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Bachelor's Degree in Biology Overview

É«»¨ÌÃ’s bachelor of science in Biology degree offers students an outstanding education in the life sciences and excellent preparation for future careers in biological and health-related fields. The B.S. in Biology degree offers: 

• Flexible degree options: The degree can be customized to fit specific interests and career goals. 
• Undergraduate research: From research courses to international research trips, internships, and teaching experiences, the possibilities are endless. 
• Atlanta: One of the most tech-savvy cities in the U.S. and home to some of the world’s biggest companies. 

As a Biology major, you will develop a basic competence and knowledge of biological processes, including cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. You will develop a strong understanding of scientific thinking, as well as the know-how to apply scientific methodology to solve real-life problems.  

 

Undergraduate Biology Degree Concentrations and Options

Concentrations

Customize your curriculum plan to match your specific interests and career plans.

• Focus your electives to earn a  in these areas:
  • Biomedical Science
  • Biomolecular Technology
  • Bio-Inspired Design
  • Computational & Quantitative Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Science
  • Integrative Biology
  • Applied Physiology
• Build a business perspective into your degree. Learn about the .
• Go above and beyond the minimum pre-health requirements without adding extra hours to your degree. Learn about the .

Options

Increase your competitiveness for jobs and graduate school by adding a designation to your degree.

• Pursue an in-depth, long-term research experience. Learn more about the .
• Develop cultural competency and prepare for a global career. Learn more about the .

Bachelor's Degree in Biology Requirements

The Bachelor’s in Biology degree requirements include general education core classes; foundational science courses; Biology core courses to provide a strong background in biological thinking; technical Biology electives to explore content areas in greater depth, and experiential learning to apply biological concepts to undergraduate research, internships, or teaching. .

Biology Degree Courses

• Biological Principles and Organismal Biology: A two-semester introduction to the basic principles of modern biology, including biomacromolecules, bioenergetics, cell structure, genetics, homeostasis, evolution, ecological relationships, and organisms.
• Ecology: Introduction to ecological processes at individual, population, and community levels that occur in plant, animal, and microbial taxa, and their relevance to current environmental problems.
• Genetics: A rigorous introduction to molecular and population genetics that includes modern gene editing techniques.
• Cell and Molecular Biology: A deeper dive into the structure and function of cells and their organelles with emphasis on eukaryotic cellular and molecular processes.*
• Experimental Design and Statistics: Theory and practice on how to apply the appropriate parametric statistics to datasets for correct biological interpretation.*

*Program alumni who attend Medical School highlight these courses, among others, as instrumental to their success.

  

Rankings and Awards

É«»¨ÌÃ’s School of Biology faculty members are frequently recognized for their outstanding contributions to their fields. Examples of such recognition include:

• Mark E. Hay, Regents Professor and Harry and Linda Teasley Chair in the School of Biological Sciences at É«»¨ÌÃ, is the recipient of the 2018 Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal of the National Academy of Sciences. The award recognizes excellence in published research on marine and freshwater algae.
• For his contributions to the field of viral ecology, Joshua Weitz has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 
• Brian Hammer and Joel Kostka have been named American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Distinguished Lecturers. 
• T. Richard Nichols, a professor in the School of Biological Sciences, has been named an honorary member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Francesca Storici is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Faculty Scholar, supporting her innovative research in RNA-driven DNA repair and genome editing.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Biology?

The undergraduate curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree is designed to prepare students for employment in academia, government, or industry; for science teaching or graduate studies in the biological sciences; or for admission to medical, dental, or veterinary schools. 

What Are É«»¨Ìà Graduates Doing Now?

They are:

• Medical students.
• Graduate students at highly ranked U.S. universities.
• Physician’s assistants.
• Clinical research coordinators.
• Product researchers.

Biology Research for Undergraduates

• É«»¨Ìà has one of the biggest research enterprises in the country and provides exceptional research opportunities to Biology majors. You'll have the opportunity to join a lab team led by a faculty mentor who will guide you in cutting-edge biological research. Find out more about opportunities in 

Beyond the Classroom

• Join one of the many Biology-related student organizations. .
• Gain direct, hands-on experience using your Biology degree in ways that can lead to employment directly after graduation. Find out more about . 
• Work closely with Biology faculty members to deliver content in introductory Biology labs and Biology core courses. Find out more about .
• Develop new skills and contribute to a long-term research goal. Find out more about  
• Study Biology around the world. Learn more about our .

Stories from the School of Biological Sciences

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Degrees

• Physiology Minor

Related Websites

Next Steps

• Learn How to Apply