Make meaning in life sciences

Biology

Major • Minor

A biology education strengthened by its setting.

Prepare for life by studying it at the cellular level.

With great teaching from devoted mentors and many opportunities to hone your skills in laboratory or field settings, we’ll get you ready for a range of careers—from biotechnology to forensics to ecology. Our 130,000-square-foot science center supports a variety of learning, research and collaboration spaces.

female student working in laboratory
Hands On

If you want to do biology research at Berry, you (absolutely) can—whether partnering with professors, pursuing your own projects, co-authoring papers or presenting at industry conferences. You might also intern with a research institute or science-based government agency.

Biology Areas of Emphasis

Available starting FALL 2021

Integrative Biology (IB)

Designed for students who want more flexibility in creating a unique curricular plan beyond traditional preparations for graduate or professional degrees.

Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation

The Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation (WEC) emphasis is designed for students who desire a curriculum that focuses on animals/plants and environmental interactions.

Cellular and Biomedical

The CB emphasis is on genomic, molecular, and cellular processes that control biological function and disease.

Biology FACULTY

Dr. Chris Hall
Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Chris Hall

Associate Professor of Biology Chris Hall, supported by a Laura Maddox Smith summer research grant, partnered with the Ocean Research Conservation Association (ORCA) in Fort Pierce, Florida, to initiate a collaborative effort to determine the prevalence of the zoonotic protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in aquatic systems on the Berry College campus and in the Indian River estuary. Berry junior LilyAnn Jenkins, under Dr. Hall's guidance, spent part of the summer at the ORCA facility where she worked with research assistant Hannah Atsma (class of 2020) to collect samples for PCR analysis.

three students kneeling by a creek examinig papers
This Remarkable Place

We don’t like to brag, but in this case, we must. No other biology program has such immediate access to the range of natural habitats—mountains, rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands and forests—to be found on our (world’s largest, more bragging, sorry!) 27,000-acre campus.

Biology Courses

BIO 382
Coral Reef Ecology

In this summer study abroad course, you’ll observe a variety of fascinating organisms (corals, urchins, sting rays, sharks and more) on a reef off the coast of Honduras. (Students must become SCUBA-certified prior to the trip.)

BIO 415 I
Behavioral Ecology

Study animal behavior in an evolutionary context, including such topics as mate choice, parental care and communication. The lab portion will utilize Berry’s extensive campus for observing deer, salamanders and coyotes. 

BIO 335 I
Parasitology

Gain new appreciation for parasites—complex organisms that manage to evade destruction by the host immune system. This interdisciplinary exploration is for anyone interested in health-related careers as well as those with a more organismal focus.

Biology LIVES

CLASS OF 2022
Internship on South Carolina Coast Confirms Career Goals for Biology Major

Abby Wiseman ’22, who is majoring in biology and minoring in animal science, gained hands-on experience in wildlife management thanks to Professor of Biology Chris Mowry, who connected her to a transformative research opportunity on Dewees Island, South Carolina, last summer. 

“The experience that our students have gained through hands-on internships has been extremely valuable for their careers,” says Mowry. “For example, Jared Crain was the first intern we sent to Dewees Island, and he is now in graduate school at the University of Tennessee. Likewise, Lauren Patterson and Mattie Whitesell did similar summer internships at St. Catherines Island, Georgia, and both went on to graduate school and careers in marine conservation.”

Abby Wiseman
PICTURING YOURSELF
PICTURING YOURSELF
HERE?
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