Purpose
The Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences conducts the Biology Merit Exam to recognize and promote outstanding achievement in the biological sciences among middle and high school students in South Carolina.
We also provide laboratory visits and tours around campus to promote interest in the life sciences and a preview of college life. Students attending the Exam at Clemson University will have an opportunity to:
- Acquaint themselves with Clemson
- Interact with scientists in the various biological and agricultural disciplines
- Test their Biology knowledge
- Prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam
- Prepare for success on the Biology "End of the Year Exam"
- Explore a college atmosphere
- Compete against students at your grade levels for awards
- Compete in the Biology Bowl
Participants
Middle school or high school students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a biology or life science course AND who have been identified by their teachers as having a strong interest and aptitude in the biological sciences are eligible to participate.
Structure
There are three divisions:
- Division I -- Middle school students having completed or presently enrolled in life sciences or high school students having credit for middle school life science only.
- Division II -- High school students having completed or presently enrolled in their first biology course.
- Division III- High school students having completed or presently enrolled in a second year of a high school life science.
Exam
The exam will consist of 40 multiple choice questions of varying degrees of difficulty distributed among the following topics:
- General Principles
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Taxonomy
- Plant Structure and Function
- Animal Structure and Function
Students will compete only against other students in their division. Decision of the judges is final.
Biology Bowl
This activity is patterned after "Jeopardy." During each round, two or three students (from the same division ) are asked a series of biology questions worth a specified number of points. The object is to acquire the greatest number of points. An award will be presented to the top three students in each division.
Note:
Teachers nominate specific students for the Biology Bowl. Students must be listed in order of preference. The Biology Bowl Committee will select the participating students based on available positions and notify the sponsoring teachers. There is no additional charge for this event, but participation is limited on a "first come, first serve" basis.
You can read more about the Biology Bowl by visiting this page