories do not fulfill the laboratory requirement.

(2)    a.  one year of Chemistry

          b.  one year of Mathematics



 

Bachelor of Science Teacher Education Program (Grades 7-12)

After declaring a major in Biology, students interested in teacher certification must meet with the director of certification and student teaching, School of Education, 953-5613. Students should apply for acceptance to this program no later than their junior year. Requirements include admission to and successful completion of the approved teacher education program.

34 Semester Hours in Biology to Include:

(1)   Biology 111/ 111L, 112/112L

(2)   26 semester hours in courses at the 300-level or above, including:

       (a)   3 of the following core courses:

                Biology 311 - Genetics with optional laboratory

                Biology 312 - Molecular Biology with optional laboratory
                OR Biology 313 - Cell Biology with optional laboratory

                Biology 304 - Plant Physiology
                OR Biology 321 - General & Comparative Physiology

                Biology 310 - General Microbiology

                Biology 323 - ComparativeAnatomy of Vertebrates

                Biology 300- Botony (also may be satisfied by
                Biology 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, or 444)

                        b. Chemistry 11/111L, 112/112L - General Inorganic Chemistry

                        Chemistry 231/231L, 232/232L - Organic Chemistry

                        c. Physics 101/101L, 102/102L OR 201/201L, 202/202L

                        d. Mathematics through calculus (Math 120)

    (b)     Two of the following courses:

                        Biol 341- General Ecology

                        Biol 350


Minor in Biology:          20 semester hours to include:

     (1)   Biology 111/111L, 112/112L

     (2)   12 additional hours in Biology: at least 8 of
              the 12 semester hours must be at the 300-level or above.



 

SUGGESTED PRE-PROFESSIONAL CURRICULUM (OLD)

1st SEMESTER

2ND SEMESTER

COURSE

HOURS

COURSE

HOURS

English 101

3

English 102

3

Math 111

3

Math 120

3

Chemistry 111/111L

4

Chemistry 112/112L

4

Biology 111/111L

4

Biology 112/112L

4

History 101

3

History 102

3

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

18

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

18


3rd SEMESTER


4th SEMESTER

Chemistry 231/231L

4

Chemistry 232/232L

4

Physics 201/201L

4

Physics 202/202L

4

Biology 311 - Genetics with/without lab

3/4

Biology 313- Molecular Biology with/without lab

3/4

Foreign Language

4

Biology 313 - Cell Biology with/without lab

3/4

Humanities

3

Foreign Language

3

   

Humanities

3

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

17/18

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

20-22


5TH SEMESTER


6TH SEMESTER

Biochemistry 1

3

Biochemistry 2

3

Foreign Language

4

Biometry

3

Physiology

4

Foreign Language

3

Social Science

3

Social Science

3

Electives

3

Electives

3

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

16

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

16

MCAT Review Course

Take MCAT


7th SEMESTER


8th SEMESTER

Electives & courses to complete major

Electives & courses to complete major




 

Generalized schedule: Below is a typical schedule for a biology major according to the OLD curriculum. This is to assist you in your thinking and planning and is in no way a substitute for one-on-one counseling with your academic advisor.


FRESHMAN YEAR

Biology 111/111L, 112/112L

8 semester hours

English 101/102

6 semester hours

Math 111/120

6-8 semester hours

Chemistry 111/111L, 112/112L

8 semester hours

General education requirements (history, foreign language or humanities)

3-6 semester hours

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

33-34 semester hours


SOPHOMORE YEAR

One Biology course per semester

7-8 semester hours

Chemistry 231/231L, 232/232L

8 semester hours

General education requirements

15-18 semester hours

Elective courses

0-3 semester hours

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

30-34 semester hours


JUNIOR YEAR

One biology course per semester

8 semester hours

Physics 101/101L, 102/102L or 201/201L, 202/202L

8 semester hours

General education requirements

12-15 semester hours

Elective courses

0-3 semester hours

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

31-32 semester hours


SENIOR YEAR

3 biology courses

11-12 semester hours

Elective courses

18-23 semester hours

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS

29-45 semester hours



 

PRE-NURSING PROGRAM (Old Curriculum)

Students who attend the College of Charleston may take the courses required for entry into a nursing curriculum, which is offered an another institution. The College of Charleston does not confer nursing degrees. Entrance to nursing programs will be on a competitive basis. Students interested in applying to the nursing program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have two options - a two-year BSN degree, which requires at least 60 hours for admission, or an MSN Òfast trackÓ program for students who have earned a Bachelor's degree at the College of Charleston. The courses which must be taken by all College of Charleston students who plan to enter nursing are:

English 101 and 102

6 semester hours

Chemistry 101/101L, 102/102L (111/111L, 112/112L can be substituted). [Must be taken as prerequisites for Biology 310]

8 semester hours

Biology 111/111L, 112/112L (must be taken to fulfill prerequisite requirements for advanced classes)

8 semester hours

Psychology 103 and Development Psychology 311

6 semester hours

Biology 201/201L, 321/321L (Physiology) and 202/202L, 323/323L (Anatomy)

8 semester hours

Biology 310/310L Microbiology

4 semester hours

Statistics (Psychology 211, Biology 360 Math 250 or Math 104)

3 semester hours

Humanities (fine arts, literature, history, philosophy, religious studies, or foreign language)

9 semester hours

Additional hours to fulfill prerequisite hours and requirements of the program/major courses and general degree requirements for students earning a Bachelor's degree

 

MINIMUM SEMESTER HOURS

60 semester hours

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS FOR "FAST TRACK" MSN

122 semester hours

In addition, you should have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be competitive and have at least a "C" in every prerequisite course.

Nursing programs, other than MUSC, have similar requirements, but you should check on the specifics. Biology majors interested in nursing should declare biology as their major, but list nursing as an area of interest on their Declaration of Major form.

A more detailed handout on the Pre-Nursing Program is available in the Biology office. All students interested in nursing should sign up for the Allied Health list server to receive announcements and notices.



 

CAREER IN THE ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES (Old Curriculum)

The College of Charleston offers prerequisite courses for the Allied Health Education, but does not offer Allied Health training. Our focus is in preparing students for Baccalaureate and Master's level Allied Health programs including: Cytotechnolgoy, Extracorporeal Circulation Technology, Health Information Administration, Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician's Assistant, and Radiation Therapy as well as many others. Most of our students go to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Health Related Professions, but some enter programs at other institutions throughout the country. The prerequisite requirements may vary from one type and location of program to the next, but all students can generally be expected to complete at least:

English 101

6 semester hours

Chemistry (level and number will vary)

8 semester hours

Biology 111/111L, 112/112L

8 semester hours

Math (at least 3 SH but more for some or as prerequisites to Physics and/or Chemistry)

3 semester hours

Social Sciences

9 semester hours

Humanities

9 semester hours

Additional requirements as required by program/location

 

The number of hours vary from 60 semester hours to a Bachelor's degree (122 semester hours). For all programs, it is recommended that you incorporate your College of Charleston General Degree Requirements as well as requirements for your major as your plan your curriculum. Admission to the Allied Health programs is on a competitive basis. For detailed information about the pre-Allied Health programs, please see the Allied Health Handbook. A separate handout on the pre-Nursing program is also available.

A more detailed handout on the Allied Health Program is available in the Biology office. All students interested in allied health should sign up for the Allied Health list server to receive announcements and notices.



 

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM IN ALLIED HEALTH (Old Curriculum)

The College of Charleston has an optional dual degree program in which students can earn a degree from both the College of Charleston and the MUSC College of Health Professions and some other allied health programs. Participants in the Dual Degree Program must complete:

(1)  all minimum degree requirements of the College of Charleston

(2)  all prerequisite requirements at the College of Charleston

(3)  at least 90 semester hours, of which 60 must be earned at the College of Charleston

(4)  one year of Chemistry with labs

(5)  12-14 semester hours of advance biology courses selected from the
        following courses taken at the College of Charleston.

          Biology 201 - Human Physiology

          Biology 202 - Human Anatomy

          Biology 310 - General Microbiology

          Biology 311 - Genetics and lab

          Biology 312 - Molecular Biology and lab

          Biology 313 - Cell Biology and lab

          Biology 314 - Immunology

          Biology 320 - Histology

          Biology 321 - Comparative Physiology

          Biology 322 - Comparative Embryology

          Biology 323 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

          Biology 336 - Parasitology

(6)  all courses in the major area with a GPA of 2.5 at the College of Charleston (or higher if required by a specific program).

(7)  successful completion of the first year of the cooperating Allied Health program.



 

Students earning any degree in Biology must also complete the Minimum Degree Requirements (as listed below):

    English: 101,102 (must be taken during 1st year)

    History: 101, 102

    Math: 6 hours (calculus is required for marine biology majors, molecular biology majors, and B.S. majors in biology; preferred for B.A. majors in Biology)

     Foreign Language, Classical/Modern: 0-12 semester hours: Satisfactory completion of course work through the intermediate level or demonstration of proficiency at that level by an examination.

   Social Science: 6 hours (anthropology, economics, political science, psychology or sociology)

    Humanities: 12 hours from the following with nor more than 6 hours from any one: literature, foreign literature, fine arts (except studio art, practice & performance of music, and stage-craft), history (except 101 and 102), philosophy (except 215 and 216), and religious studies.



Updated 10/17/06