Jul 27, 2024

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Biology, B.S.

Location(s): Statesboro, Armstrong-Savannah

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The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Georgia Southern provides you with broad training in the biological sciences, offering a more science-focused education. With a variety of science electives, you can tailor your degree toward specializations in molecular biology, zoology, botany, ecology, evolution and conservation biology.

The B.S. in Biology is an ideal stepping-stone for a variety of career opportunities or graduate studies in the applied and biological sciences.

Degree Requirements: 124 Credit Hours

See Core IMPACTS for required courses in Core IMPACTS and Additional Course Requirements.

General Requirements (Core IMPACTS): 42 Credit Hours

Mathematics and Quantitative Skills – Must take MATH 1112 , MATH 1113 , or MATH 1441
Technology, Mathematics & Sciences – Must take MATH 1441 if not taken in Mathematics and Quantitative Skills above

Additional Requirements: 4 Credit Hours

Field of Study Requirements: 18 Credit Hours

BIOL 1107 - Principles of Biology I (3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 1108 - Principles of Biology II (3 Credit Hours)
CHEM 1211K - Principles of Chemistry I (4 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1211 /CHEM 1211L
CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1212 /CHEM 1212L
Students should complete a 1 year sequence in one of the Geology or Physics sequences (second course will be counted under Major Specific Requirements) listed below, or an alternate course approved by advisor.
GEOL 1121 - Introduction to the Earth (4 Credit Hours)
or PHYS 1111K - Introductory Physics I (4 Credit Hours)
or PHYS 2211K - Principles of Physics I (4 Credit Hours)
Additional Biology, Computer Science, Foreign, Math, Science Course (if needed)

Major Specific Requirements: 15 Credit Hours

Carry-over from MATH 1441 - Calculus I (4 Credit Hours) in Mathematics and Quantitative Skills OR Technology, Mathematics, & Sciences (1 Credit Hours.)
BIOL 1107L - Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 1108L - Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1 Credit Hour)
CHEM 3401 - Organic Chemistry I (0-4 Credit Hours)
CHEM 3402 - Organic Chemistry II (0-4 Credit Hours)
Completion of Geology/ Physics sequence or Advisor alternate course (may count in Field of Study, if needed)
GEOL 1122 - General Historical Geology (4 Credit Hours)
or PHYS 1112K - Introductory Physics II (4 Credit Hours)
or PHYS 2212K - Principles of Physics II (4 Credit Hours)

Major Requirements: 35 Credit Hours

BIOL - Prerequisite Courses: 9 Credit Hours

All BIOL 4000 and 5000-level courses require prior completion of one or more of BIOL 3131 , BIOL 3133 , and BIOL 3134 ; see course listings for specific requirements and consult with an Advisor to plan the program of study. Students must complete all three courses to earn the B.S. with a Major in Biology degree regardless of the combination of completed BIOL 4000 and 5000-level courses.

BIOL - Required Course: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3220 - Genetics (3 Credit Hours)

BIOL - Elective Courses: 23 Credit Hours

Select 23 credit hours of courses (level 3000 and above).

BCHM 3200 - Principles of Biochemistry (3 Credit Hours) or BCHM 5201 - Biochemistry I (4 Credit Hours) may substitute for a BIOL Elective with Advisor approval.
Three Biology Elective courses must have a laboratory requirement (BIOL 4-credit hour courses or other dedicated laboratory course). However, a minimum of 3 credit hours of undergraduate research (a combination of BIOL 3890 , BIOL 4890 , or BIOL 4895 ) may count as one of the three laboratory requirements if not counted in the Immersive Experience Elective (for students completing one of the optional Concentrations).
Department recommends that one of the above courses qualify as a “capstone” experience; see Dept. website for list of qualifying courses. A maximum of 7 credit hours of capstone courses can be applied to the B.S. with a Major in Biology degree.
Area of Concentration - Optional
Students may choose to complete one focused concentration area in biology. At least one elective course must have a lab and/or field component.

General Electives: 10-18 Credit Hours

Select 10-18 credit hours of Free Electives

Total Credit Hours: 124

Other Program Requirements

Students who wish to change their major to Biology must have a total institution GPA of 2.0 or better in all coursework completed at Georgia Southern.
Transfer students from other institutions who wish to major in Biology must have a GPA of 2.0 or better on all credit hours attempted at other institutions as well as those hours attempted at Georgia Southern. All transfer credits must be evaluated by the Undergraduate Office of Admissions and posted on the Georgia Southern transcript upon official acceptance to the University.
Students must earn a “C” or better for the prerequisite biology courses BIOL 1107 , BIOL 1107L , BIOL 1108 , BIOL 1108L , BIOL 3131 , BIOL 3133 , BIOL 3134 .
Students must have a combined average of “C” or better for all biology courses.
Students must successfully complete the departmental exit exam.

Optional Areas of Concentration

Students may complete the general B.S. Biology degree by completing the major requirements as outlined above. However, students who desire may choose to complete a focused concentration area in biology by completing specifically the requirements below as part of their Major program. Students are limited to declaring one area of concentration. At least 1 elective course must have a lab and/or field component.

Concentration in Ecology and Evolution

Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Concentration Electives: 7 Credit Hours

Immersive Experience Electives: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3890 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 4730 - Internship in Biology (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4890 - Research (1-4 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4895 - Honors Research (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4999 - Honors Thesis (2 Credit Hours)
Study Abroad course (3000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair
Course-based undergraduate research experience or contract course (4000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair

Total Credit Hours: 19

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Concentration Electives: 7 Credit Hours

Immersive Experience Electives: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3890 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 4730 - Internship in Biology (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4890 - Research (1-4 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4895 - Honors Research (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4999 - Honors Thesis (2 Credit Hours)
Study Abroad course (3000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair
Course-based undergraduate research experience or contract course (4000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair

Total Credit Hours: 19

Concentration in Natural Resources and Wildlife Conservation

Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Concentration Electives: 7 Credit Hours

Immersive Experience Electives: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3890 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 4730 - Internship in Biology (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4890 - Research (1-4 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4895 - Honors Research (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4999 - Honors Thesis (2 Credit Hours)
Study Abroad course (3000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair
Course-based undergraduate research experience or contract course (4000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair

Total Credit Hours: 19

Concentration in Sustainability and Environmental Biology

Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Concentration Electives: 7 Credit Hours

Immersive Experience Electives: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3890 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 4730 - Internship in Biology (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4890 - Research (1-4 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4895 - Honors Research (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4999 - Honors Thesis (2 Credit Hours)
Study Abroad course (3000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair
Course-based undergraduate research experience or contract course (4000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair

Total Credit Hours: 19

Concentration in Marine Biology

Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Concentration Electives: 7 Credit Hours

Immersive Experience Electives: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3890 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 4730 - Internship in Biology (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4890 - Research (1-4 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4895 - Honors Research (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4999 - Honors Thesis (2 Credit Hours)
Study Abroad course (3000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair
Course-based undergraduate research experience or contract course (4000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair

Total Credit Hours: 19

Concentration in Pre-Medical and Pre-Professional Studies

Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Concentration Electives: 7 Credit Hours

Immersive Experience Electives: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3890 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 Credit Hour)
BIOL 4730 - Internship in Biology (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4890 - Research (1-4 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4895 - Honors Research (1-3 Credit Hours)
BIOL 4999 - Honors Thesis (2 Credit Hours)
Study Abroad course (3000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair
Course-based undergraduate research experience or contract course (4000-level or higher) approved by the Department Chair

Total Credit Hours: 19

Advisement

Undergraduate Academic Advisement at Georgia Southern is provided to all degree-seeking undergraduate students by professional advisors. Academic Advisors are located on all three Georgia Southern University campuses. Students are required to meet with their assigned Academic Advisor at least once a semester. For more information visit Academic Advisement .