Why study Biology at MC?

The curriculum in biology provides the student sound preparation in the major areas of biological science while permitting concentration in specialized areas of particular interest. Field study in the nearby mountains and lakes and opportunity for research through Oak Ridge Associated Universities and National Laboratories such as Argonne, Brookhaven, and Oak Ridge complement the curriculum.

The Major in Biology provides a comprehensive curriculum for students planning careers in which biological knowledge plays a central role. With careful elective choice students may pursue careers as professional biologists in any of the numerous sub fields and enter graduate school programs that lead to research-oriented careers, or they may enter medical school or other health-related programs. Interested in teaching at the middle- or high-school level? We offer a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Secondary STEM degree that can be completed in just one additional year.

Photo of Camela Lewis

Carmela Lewis

Hometown: Maryville, TN

Growing up, Carmela was always enamored with wildlife and the great outdoors. Now, she is pursuing a career in wildlife biology or marine biology so that she can make effective, positive change in the environment.

“Being so close to the Smoky Mountains and participating in Fit. Green. Happy.® living, I already feel as though I am making a positive impact,” she said. “I’ve also been able to explore other interests, such as minoring in Chemistry and Psychology, as well as joining Tri-Beta club on-campus.” Carmela interned with the East Tennessee Freedom Schools last summer, teaching participants “the fun realm of science” while also boosting reading skills.

 

Photo of Cameron

Cameron Moore ’20

Hometown: Third year Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Department of Microbiology)

As a Scots Science Scholar, Cameron learned the basic laboratory, computer and math skills that he still uses in his graduate education. The breadth of the curriculum — that enabled him to be in the field, as well as the lab — gave him a solid understanding of all aspects of biology, from ecology to biochemistry. Today, he is studying the symbiotic interactions between animals and bacteria.

The impact MC faculty members had on his education have inspired him to consider teaching at a small college as a profession.

“The professors at MC, specifically within the biology department, were crucial for my development,” he said. “They held me to a high standard and pushed me to think critically about how to ask scientific questions and analyze scientific data. They also genuinely cared about my success and wellbeing.”

Professor of Biology
Dr. Drew Crain
Professor of Biology
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Chair, Division of Natural Sciences, Professor of Biology
Dr. Jennifer Brigati
Chair, Division of Natural Sciences, Professor of Biology
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Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. David Unger
Associate Professor of Biology
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Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
Dr. Anne Rea
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
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Clemson University Graduate School
Columbia University Graduate School of the Arts and Sciences
Duke University School of Medicine
East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine
Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Pennsylvania State University
Purdue University Graduate School
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine

University of Colorado-Denver School of Public Affairs
University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
University of Louisville Medical School
University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
University of Tennessee College of Medicine
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Washington School of Law
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Developmental Biology
Virginia Commonwealth University
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology, concepts, and quantitative analysis in:
    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology and Genetics
    • Organismal Biology
    • Ecology
  • Summarize, interpret, and present the primary biological literature.
  • Acquire and apply a set of basic laboratory data acquisition, analysis, and presentation skills.
  • Acquire and apply a set of basic field data acquisition, analysis, and presentation skills.
  • Design and execute an in-depth collaborative research project and successfully communicate the results formally in both written and verbal forms.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology consists of 45-47 hours in biology and chemistry.

Required coursework includes:

Major and Major-Related Courses

Three additional 300 or 400 level Biology courses excluding: Biology 337: Internship in Biology. At least one course must be a 4-credit course with a laboratory.

BIO 113: Principles of Organismal Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 115: Principles of Cellular Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 221: Genetics(4 hrs)
BIO 222: Ecology and Evolution(4 hrs)
BIO 299: Professional Practices in Biology(1 hrs)
BIO 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
BIO 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
BIO 412: Animal Physiology(4 hrs)
CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
Three additional 300 or 400 level Biology courses; at least one must be a 4-credit course with a laboratory

Through a four-year plan developed in consultation with an academic advisor, students develop a program of elective coursework in a variety of subjects individualized to their career goals.

Specific requirements of particular post-graduate institutions should be ascertained early in the undergraduate program because they may require courses for admission beyond the minimum required for the B.A. in biology. The Major in Biology is not open to students majoring in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or Environmental Science.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology consists of 64-67 hours in biology, chemistry, and physics/math.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

Four additional 300 or 400 level Biology courses excluding: Biology 337: Internship in Biology. At least one course must be a 4-credit course with a laboratory.

BIO 113: Principles of Organismal Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 115: Principles of Cellular Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 221: Genetics(4 hrs)
BIO 222: Ecology and Evolution(4 hrs)
BIO 299: Professional Practices in Biology(1 hrs)
BIO 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
BIO 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
BIO 412: Animal Physiology(4 hrs)
CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 223: Organic Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 224: Organic Chemistry II(4 hrs)
Four additional 300 or 400 level Biology courses; at least one must be a 4-credit course with a laboratory

Two of the following courses (Note Prerequisites)

CSC 130: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming(4 hrs)
CSC 225: Data Structures(4 hrs)
MTH 125: Calculus I (MR)(4 hrs)
MTH 225: Calculus II(4 hrs)
MTH 221: Inferential Statistics w/Data Visualization(3 hrs)
MTH 222: Regression Analysis(3 hrs)
PHY 101: College Physics I(4 hrs)
PHY 102: College Physics II(4 hrs)

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is designed to prepare students for graduate programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other health professions. The Major in Biology is not open to students majoring in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or Environmental Science.

The Major in Biology for Teacher Licensure is designed for students planning careers as teachers of biology, environmental science, and general science at the secondary level. The Major in Biology for Teacher Licensure consists of 44 hours in major and major-related courses and 46 credit hours in courses related to educator preparation.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

BIO 113: Principles of Organismal Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 115: Principles of Cellular Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 217: Human Anatomy and Physiology I(4 hrs)
BIO 218: Human Anatomy and Physiology II(4 hrs)
BIO 221: Genetics(4 hrs)
BIO 222: Ecology and Evolution(4 hrs)
CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
PHS 111: Investigations in Physical Science(4 hrs)
Two additional 300 or 400 level Biology courses with laboratory

Educator Preparation Courses

PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 218: Adolescent Development(3 hrs)
STA 120: Introductory Statistics(4 hrs)
EDU 202: Educational Technology(3 hrs)
EDU 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Education(1 hrs)
EDU 300: Field Experience(1 hrs)
EDU 301: Models of Classroom Management & Instruction(3 hrs)
EDU 312: Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners(3 hrs)
EDU 321: Disciplinary Literacy Methods(3 hrs)
EDU 333: Applied Pedagogy(3 hrs)
EDU 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
EDU 352: Senior Study II: Professional Seminar(3 hrs)
EDU 403: Clinical Practice for PK12/Secondary (10)(10 hrs)
EDU 411: Educational Assessment & Evaluation(3 hrs)

The Minor in Biology requires a minimum of 21 hours.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

BIO 113: Principles of Organismal Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 115: Principles of Cellular Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 221: Genetics(4 hrs)
BIO 222: Ecology and Evolution(4 hrs)
At least one course at the 300- or 400-level that satisfies requirements for the Major in Biology

Either:

BIO 299: Professional Practices in Biology(1 hrs)
Or
CHM 399: Research Seminar(1 hrs)

The Minor in Biology is not open to students in Biochemistry.

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

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