2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Department of Biology
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Geert de Vries, Chair
Stephanie Gutzler, Director of Undergraduate Programs
Kavita Oommen, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs
Biology, the science of life and life processes, includes the study of structure, function, growth, development, reproduction, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.
A degree in biology provides students with a variety of career opportunities. Potential careers range from applied or basic laboratory research and field studies in numerous state and federal organizations and industry, to education in public and private school systems. Furthermore, the degree provides the ideal preparation for entry into medical, dental, and veterinary schools and other health-related professions. Finally, a bachelor’s degree in biology provides a good foundation for advanced studies at the M.S. or Ph.D. level in biological sciences.
As an alternative to the General Biology Studies program (and in addition to the core degree requirements), courses in one of several areas of concentration, listed below, are available. Interdisciplinary programs with other departments/schools/institutes (such as Behavioral Biology or Environmental Science) are also an option. To plan the major according to the particular needs and goals, students should consult the “Undergraduate Program” area of the Biology Department Website (biology.gsu.edu) for information about the major.
Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students
Academic advisement for undergraduate students is provided through the University Advisement Center (freshman through junior status/fewer than 90 hours) and the college’s Office of Academic Assistance (senior status/90 or more hours). See Office of Academic Assistance for additional information.
Honors Opportunities
The department encourages qualified students to participate in the Honors College (visit honors.gsu.edu). The department sponsors a Biology Club, a Pre-Vet club, a Pre-Dental club and a local chapter of American Medical Student Association (AMSA) in addition to the Eta Psi chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national honorary biological society. Interested students are encouraged to participate in these organizations.
Internships
Internships with collaborating institutions and programs (including ZooAtlanta, the Georgia Aquarium and the Bio-Bus program) are available on a limited basis. Students interested in receiving course credit for an internship should consult with the Undergraduate Director or Undergraduate Coordinator for more information.
Undergraduate Research Programs
Students are particularly encouraged to participate in the Undergraduate Research Program after completion of core requirements. Participation in an ongoing research activity provides the student with experience in experimental design and interpretation that is typically not available in routine laboratory courses. Students may enroll in BIOL 4905 and/or BIOL 4910 for undergraduate research experience. Each course may be repeated once. Interested students should consult the departmental website for information on faculty research interests and contact one or more faculty members for development of a specific project.
Graduation with Distinction in the Major
This department offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. At least four hours of BIOL 4910 and a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher in Areas G and H are required for graduation with distinction.
Environmental Science
Faculty Coordinator: Rebekah Chapman, rchapman@gsu.edu
The BIS in Environmental Science program provides a foundation in the physical and life sciences, policy, and global and urban sustainability issues. This concentration emphasizes a broad-based course of study, exposing students to the complex social and scientific processes involved in understanding and addressing environmental issues. Students are encouraged to develop specific areas of focus depending on their future goals (e.g., graduate school, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms).
Program Admission
Students may enroll in a concentration upon admission to Georgia State University. Students who wish to change their major to this degree program should select a concentration in consultation with their academic advisor and the faculty coordinator. A 2.0 Georgia State University GPA is required.
Students who enroll in a concentration will be required to submit a course plan checklist to demonstrate their understanding of the degree requirements. It is highly recommended that students develop a course of study with their specific faculty coordinator before taking coursework in the degree program to avoid taking courses that will not count towards graduation.
Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students
Academic advisement for undergraduate students is provided through the University Advisement Center (freshman through junior status/fewer than 90 hours) and the college’s Office of Academic Assistance (senior status/90 or more hours). See Office of Academic Assistance for additional information.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts students should also consult regularly with the faculty program coordinator for the specific program regarding course selection, program plans, experiential learning, and other academic opportunities.
Program Degree Requirements
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S. for academic regulations for this program.
Students must complete coursework in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area G and in at least two disciplines in Area H. Areas G and H should be constructed so that students take courses in distinct disciplines in each area (with some overlap expected); that is, the same prefix should not predominate in both Area G and H.
In addition to the Program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see College Degree Requirements ) and the University Degree Requirements (see 1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ).
University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements
Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See 1460 GPA Requirement for additional information.)
Graduation with Distinction in the Major
This program offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the program director for the specific criteria for this honor.
ProgramsBachelor’sDual DegreeMinorOther ProgramsCoursesBiology
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