Biology

Explore life, discover yourself, define your future

Lander University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology is inspired by national best practices in life science education, offering students a cutting-edge, career-ready foundation in biology.

Whether applying to a graduate program, pursuing training as a healthcare professional or planning to enter the workforce, Lander biology graduates are consistently strong competitors. That’s because our faculty are trained in an array of subdisciplines including animal development, ecology, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, botany, zoology, molecular biology and microbiology. Most have active research programs that provide a unique opportunity for biology majors to develop technical skills related to a particular field. Our students have helped track snakes in the wilderness, studied metabolic processes in our labs, and tracked the movements of animals using cameras across Upstate South Carolina, among many other ongoing research opportunities.

Internships, during the academic year or summer, allow students to earn credit while gaining valuable experience in labs, clinics and field settings.

These optional, but encouraged, experiences support students in developing competency in effective communication, critical thinking and professionalism. Proficiency in these areas can make Lander’s biology graduates even more marketable after graduation.

For students who want to tailor their biology degree to their interests and aspirations, Lander offers a concentration in genetics, which includes additional coursework and experiences in biochemistry, animal development and genetics.

We also offer a medical biology program, preparing students for careers in healthcare or graduate programs in healthcare-related fields

Advantages of being a part of Lander Biology:

• Personalized Mentorship: Learn from passionate faculty who support and challenge you every step of the way.
• Integrated Learning: Upper-level courses combine lecture and lab with the same professor, ensuring continuity and deeper understanding.
• Flexible Pathways: Customize your degree with a minor that aligns with your career goals.
• Externally Funded: As a member of SCINBRE, a network of biomedical research institutions, Lander biology faculty have external support for providing students with high quality research experiences.

Workforce Ready

Whether your future workspace is the lab, a classroom, a national park or a hospital, a biology degree from Lander University will get you where you want to go. Here are a few career options that are possible for our graduates:

• Conservationist, protecting biodiversity and natural resources
• Food scientist, contributing to food safety and production research
• Wildlife specialist, sharing science-based information with the public
• Lab technician, assisting scientists in breakthrough research

Biology Honors Program

Students majoring in biology will qualify for a BS with Honors in Biology if the following requirements are met:

1. Successful completion of the program for the BS in Biology or the BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics;
2. Completion of an additional 5 hours of biology coursework at the 300 level or above (BIOL 407-BIOL 412 are not applicable);
3. Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in all biology courses;
4. Cumulative overall grade point average of 3.5 or better; and
5. Completion of a laboratory or field research project in which:
   1. The research proposal is approved by a majority of the biology faculty. (This would normally occur in the fall semester of the junior year.)
   2. The research is of sufficient quality to justify four semester hours credit (BIOL 407, BIOL 408, BIOL 409, BIOL 410, or BIOL 412).
   3. The research results are presented as follows:
      1. by public seminar at Lander University
      2. at a scientific meeting and/or by submission of a paper for publication in an appropriate scientific journal.

Transfer students may graduate with Honors in Biology if they fulfill the above requirements and have a 3.5 GPA overall and in biology from their former institution(s) and complete their last 60 hours, including at least 20 hours of biology, at Lander University.