The Department of Biological Sciences brings together a diverse group of science professors from a variety of professional backgrounds. Ranging from aquatic and terrestrial ecologists to cell biologists, microbiologists and geneticists, the department provides science and non-science majors alike with the opportunity to explore and understand the world around them, in both the laboratory and the great outdoors.

Why Should I Study Biology?

1. Smaller class sizes
   • Class sizes generally range from as low as 10-12 up to ~ 90 students in lecture sections
   • Labs average 24 students; 12-16 in upper-level labs
   • Professors teach a high percentage of own labs in introductory classes, and 100% of labs in 300-level (upper-level) classes
2. More individual advisement
   • You’re not just “a number”
   • Students are required to meet with their advisers every semester to discuss schedules and progress (but WILL work with them much more frequently)
3. More “face time” with faculty.
   • Faculty will get to know you by name (who you are, and what you are like as a student and as a person)
   • Faculty are advisors and mentors to students
   • Personal connection with faculty for job references and recommendations for graduate programs
4. Opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty members
5. Internships with local professionals and agencies
6. Exciting growth in programs and facilities within Biology
   • Coastal Ecology (NC, SC, VA)
   • Costa Rica
   • Hawaii
   • Africa

What can I do with a degree in Biology?

2009 Biology graduates:

• 3 are attending medical school including:
  • East Carolina University (ECU) Brody School of Medicine
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) School of Medicine
• 1 is attending UNC-CH dental school
• 1 is attending University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry
• 3 are attending pharmacy school
  • Campbell University School of Pharmacy
  • UNC-CH School of Pharmacy
  • Lipscomb University Pharmacy School (Nashville, TN)
• 1 is attending Marymount University – Doctor of Physical Therapy program (Arlington, VA)
• 1 is attending Wake Forest University - Ph.D. program with research in cancer biology (Winston-Salem, NC)
• 2 are pursuing Master’s degrees in Physiology
  • University of Ottawa & Queen’s University (Ontario, Canada)
• 2 are doing internships in preparation for Physician Assistant (PA) and dental schools
• 1 is a research scientist at a biotechnology firm in Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC
• 1 is currently teaching high school biology in NC