DEPARTMENT of BIOLOGY


Winthrop University Biology Department

The Department of Biology at Winthrop University features a challenging but rewarding curriculum taught by an experienced, enthusiastic faculty. The biology major allows students to tailor their programs beyond the major's core curriculum to meet their specific needs.

Biology is frequently chosen by students with career interests related to medicine, health sciences, botany, zoology, molecular biology, environmental and conservation biology, teaching and secondary education in the sciences and other careers. Small classes (averaging 20-24 students in labs) ensure that students have the opportunity to take advantage of interaction with their instructors.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement

Check Out Our Digital Newsletter


Department of Biology Degrees & Programs

    The B.S. in Biology program at Winthrop University offers students broad training in Biology. Students may choose concentrations in areas of biomedical research, conservation biology. Small classes (averaging 20-24 students in labs) ensure that students have the opportunity to take advantage of interaction with their instructors. Students who major in Biology pursue careers in a variety of fields, such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, conservation, natural resource management, and medical laboratory science.

    General Advising for BS in Biology 

    Examples of 4-year course schedules in Biology   

    Students may chose a concentration within the major, which prescribes specific coursework to prepare students for a particular career track. 

    Bachelor of Science with Biomedical Research

    Bachelor of Science with Conservation Biology

    The “fast track 3 + 1” BS and MLS training in 4 years as a Winthrop student. This route is in collaboration with the Carolina College of Health Sciences (CCHS) in Charlotte, NC. This direction needs careful planning between the student and their advisor to ensure all prereqs to the program are achieved by the end of their 3rd year so that students can competitively apply to enter the MLS program (still as a Winthrop student) before achieving both their BS in BIOL and their MLS training (the MLS courses are transferred back to Winthrop and used to complete their BS degree). Upon successful completion of the program, students will possess entry-level competencies of a MLS and are eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists national certification exam.

    Biology Advising Bachelor of Science with Medical Laboratory Scientist

    The department offers coursework and research opportunities with faculty leading to the MS degree. Undergraduate biology majors can complete up to 9 hours of courses for graduate credit and count the work toward their Master’s degree in biology. After one year as a graduate student, students in this program receive both the B.S. and the M.S degrees in 5 years.

    Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) & Masters of Science (MS)

    Students with other majors can choose to minor in Biology or General Science

    Biology

    The minor in biology consists of 18 semester hours of BIOL to include BIOL 220/222 (or 220/270) and 221/223 or (221/271) and at least 6 hours in courses numbered above 299.  

     

        1.  
        2.  
        3. The minor in biology consists of 18 semester hours of BIOL to include BIOL 220/222 (or 220/270) and 221/223 Or (221/271) and at least 6 hours in courses numbered above 299.  

    General Science

    The minor in general science consists of at least 18 semester hours of coursework selected from BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS, to include:

    PHYS201 (4) General Physics I and  

    PHYS202 (4) General Physics II  

    or

    PHYS211 (4) Physics with Calculus I and  

    PHYS212 (4) Physics with Calculus II

      1. The minor in general science consists of at least 18 semester hours of coursework selected from BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS, to include:
        1. PHYS 201 (4) General Physics I and  
        2. PHYS 202 (4) General Physics II  
          OR
        3. PHYS 211 (4) Physics with Calculus I and  
        4. PHYS 212 (4) Physics with Calculus II

    Winthrop offers programs which prepare students for professional study in a variety of fields. Some of these are degree programs preliminary to advanced study in such disciplines as engineering, medicine, nursing, dentistry and law. A Department of Biology faculty adviser can help students plan their studies to meet the requirements of several professional schools.

    Pre-Biomedical Scientist (pdf - 139kb)

    Pre-Dental (pdf - 159kb)

    Pre-Graduate Studies (pdf-159kb)

    Pre-Medical (Allopathic) (pdf - 158kb)

    Pre-Medical (Osteopathic) (pdf - 159kb)

    Pre-MS/Ph.D. (pdf - 142kb)

    Pre-Medical Laboratory Scientist (pdf - 638kb)

    Pre-Occupational Therapy (pdf - 132kb)

    Pre-Pharmacy (pdf - 132kb)

    Pre-Physical Therapy (pdf - 133kb)

    Pre-Physician Assistant (pdf - 130kb)

    Secondary Certification in Biology (pdf - 78.3kb)

    Pre-Veterinary (pdf - 134kb)

    Winthrop Master's Program in Biology (pdf - 85.1kb)

    BS in Biology with MLS Certification (pdf - 143kb)

    Co-Curricular programs for biology majors that help students succeed

    Bench 2 Bedside (B2B)

    Biology 220 & Biology 221 Enhanced (BIOL220E & BIOL221E)


Department of Biology Highlights

    SC AHEC Health Careers Program Live Webinars

    Several statewide education seminars will be offered during the academic year, conducted virtually by video conference. Students will learn more about health careers, public health topics, personal health, and understanding the healthcare needs of South Carolina.

    Find Upcoming Webinars

    Each semester the Biology Department invites scientists and professionals from other universities, industries, research institutions and government agencies to present their work to our students and faculty. Many of the speakers also provide information about graduate and professional programs and/or employment opportunities in their respective fields. Seminars are held from 3:30pm to 4:45pm in SIMS-215. Any student or faculty member wanting to attend should contact:

    Jennifer Schafer, PhD: schaferj@winthrop.edu

    Daniel Stovall, PhD: stovalld@winthrop.edu

    Seminar Series Schedule (PDF-156KB)

    The department has an Internship Coordinator who helps students establish internships that often serve as stepping-stones to employment and entry into professional careers. Students can earn academic credit.

    Internships

    To learn more, contact: Silvia Wozniak, Ph.D.

    Students conduct undergraduate research with faculty mentors in well-equipped labs and/or field study sites, and they present their work at local, regional and national scientific meetings. Students are also encouraged to present their work at the department seminar series where they are awarded a lab coat from their faculty mentors. Students can earn academic credit.

    Undergraduate Research

    Please check out our Experiential Learning