Department of Biology


Engage in high-impact and immersive learning experiences in biology and marine biology led by renowned faculty, in state-of-the art facilities and in a world-class location: Charleston, SC.

biology-students.jpg

We provide an inclusive academic and research environment in which students and faculty rigorously investigate the science of living systems. Our faculty of teacher-scholars engage students with experiential learning opportunities in the classroom, laboratory, and field and maintain active research programs that involve undergraduate and graduate students. We prepare students for diverse careers and advanced study while empowering them to become responsible, productive, and biologically literate members of society.

We foster diversity by cultivating a welcoming and professional environment for individuals from all races, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, economic statuses, physical abilities, and personal religious practices.   

Academic Programs


Majors and Minors in Biology and Graduate Programs

Student Opportunities


Biology and Marine Biology majors have access to many engaging opportunities on campus and around the Charleston area.
  • Independent Study

    The research options are a project between a research mentor and a student. Researchers can be CofC faculty, MUSC faculty, or staffers from organizations including South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration, and the USDA Vegetable laboratory.  Biology students communicate their findings at the undergraduate research EXPO poster session on campus.  Students have the opportunity to travel to conferences around the country to present their research.

  • Internships

    Our students have internship opportunities with a variety of local organizations, including Birds of Prey, International Primate Protection League, Charleston Waterkeeper, SC Aquarium, Charlestowne Landing, and local veterinarians.

  • Study Abroad

    Biology faculty are excited to provide study abroad programs for our students. Our current programs are in Little Cayman and Panama.

  • Campus Clubs

    Biology students are very active in on-campus clubs including Biology Club, Women in STEM, Minorities in Medicine and Beta Beta Beta, the Biological Honors Society.

  • Scholarships

    The Department of Biology has two scholarships available for incoming freshman.

About the Department of Biology


Learn more about our faculty and our facilities.
  • Meet our faculty

    We have so many amazing faculty. This isn't a complete list, but a sampling of our faculty expertise includes:

    • ecology.
    • anatomy and physiology.
    • molecular and cellular biology.
    • genetics.
    • biomechanics.
    • neuroscience.
    • biodiversity.
    • computational biology.


    Faculty work on microbes, plants and animals. They study in marine, coastal, terrestrial, tropical, temperate and arctic ecosystems.

    Because our faculty have such a wide range of research interests,students have so many exciting opportunities in class and beyond.

    Biology has over thirty full-time faculty members with an additional number of adjunct faculty.

  • Facilities

    Rita Hollings Science Center. Home to biology students. It's a modern instructional and research center with labs and instruction rooms.

    Stono Preserve. The 950+ acre living laboratory includes a myriad of ecosystems including long-leaf pine forests, wetlands, savannahs, tidal marshes, as well as brackish, saltwater and fresh-water ponds

    Grice Marine Laboratory. Supports teaching and research in evolutionary biology, marine biogeography, microbial ecology, phytoplankton ecology, environmental physiology, fish systematics and other marine sciences.

    Take advantage of the proximity of the Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and USDA Vegetable Laboratory.