Department of Biology
Located in Willet Science Center
Biology • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Whether you are considering biology as a step toward research, teaching, graduate school, or medical studies, the Biology Department has a national reputation for preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
Mercer's Biology Department is recognized as providing a quality liberal arts education that leads to outstanding opportunities in graduate school, industry, education and health professions. Students learn the principles of diverse subdisciplines in biology; develop basic skills of critical thinking, communication and computer use; and acquire the ability to explore questions by means of laboratory, field and library research.
Dedicated faculty members, all of whom hold doctorates, are experts in various fields including molecular genetics, ecology, invertebrate biology, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, vertebrate biology and microbiology. All chose to be at Mercer because they want to teach biology in the context of a liberal arts college and because they enjoy the opportunity to assist students one-on-one in the discovery of their field. Mercer's Biology faculty is known for the individual attention in the classroom, research laboratory, and field. All faculty members teach their own laboratory sections, instead of relying on graduate teaching assistants.
- Bachelor of Science degree in biology requires at least 36 semester hours of biology courses.
- Bachelor of Arts degree in biology requires at least 36 semester hours of biology courses.
Students interested in graduate work, professional school or industry positions in biology are advised to seek the Bachelor of Science degree.
Minor
A minor in biology consists of 17 semester hours.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Concentration
Since Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA in 1953, the interface between chemistry and biology has become increasingly important to understanding fundamental processes of life. This concentration allows students to explore thoroughly the phenomenon at this interface that might escape notice or emphasis in a traditional major.
Teacher Certification
Secondary Teacher Certification Program in Biology for grades 6-12 is available to biology majors. An advisor with Tift College of Education works with biology majors on the course requirements.
A biology major may earn departmental honors by devising and carrying out a field or laboratory research project or preparing a museum quality biology exhibit, presenting the completed project in an oral or written format, and graduating with a B.S. or B.A. in biology with at least a 3.5 GPA.
Study Abroad and Internships
Mercer biology students have multiple opportunities to participate in scientific research and study abroad courses. Course credit is available for research projects in diverse areas ranging from molecular biology to ecology. In recent years, travel courses to Belize, Argentina and Trinidad have been popular. During the summer many Biology majors have participated in rewarding internships at the Mercer School of Medicine, as well as other reputable institutions around the country.
Service-Learning Opportunities
The Biology Department hosts an active chapter of the Biological Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta, where members serve as science fair judges and tutors at local schools. A recent service-learning course in cancer biology was well enrolled and others are being developed. For example, in several biology courses students are asked to create human biology exhibits at The Georgia Children's Museum in Macon and then serve as tour guides for them.
National Honor Society
Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society, taps students for membership.