In AU’s Department of Biology and Chemistry you can major in biology or biochemistry. Biology majors unlock biological mechanisms through hands-on learning and a well-rounded liberal arts education. Your journey as a biochemistry major will take you down to the molecular level of life where you get a fascinating view of how the living world works. AU professors will be alongside you as you delve into these microscopic worlds.
Programs
Careers
Majoring in biology or biochemistry will give you the science foundation for the following careers:
- Research
- Environmental or health-related education and surveillance
- Pharmacy
- Medicine
- Medicine (physician assistant)
- Dentistry
- Veterinary science
Minors
- Chemistry: The 22-credit-hour chemistry minor includes classes in general chemistry, organic chemistry, labs and biochemistry.
Opportunities for Engaged Learning
Your studies won’t be limited to the classroom. You’ll put your mind – and hands – to work in a variety of environments that provide concentrated, experiential learning:
- Rocky River Nature Park: Your studies will take you all over the park, where you’ll conduct research for courses like ecology, field biology and wetlands biology.
- Anderson University Center for Cancer Research: Home of award-winning cancer research by students and an incredible opportunity for study under top doctors. The Center is an in-house epicenter for understanding cancer and researching ways to halt its spread through innovative cures.
- Center for Medical Simulations cadaver lab: This lab is one of the few of its kind among the state’s undergraduate universities and is an invaluable resource for you as you study the human body. It’s your gateway for studying the way molecular processes affect the human anatomy.
- Research Project: You’ll choose an area of research and dive in with the help of your professors. Past projects have included work with hydridoma cells that create antibodies, work at the Center for Cancer Research, and environmental and animal studies at the Rocky River Nature Park.
- Labs: Your biology and chemistry labs offer incredible opportunities to work alongside professors to grow and manipulate cancer cells, augment your understanding of experimental design and learn how to conduct sound research.
- Support to Pursue Summer Learning Opportunities: Your advisor can help you explore and pursue summer learning opportunities. In the past few summers, Anderson students have participated in the Greenville Health Systems’ MedEx Academy that helps prepare students for medical school, the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at MUSC, and other competitive summer experiences across the state and nation.
- AnMed Health internship: You’ll compete against biochem and biology students for the opportunity to shadow doctors at the region’s premier teaching hospital.
Clubs
Anderson Science Association (ASA) –This club meets twice a month and features speakers that include local physicians, research scientists, alumni and other professionals. These meetings are also valuable for connecting with upperclassmen who can mentor you and give you advice about the bio program.
Ecology Club – Led completely by students, this club’s meetings focus on ecology, environmental research and careers. Members also participate in community projects: garden clubs, river clean-ups and volunteer opportunities at the Rocky River Nature Park.
