The biological science program exposes students to the various sub-disciplines of biology and focuses on understanding, problem solving, and research, providing a foundation for additional graduate training or work experience. There is also a teacher licensure track available which prepares students for initial employment as biology teachers in secondary schools.
There is also a teacher licensure track available which prepares students for initial employment as biology teachers in secondary schools.
An additional Pre-professional track (BIOLP.BS) is designed for successful completion of entrance examinations and engages them in concepts covered in core didactic courses in medical or dental professional schools after graduation.
The biology, pre-physical therapy track prepares students for successful completion of entrance examinations and engages them in concepts covered in core didactic courses in physical therapy schools.
The biology major, pre-physician’s assistant track prepares students for successful completion of entrance examinations and engages them in concepts covered in core didactic courses within physician’s assistant programs.
The biology major, ecology/environmental science track provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding in preparation for graduate school or work experience in the environmental sciences.
Career Opportunities
Biological Science
- Scientific Laboratory Technician
- Aquariums, zoos, state parks, national parks
- Analytic Chemist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Healthcare Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry
- Clinical Research Associate
- Forensic Scientist
- Research scientist (Life Science)
- Toxicologist
- Marine Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Pharmacologist
- Pharmacist
- Teacher
Biological Science, Teacher Licensure
- Teacher
Biological Science, Pre-Professional
- Physician
- Dentist
- Orthodontist
Biological Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
- Cardiovascular Technician
- Anesthesia Technical
- Analytical Chemist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Forensic Scientist
- Physical Therapist
Biological Science, Pre-Physician’s Assistant Emphasis
- Biomedical Scientist
- Healthcare Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry
- Clinical Research Associate
- Toxicologist
- Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner
Biological Science, Ecology/Environmental Science Emphasis
- Scientific Laboratory Technician
- Aquariums, zoos, state parks, national parks
- State, Federal Extension Services
- Research Scientist (Life Science)
What to Expect
Hub/Support/Tutoring
- Tutoring sessions available Monday-Thursday for a variety of courses.
Travel/Global Trips
- Australia Biology
- Guatemala or Honduras Medical Mission
- Iceland
- Costa Rice
Club/Social
- Women’s Ruby
- Cycling Club
- Rock Climbing
- Creation Care
- Krav Maga, Self Defense practice
Awards/Honors
- Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society
- Beta Beta Beta - Biological Science National Honor Society
- Alpha Epsilon Delta – National Medical Honor Society
- Hicks Scholars Program
- Tucker Foundation Endow Scholarship
Service
- Host a regional Science Olympiad for Middle and High School students
- Educate the community on health needs such as obesity, nutrition, mental health, etc.
- Sponsor science major’s Science Nights at local elementary schools, sponsored by Lee faculty
Research
- Opportunities to work in the field of biochemistry on intrinsic fluorescent tags in proteins
- Opportunities to investigate kinetics and thermodynamics important for environmental chemistry
- Use of laboratory instruments (liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, ultraviolet/visible and infrared spectroscopy) to develop general laboratory skills
- Research focused on the conservation and recovery of eastern hellbenders (giant salamanders) and endangered Conasauga Blue crayfish
- Student-driven projects assessing the ability of free fatty acids (FFA's) to increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics
- Opportunities to engage in research projects focusing on ecology or animal behavior
- Research that uses human cell culture models to study cellular and molecular mechanisms of human disease. Current projects focus on oncogene function in human cancers.
- Research investigating the effects of sleep on levels of depression within science students
Home/Location
Natural Science students spend most of their time in the study areas afforded in the SMC. The great room has Dunkin Donuts and is a great space for study groups. Upper-division students are provided with card key access to laboratory facilities for research and upper-division laboratory engagement.
iMass
iMASS (Integrated Math and Science Scholars) Scholars Program sponsored by the NSF (National Science Foundation). This program is intended to develop a community of mathematics and science scholars, provide them with meaningful research and/or internship opportunities, and give them the financial support necessary for them to succeed. iMASS seeks to build research teams that include both mathematics and science majors. Mathematics scholars will be able to apply their knowledge to meaningful real-world scientific research, and science scholars will have the benefit of added mathematical rigor in support of their conclusions.