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Study broad areas of biological science in this flexible major that allows you to combine foundation principles and design a program of study that best fits your goals.
In addition to a full range of laboratory experiences, you’ll also have the opportunity to take field courses, including summer courses in marine biology and forest ecology.
As a biology major, you will study everything from molecules, cells and tissues to organisms and the environment. Elective courses are offered in such fields as ecology, genetics, neuroscience and physiology. Many biology classes take a case study approach that involves a less structured classroom environment utilizing small groups and discussion. The approach is interactive, requiring students to take responsibility for investigating aspects of the case. Biology students are regularly exposed to interesting resources, literature and biologists in the field. The department keeps up with current trends and advancements in modern biology while maintaining its roots in more traditional areas, allowing for a well-rounded education.
The biology program offers an integrated approach to the study of living systems and promotes critical thinking, encourages scientific inquiry, fosters quantitative reasoning, and cultivates clear and persuasive oral and written communication. You'll learn:
The 110,000-square-foot Mary Brown Bullock Science Center, with 65,000 square feet of teaching and lab space, is home to the physics, biology, chemistry and psychology departments. The building features extensive, modern instrumentation, faculty-student research laboratories, independent student-project laboratories and long-term observation areas. Full-time and part-time professors teach all labs, and all students have the opportunity for hands-on research and experimentation.
The Resource Center for Math and Science exists to support your success in your math and science courses at Agnes Scott, and also to help you navigate the path toward a career in a field related to math, science or technology, if that’s what you dream of.
As a small liberal arts college, Agnes Scott offers STEM students the ability to connect what they are learning in science with other coursework. This enhances their ability to think critically and view science in the context of other topics. Liberal arts colleges are focused on the best practices in teaching and because of that, the STEM education is focused on what current research supports as the best way to teach STEM courses at the undergraduate level. This means that the STEM courses at Agnes Scott are planned and executed based on research of what students need at the undergraduate level.
The biology major is flexible so that students may design a program of study that best fits their professional goals.
This degree can be a step on the way to medical school or another health care specialty. But there are also many opportunities available without an advanced degree. Research experiences, in course labs, one-on-one with faculty mentorship, or at neighboring institutions, are a regular and encouraged aspect of the curriculum. Combined with access to career coaching, your Board of Advisors, and the vast Scottie network, you will be well-equipped for post-graduate success.
