Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Health Science Dept.

Student Organizations

 MARC Honors Undergraduate Program

The Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Honors Undergraduate Program is designed to increase the number of Benedict College students entering graduate programs leading to the Ph.D. degree in biomedical fields and to enhance their preparation for graduate and research careers. MARC Trainees are selected for the program at the beginning of their freshmen year or at the end of the sophomore year on the basis of both ability and commitment. MARC students will enroll in the MARC Seminar each semester of the academic year. MARC trainees also engage in biomedical research both during the academic year with Benedict faculty mentors and during the summer after the freshmen year and after the junior year at major research institutions. The MARC Trainee experience at Benedict will culminate with a senior honors thesis and presentation by the student at a scientific meeting.

MBRS Program

The Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) Program prepares and motivates Benedict Students for biomedical research careers and enhances the research environment of the College. The MBRS Program supports several faculty-student research projects, a Distinguished Lecturer series and other activities. Students selected for MBRS participate in one of the research projects, learning biomedical research skills and techniques. Student and faculty investigators attend scientific meetings and present their research. They also publish in scientific journals. The MBRS Program supports student time spent in research. Admission to the MBRS Program is open to biology and physical science majors who have completed at least two semesters of full-time study at Benedict College. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic standing, recommendations, evidence of motivation and commitment to a professional biomedical career.

Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)

The primary aim of the project is to enrich the preparation of minority undergraduate students in order to enhance their chances for successful admission to and matriculation in health profession and public health schools. The program includes: (a) intensive summer institutes which provide instruction in basic science skills and a weekly seminar series by role-model health scientists; and (b) guidance in curriculum selection, Pre-Health Club activities, and application for admissions and financial aid to health profession schools. Entering freshmen and rising sophomores who have performed well academically and have demonstrated above average interest in health science careers are selected to enter the program. They participate in a six-week On-Campus Institute the first summer and institutes at other institutions (mainly medical schools) succeeding summers. Students receive a stipend (financial support) for the On-Campus Institute.

Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society

Beta Kappa Chi is open to students majoring in any of the natural sciences, mathematics, or computer science. To qualify, students must:

1. have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 with no grade below "C"; and
2. have completed 60 hours of course work in their programs of study, two semesters of which must be at Benedict College.

The Biology Club is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop, plan, and implement activities which strengthen and broaden the knowledge of biology majors. It also provides for interaction between the biology majors, the biology faculty, and other representatives of the biological sciences professions. Members of the club also provide tutorial services for students in biology courses.

Pre-Health Club

The Pre-Health Club provides opportunities for pre-medical, pre-dental, and other pre-professional and pre-allied health students to participate in extra-curricular activities which enhance their chances for admission to and success in health professions and public health schools. The club provides information to students on career choices, application procedures, and standardized tests. Students also take field trips to various health facilities and interact with health practitioners invited to the campus. Membership is open to any Benedict student interested in a health career, regardless of major.

Society of Physics Students (SPS)

The Society of Physics Students was established to advance and diffuse the knowledge of the science of physics and to promote friendship and public interest in physics throughout the academic and local communities. The membership in this society is open to all individuals who are interested in physics.

Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society

Sigma Pi Sigma, the Physics National Honor Society established within the Society of Physics Students, does not restrict its membership to physics majors, but bases its selection upon character and academic and professional attainment. To qualify, one must at least (a) have three three-semester hour courses in physics, (b) rank in the upper one-third of his college class, (c) have at least a 3.0 grade point average in physics courses and (d) have at least a 3.0 grade point average in all courses.

The Willie McClerklln II Chemistry Society

The Willie McClerklin II Chemistry Society was established in October, 1980 to promote an Interaction among students having similar interests in chemistry, to stimulate and motivate an interest in chemistry as an intellectual challenge and career, and to promote chemistry as a rewarding area of research. The membership consists of students who are interested in joining and who have expressed an interest in chemistry as a major. Faculty in the chemistry major area serve as advisors. The society is named in honor of the late Willie McClerklin II, an alumnus and a former chemistry faculty member.

Student Environmental Health Association

The Student Environmental Health Association is open to all students, regardless of major, who have an interest in supporting campus and community environmental initiatives. This organization encourages its members to learn about and become actively involved in facilitating environmental improvements whin a wide range of locations. The organization encourages the expansion of environmental knowledge through attendance and presentation at conferences. Student members may also become members of affiliated state and national environmental associations.