This degree program develops in students a competency in key areas of biology, based on a Christian worldview – that God created the world, He has given us the desire and the ability to discover and understand it, and that we are responsible to take care of its plant and animals life. We believe that we have God-given responsibilities to treat other persons according to the Golden Rule. Students are also required to take classes in Bible.
As a Biology major, you will learn to integrate faith with learning in biology and be able to discuss ethical implications, even at the global level in biology. You will develop competency in cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology (botany, zoology, microbiology and anatomy and physiology), population biology and ecology. You will learn many tools utilized in biology, including many types of microscopes and various types of equipment used in a laboratory research setting. For medical technology, you will develop competency in the knowledge and techniques specific to medical technology relative to cellular and chemical components of blood and other body fluids and tissues.
Beyond the core courses of the major, biology students can choose coursework from each of these areas: Molecular/Cellular, Physiology, Organismal, or Environmental.
You might consider a Biology major if you have a desire to advance to medical school, plan on a career in the health services, seek to work in the healthcare industry, or plan to work in the pharmaceutical industry. If you are analytical and have a desire to learn more about components that make up the earth’s plant and animal life, this program is ideal.
In our Biology program, students have many opportunities for research and development.
Opportunities to be individually mentored by high-caliber, caring faculty
Opportunities for research, mentored by faculty or with faculty, and to apply for research grants
Academically rigorous science curriculum through the lens of a Christian worldview, but free from indoctrination with a narrow political or theological perspective
SWU has a cooperative agreement with VCOM in Spartanburg for guaranteed interviews for 10 students for their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program
Our graduates from this program have been accepted into graduate schools including:
Graduate school programs that go well with a biology or pre-medical degree:
"SWU has prepared me for medical school in several ways. The professors not only taught in great detail but they also gave unique examples that stuck with me. This not only helped me learn the material but has also prepared me for the level of in-depth learning that is expected in medical school. The study technique I learned while taking Anatomy & Physiology is what I use today in medical school. It has helped me immensely. Knowing how to study and how much would be expected of me in medical school was something that my time at SWU taught me."
Caitlyn Cross, Pre-Med Graduate
This program opens the door to many career possibilities (some require graduate work), including:
Our graduates have gone into a number of careers including:
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