Pre-Professional Biology

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Program Overview

Why Study Pre-Professional Biology at TFC?

The Pre-Professional concentration in the Biology major approaches rigorous scientific investigation as a natural outgrowth of a Christian worldview, facilitating the development of knowledge, skills, and character necessary to produce graduates prepared to pursue a career, or graduate study, in the life or health sciences. Students in this program will gain a basic understanding of Biology and its relationship to the other natural sciences, as well as develop vital skills used by professionals in the field of Biology, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, laboratory skills, data analysis, communication of scientific results, and the use of relevant published scientific literature to acquire knowledge.

Experience working as a member of a team, learning to contribute individually and in a group, as well as developing ethical reasoning and decision-making based on a Biblical perspective are all parts of the Biology major. The Pre-Professional concentration is an ideal way for you to prepare for graduate professional schools. The Pre-Professional concentration is flexible enough to allow you to pursue a wide variety of professional healthcare fields.  By completing this program, you will be ready to apply for programs in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, physical or occupational therapy, optometry, chiropractic, veterinary, pharmacy, and other medical professional programs.

Toccoa Falls College Students working in Lab
Minors:
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Public Health
  • Ecology & Environmental Science
Program Video

Biology

“What’s exciting in the last few years is that we’ve added three concentrations to our biology program, namely Pre-professional, Public Health, and Ecology & Environmental Science. So, students who are particularly interested in one of those areas have the opportunity for some more specialized training.”

Dr. Kieran M. Clements

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Degree Layout

Pre-Professional Biology Courses

The Pre-Professional concentration in the Biology major is a 126 hour program that includes 71 hours of general education courses (including 30 hours of Bible and Theology), 15 hours of open electives, and 40 hours in Biology-specific courses (15 of which are hours dedicated to the Pre-Professional Concentration).

Featured Courses:

  • Cell Biology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Biochemistry
Merritt Thompson

Testimonial

It is easy to say that the relationships and the opportunities that I had at TFC aided my pursuit to becoming a doctor. It consisted of the perfect size, location, and environment for me to succeed. The size of my classes allowed having close, meaningful relationships with my professors, who were all more than willing to explain difficult concepts in biology. They went even beyond that; taking personal time to prepare me for postgraduate admissions interviews and arranging summer research projects so that I would have a complete, well rounded resume. The student body was close-knit and students would not put others down just to see themselves achieve. Everyone wanted to see each other do well, and so test prep material and helpful advice was free flowing. Lastly, the community was very receptive. During my time in Toccoa, I shadowed at Stephens County Hospital, volunteered at the Open Arms Clinic, and worked at Maddox Drugs. The people I met were friendly and actively sought to help me. Overall, I cannot emphasize how much Toccoa Falls College means to me. Some of my fondest memories and greatest friends were made there. If anyone is looking for a small community of genuine people, TFC is the perfect place for them.
Merritt Thompson, Class of 2017
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Career Options

What can you do with a Pre-Professional Biology Concentration?

When you earn a Biology degree with a Pre-Professional concentration, you will find that there are many career opportunities available to you. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of jobs and opportunities. Many graduates pursue further education:

Medical Professional Programs

The Pre-Professional concentration is an ideal way for you to prepare for graduate professional schools. The Pre-Professional concentration is flexible enough to allow you to pursue a wide variety of professional healthcare fields.  By completing this program, you will be ready to apply for programs in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, physical or occupational therapy, optometry, chiropractic, veterinary, pharmacy, and other medical professional programs.

Meet the Professors

Biology

Thumbnail for Dr. Gerald Woodworth
Thumbnail for Leslie M. Dowler, M.Ed.
Thumbnail for Dr. Kieran M. Clements
Dr. Kieran M. Clements Vice President for Academic Affairs kclements@tfc.edu