Additional Information
Minor Offerings and Double Major in Biology
Students who wish to minor in biology must take at least 15 hours in courses in biology, including at least nine hours at the 3000 level or above. Students are responsible for meeting all prerequisite requirements (such as CHEM 1211K/CHEM 1212K) for the biology courses they choose to take and are strongly encouraged to take these prerequisites as early as possible in their academic career. Students taking more than 15 hours in courses in biology may count the additional hours toward their electives or may consider completing a double major. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses counting toward the minor. Students should consult with the Undergraduate Director or Undergraduate Coordinator for more 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, BIOL 4920, 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
The biology department offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. To graduate with distinction in the Biology major a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA in Area G and at least four hours of research credit (BIOL 4905, BIOL 4910, BIOL 4920, BIOL 4870, or BIOL 4880) or have at least a 3.5 GPA in Area G and receive a faculty nomination for graduation with distinction.
