These are seven questions usually thought of by students wanting to go into the biology program. The questions are answered by co-­chair and instructor, Tammy Kenny.

1. Is there a Biology Club? The Biology Club was started last Spring and Tammy Kenny is the faculty advisor. The Biology club is actually a chapter of a national organization called the National Association of Biology teachers.
2. What is required for a freshman student? Freshmen are required to take Quest For Success, English Composition 1 and 2, General Biology 1 and 2 and depending on the background of the student they may also be taking their math classes (Intro To Algebra if they didn’t place into College Algebra. College Algebra is required for the major) or General Chemistry 1 and 2.
3. What is the student to teacher ratio during class? That depends on the class. Most of the science classes are capped at 24 students as that is the maximum amount we can fit in the lab. I would estimate that a majority of the science classes contain 15­-20 students.
4. What would you tell a student interested in biology? The Biological Sciences program (Bio Majors) is broad, in that students who complete the requirements will have typically taken the prerequisite courses needed for a variety of careers in biology: pre professional/health care, molecular lab work, organismal/environmental field work. Prior to graduation, Bio majors are required to complete their capstone course which is undergraduate research. Regardless of the career path, students will obtain experience in their chosen field of study in this course by conducting research and even shadowing professionals.
5. Could a student major and minor in biology? At this time we do not have a minor in Biology; however, we do have a minor in Environmental Science.
6. Can a student switch to biology from another program easily? Yes, the Biological Sciences program is in its second full year and already has 36 students in the program. Of these 36 students, 18 (50%) transferred into the program from another major at SVC.

Most of these students have transferred in from Nursing and Radiologic Sciences and are still on track to graduate on time. Depending on their class standing when they transfer into the program, they may have to take a course or two over the summer, such as General Chemistry I & II to stay on track.
Is there a certain number of students studying biology each year? No, there is no set number of students who are admitted into the program.