Biology, B.A.

Location(s): Statesboro, Armstrong-Savannah

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Georgia Southern’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology is for those who wish to explore interests beyond the biological sciences. The B.A. in Biology offers a more flexible study program that is augmented by interdisciplinary experiences acquired through minor and language requirements. Our students choose from a variety of exciting traditional and nontraditional minors. These range from Chemistry, Art, and Technical Writing to Music, Criminal Justice and more!

The B.A. in Biology can serve as a fulfilling focal point in a liberal arts education.

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

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 1211K - Principles of Chemistry I (4 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1211 - Principles of Chemistry I (3 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1211L - Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory (1 Credit Hour)
CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1212 - Principles of Chemistry II (3 Credit Hours)
or CHEM 1212L - Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory (1 Credit Hour)
or Students should complete a 1 year sequence in either Geology or Physics (second course will be counted under Major Specific Requirements), 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 Language, Math, Science Course (if needed)

Major Specific Requirements: 6 Credit Hours

BIOL 1107L - Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1 Credit Hour) (may count in Field of Study, if needed)
BIOL 1108L - Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1 Credit Hour) (may count in Field of Study, if needed)
Completion of Geology, Physics, or Advisor alternate course (may count if 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: 28 Credit Hours

BIOL - Prerequisite Courses: 3-9 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.

BIOL - Required Course: 3 Credit Hours

BIOL 3220 - Genetics (3 Credit Hours)

BIOL - Elective Courses: 16-22 Credit Hours

Students must complete 16-22 hours of upper level biology coursework (BIOL 3000-level and above, not to include BIOL 3100 People and the Environment or BIOL 3610 Topics in Life Science for Educators ).

BIOL - Elective 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.
- Two of the biology elective courses above must have a laboratory requirement (BIOL 4-credit hour courses or other dedicated laboratory courses). 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 two laboratory requirements.
- Department recommends that one of the above courses qualify as a “capstone” experience; see Dept. website for list of qualifying courses. A maximum of 5 credit hours of capstone courses can be applied to the B.A. with a Major in Biology degree.

Minor (Required): 15 Credit Hours

Select 15 credit hours towards a minor.

Foreign Language Requirement or Course with Significant International Content: 0-3 Credit Hours*

Students must complete 0-3 credit hours of a foreign language or a course with significant international content.

Select one course from the following:

FORL (or equivalent) (3 Credit Hours)

or INTS (3 Credit Hours)

*Students with 4 or more years of secondary preparation in a single foreign language may substitute for the FORL requirement with Advisor approval.

General Electives: 8-11 Credit Hours

Must include at least 2 hours of upper-division (3000-level and above) coursework.

Total Credit Hours: 124

Other Program Requirements

Students must have a combined average of “C” or better for all biology courses.
Students must earn a “C” or better for the prerequisite biology courses BIOL 1107 , BIOL 1107L , BIOL 1108 , and BIOL 1108L.
Students must earn a “C” or better in BIOL 3131 , BIOL 3133 , and BIOL 3134 if they are used as prerequisites for BIOL 4000 and 5000-level courses.
Students must earn a “C” or better in BIOL 3220 .
Students must successfully complete the departmental exit exam.
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.

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 the Academic Advisement catalog page.