Student Resources

Please use the files below to plan your degree and prepare for advisement. You are required to know and understand the University Core course requirements as well as the requirements for your chosen biology degree (B.S. or B.A.).

Undergraduate biology majors get lots of assistance in the COSM Advisement Center. Professional academic advisors provide guidance and resources to students through mandatory advisement appointments and other programming each semester. In addition to their advisors, students of all levels are encouraged to connect with faculty members in their department for both scholastic and extra-curricular opportunities, such as research and internship options. More than anything else, students should use the proper checksheet and program map below to track their progress and plan for upcoming semesters.

B.S. Check sheet
B.A. Check sheet
Upper Level Biology Course List (BIOL 3000+)

Suggested Sequences
B.S. Program Map
B.A. Program Map

Minor in Biology

Medical Professions Advising

A.C. Bradley and Wilfred Donaldson Bradley Scholarship

This scholarship was made possible by a generous endowment from the Bradley family. The Bradley Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate biology majors whose studies have an emphasis on agriculture or sustainability. Preference may be given to students from Bulloch County. The award is up to $1225.

Boole Scholarship

This scholarship was established through an endowment from Dr. John A. Boole, Professor Emeritus of Biology, to support outstanding students whose emphasis is in plant sciences. This scholarship awards $250-1500. Any biology major with demonstrated interest in the plant sciences is eligible. Preference will be given to upper-level or graduate students, but exceptional lower-level students will also be considered. There are typically multiple awards each year.

Chandler Scholarship (Statesboro campus only)

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the Chandler family through the Chandler Foundation. The Chandler Scholarship funds an intensive research experience for undergraduate students. Through this program, you will be paid to work with a faculty member for two semesters, conduct research, and report your research findings at a professional meeting. The scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity to learn biological research by working day-to-day with a faculty mentor. Students are paid a weekly stipend and provided with a budget for supplies and professional travel. Biology majors with at least 60 credit hours (30 or more from Georgia Southern) and a GPA of 2.75 are eligible. Students must make contact with a potential faculty mentor prior to application. The Chandler Scholarship is typically awarded to multiple students each year. You can access the Chandler Scholarship application here.

Foulkes Scholarship

The Foulkes Scholarship was endowed by Guy D. Foulkes, MD. It is available to full-time juniors or seniors majoring in biology. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and students from outside Georgia receive first preference. If all candidates are equal in meeting the criteria, financial need may be a consideration. The award is approximately $735.

Lovejoy Vertebrate Zoology Scholarship

The Lovejoy Scholarship was endowed by Emeritus Professor Bill Lovejoy. Dr. Lovejoy was a long-time vertebrate biologist in our department whose primary research focus was birds. This scholarship is available to rising junior, senior, or graduate students majoring in biology with an interest in vertebrate zoology. Multiple scholarships are awarded up to $1000.

McKeever Scholarship

The Dr. Sturgis McKeever scholarship fund was endowed by students and friends of this former member of the Department of Biology. Dr. McKeever was a broadly trained zoologist who worked on a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species. He authored numerous articles and developed a worldwide reputation for his photography skills. His photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Audubon, Natural History, and other journals and magazines. Uppermost in his students’ thoughts, however, are memories of his emphasis on academic excellence and rigor. This scholarship (approximately $500) is offered to biology students with an interest in some field of zoology. Two scholarships are awarded each year, one to a graduate student and one to a full-time junior or senior (at least 60 credit hours).

Pike Scholarship

Family and friends endowed this scholarship in memory of Dr. John D. Pike, DMD, who had practices in Hinesville and Savannah. He was a faculty member in the Georgia Southern Department of Biology from 1970-73. Juniors, seniors, or graduate students with interests in pre-dentistry, botany, or marine biology are eligible. Pre-dentistry applicants (in any major) are given first preference. The award is up to $900.

Spence Scholarship

The Jim Spence Ornithology Scholarship was endowed by his family as a special remembrance and in honor of his love for birds and bird-watching. In 1979, Mr. Spence completed a 28-year career in the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer, the Navy’s highest enlisted ranking. Upon retirement to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he entered into an interest in bird-watching with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm he had for his career in the Navy. He became an active member of the Mississippi Coast Audubon Society, participating in annual bird counts and other conservation efforts of the Society. In remembrance and appreciation of the great joy brought to Mr. Spence late in life by his love of birding, this scholarship is intended to foster and further the interests of students at Georgia Southern University who share that enthusiasm. This scholarship (approximately $450) is offered to biology students with an interest in birds. Two scholarships are awarded each year, one to a graduate student and one to a full-time undergraduate.

Beta Beta Beta

Tri-Beta is the national biological honor society. It is dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study, particularly among undergraduates. Georgia Southern’s chapter is one of more than 406 chapters at universities around the country. Tri-Beta sponsors a range of activities that promote a career in biology such as prominent speakers, field trips to professional schools, and career workshops. Any student with good academic standing is welcome in Tri-Beta.

Biology Club

The mission of the Biology Club is to provide students, of any major with an interest in biology, a chance to meet other like-minded students in an informal setting. The Biology Club provides an opportunity for people to become involved in social/service activities related to biology (e.g., field trips, film viewings, guest speakers, community/ university outreach, etc.). Club meetings and activities are a venue for Georgia Southern students, faculty, and staff interested in sharing their interest of biology with each other and the community.

Student Alliance for a Green Earth (SAGE)

SAGE is Georgia Southern University’s environmental club. This organization is focused on improving environmental awareness and promoting responsibility by working with Georgia Southern students, faculty, staff, and administrators. SAGE organizes many campus events (such as the annual Earth Day celebration) and participates in a range of community events (such as beach and river cleanups). If you are interested in helping the environment and meeting other students with similar interests, get involved in SAGE.

There are a number of options for undergraduates to pursue meaningful research opportunities. Some students volunteer in the labs of a Georgia Southern Faculty member or they serve as support personnel and are paid as a work study student. Others earn academic credit for involvement in an ongoing research project (see below). Some students do research because they plan to as a member of the Honors College, which requires a Senior Honors project and thesis.

Many undergraduate students want hands on research experience before they commit to entering a graduate degree program. This is an excellent idea.

Volunteer

A good first step for any student interested in undergraduate research is to talk to faculty in the Biology department and tell them about your interest in undergraduate research and career aspirations. Then once you find what sounds interesting, volunteer to assist faculty members with a project, or for a few week, or over the summer to see if you would like to pursue work in that area.

Grants in support of research

Grant money is available to support research via the College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR). The mission of COUR is to further the undergraduate research experience. COUR has an annual research competition and awards research grants to outstanding applicants. Currently, grants up to $2500.00 are awarded to cover research expenses and travel to national meetings. COUR also sponsors research symposium each year in April where undergraduate researchers from across the college present their research.
Application materials can be found at the COUR website.

There are also scholarships that support research experiences for Biology undergraduates.  Visit scholarships page.

Options to receive academic credit

Undergraduate Research: BIOL 4890/4890S

Besides volunteering, this is the most common way student’s gain research experience.  In this course, Biology majors will conduct a research project under the supervision of faculty. The sponsoring faculty member and student will design the type of study to be conducting and the evaluation criteria. The student will submit a poster presentation of the results at the end of the semester. A maximum of five credit hours of BIOL 4890 may be counted toward Biology Elective course work. Prerequisites: BIOL 2107, BIOL 2107L, BIOL 2108, BIOL 2108L, minimum GPA of 2.75, and junior standing.

Honors Research: BIOL 4895H

This independent research course is like 4890, but is for students enrolled in the Departmental Honors program. This course is required for students attempting to earn Departmental Honors in Biology. Students may register for 1-3 credit hours, but must complete 4 credit hours. Students opting to attempt the honors degree program would be precluded from receiving biology elective credit for BIOL 4890. Prerequisites: Junior level or above; good standing in the Honors College (3.3 GPA or higher).

BIOL 4999H Honors Thesis:

Written and oral presentation of results of independent research is required. Honors thesis must follow the guidelines adopted by the Honors College. This course is required for students attempting to earn Departmental Honors in Biology. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” in 4 credit hours of BIOL 4895H; good standing in the Honors College (3.3 GPA or higher).

Facilities and Equipment

Diverse research and teaching facilities are available to our students on our three campuses or nearby via our collaborators.

Statesboro Campus

Biological Sciences Building. On the Statesboro campus our department occupies a new 135,275-square-foot building. This LEED-Gold-certified building has state-of-the-art lecture rooms, TEAL classrooms, teaching labs and prep rooms, and research labs. It also provides shared equipment rooms, a microscope room, a cold room, space to house collections, meeting and seminar rooms, computer facilities, and offices for faculty, staff, and graduate students.

Natural Sciences Building. The department continues to occupy a large lecture hall, teaching labs, and staff offices in our former home in the Natural Sciences Building. This building primarily serves our non-majors biology program.

Herty Building. The department occupies one floor in the Herty Building. This space provides faculty research labs, a shared equipment room for molecular biologists, darkroom, and a cellular/molecular teaching laboratory.

Fieldhouse. Adjacent to the Biological Sciences Building is a 14,940-square-foot animal care and research-support facility. The fieldhouse includes an aquatics research area, animal research area, an insectary with warm room, storage space for field equipment, a locker room with showers, loading dock storage, and office space. The aquatics room provides air and treated water lines, shelf space for aquaria, and space for self-contained aquatic housing systems (e.g., for zebrafish). The animal research space includes animal rooms, a gowning area, a surgery room, and a cage washer. These facilities are designed to meet the latest federal guidelines for the care and housing of animals.

Greenhouses. The Statesboro campus has two research greenhouses. Adjacent to the Biological Sciences Building is a new 2800-square-foot greenhouse. This space has computerized climate control and includes a potting room and a germination room. A 1280-square-foot greenhouse is located at the Natural Sciences Building; about half of this space can be climate controlled.

The Genomics Core. This facility provides space and equipment for faculty to prepare DNA and RNA libraries for Next Generation Sequencing. We have an agreement for “in house” pricing for sequencing runs with the University of Georgia. Once sequencing is completed, data analysis can be completed using Georgia Southern University’s own high performance computing Talon Cluster.

Our Genomics Core provides space and equipment for faculty to prepare DNA and RNA libraries for Next Generation Sequencing. We have an agreement for “in house” pricing for sequencing runs with the University of Georgia. Once sequencing is completed, data analysis can be completed using Georgia Southern’s own high performance computing Talon Cluster. For more information, please contact Josh Gibson.

TissueLyser II
The TissueLyser reproducibly disrupts tissues to enable the extraction of nucleic acids from difficult to lyse samples.
Bioanalyzer 2100
The Bioanalyzer is used to assess the quality of nucleic acid samples before proceeding with library preparation.
Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer
The Qubit is used to quantify the concentration of nucleic acids in a sample.
Synergy H1 plate reader
The plate reader can be used to quantify the concentration of nucleic acids in up to 96 samples at once using fluorescence. It is also capable of assaying from 1-96 wells for absorbance and luminescence for a variety of assays.
Covaris M220 Focused-ultrasonicator
The Covaris M220 is used to shear genomic DNA into precise fragment sizes that are suitable for library preparation.
PippenPrep
Used to select and collect narrow size ranges of fragmented DNA after shearing to proceed with library preparation and Next-Gen Sequencing.

Equipment. Major research equipment on the Statesboro campus includes a DNA sequencer, real-time PCR system, multimode microplate reader, high-speed centrifuges, scanning electron microscope, confocal microscope, Eclipse Ni-U research microscope, carbon-isotope analyzer, ion analyzer for soil samples, nanospectrophotometer, flow cytometer, and an off-road vehicle.

Boats. The department has three boats: a 14-ft johnboat with a 15 HP motor, a 17-ft Boston whaler with 90 HP motor, and an electrofishing workboat with a 115 HP motor.

New for 2023: Weather station. We now have a weather station installed on the roof of the Biological Sciences building, which provides realtime data on temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, humidity, and more.

Armstrong Campus

Science Center. On the Armstrong campus our department is located on the first floors of both buildings of the Science Center. The space devoted to our department includes state-of-the-art lecture rooms, smart classrooms, teaching labs and prep rooms, and research labs. It also provides shared equipment rooms, a microscope room, space to house collections, computer facilities, and offices for staff and faculty.

The Foram Sustainable Aquaponics Research Center (SARC). A facility of the College of Science and Mathematics, the Aquaponics Center is a joint venture between Georgia Southern University and the Foram Foundation. The aquaponics system is located in a 4100-square-foot greenhouse on the Armstrong campus, close to the Science Center.

Equipment. Major research equipment on the Armstrong campus includes a DNA sequencer, fraction collector, Desktop water tunnel, Gel-Doc imaging system, industrial 3D printer, and nanospectrophotometer.

New for 2023: Weather station. We also now have a weather station installed on the roof of the Jenkins building, which provides realtime data on temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, humidity, and more.

Hinesville Campus

Liberty Center. On the Liberty campus our department is located in the Liberty Center. The Liberty Center provides modern classrooms, teaching labs, prep rooms, and office space.

Collections

Our collections are managed in close collaboration with the James H. Oliver, Jr., Institute for Coastal Plain Science.

United States National Tick Collection. The U.S. National Tick Collection has over 1 million specimens (representing most of the world’s 850 tick species). This internationally recognized collection is housed in the Natural Sciences Building on the Statesboro campus, and it is supported by a library specializing in arthropods and vector-borne disease, laboratory space, and offices.

Georgia Southern University – Savannah Science Museum Herpetology Collection. Totaling over 35,000 specimens, this collection is a nationally recognized resource for the study of reptile and amphibian systematics, distribution, and ecology. It is housed on compacting shelving in a state-of-the-art space in the Biological Sciences Building on the Statesboro campus.

Herbarium. Our department maintains active herbaria on both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses. With more than 45,000 total specimens, the Department of Biology’s herbaria are among the region’s best collections of vascular plants.

Georgia Southern University maintains separate, active herbaria at its Statesboro and Armstrong campuses. These herbaria focus largely on plants from the Georgian Coastal Plain and nearby areas of the southeastern United States. We invite you to click the links below to explore our collections.

The Georgia Southern University Herbarium (GAS) was founded in 1955. Through the years, it has developed into a collection of over 40,000 specimens.

Founded in 1967, the Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus Herbarium (AASU) contains over 5,000 catalogued plant specimens representing over 1,400 species of vascular plants.

Biology Alumni

Biology Alumni

Welcome Biology alumni! Our department has really grown. We currently serve approximately 1200 majors and have 60 faculty and 7 staff members. Our Biological Sciences Building (Statesboro), which opened for business during the summer of 2013, is a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility, with a special emphasis on sustainable, environmentally responsible practices.

Georgia Southern University’s 40 under 40 Award

This honor, given out by the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association, recognizes young alumni that are leading the way in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors. The forty are chosen based on their professional expertise and achievements, as well as dedication to charitable and community initiatives.

Dr. Teneisha Jordan ’13 was selected as part of the 40 under 40 class of 2022. Dr. Jordan, a Family Medicine Physician for the United States Army, received her B.S. in Biology (with minors in Chemistry and Military Science) from Georgia Southern University in 2013, and her M.D. from Morehouse University in 2018.

The COSM Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Series

This program recognizes alumni/ae who have made a significant contribution to human or institutional progress in which a situation, institution, or movement has been materially changed for the better because of that individual’s participation. This award recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni/ae whose personal life, professional accomplishments, and community service best exemplify the mission of Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Louvenia A. Rainge ‘83 was selected as the honoree for the inaugural College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Series. Dr. Rainge graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors in Biology in 1983. She is a highly accomplished dentist who practices in Augusta, GA, and has served as the 152nd president of the Georgia Dental Association, the association’s first female African American president. Dr. Rainge is recognized as a leader in her profession and is known for her commitment to making care more accessible for all Georgia citizens. She has won multiple awards and recognitions for her professional accomplishments and for the impact she has made through outreach initiatives.

The College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) invites members of our Georgia Southern University community (students, staff and faculty) to join them on September 16, 2022 from 2:45-4:00 p.m. at the Ogeechee Theater (Armstrong) to recognize her achievements in “A Celebration of Excellence in Leadership: The Journey & Creating New Paths.” You can learn more about the event honoring Dr. Rainge here.

The Distinguished Biology Alumnus Program

The Department of Biology was the first department at Georgia Southern University to develop a program of recognition for its graduates. It all began in 1968 with Dr. Jim Oliver. Awardees come to campus, give a seminar, receive a small honorarium, and socialize with the Biology faculty and students. Recent recipients include:

2017	Mr. Nick Wiley Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2015	Ms. Susan Finger U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center Topic: “Integrating biological sciences into the broader scientific community”
2013	Dr. Jimmy Wedincamp East Georgia State College Topic: “Micro-arthropods Collected from Coal Fired Gas Vents Near the Centralia Mine Fire in Pennsylvania, USA”
2011	Dr. Joel Hutcheson USDA National Centers for Animal Health Topic: “From Screwworm Maggots to Cattle Fever Ticks”
2010	J. Clifford Waldrep, Ph. D. Senior Investigator, Bio-Defense Regulated Laboratory, US Army Medical Research, Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID); Office of Regulated Studies; Frederick, MD Topic: “Biological Science and Challenges for the 21st Century”	B. S. 1975
2009	Guy D. Foulkes, M. D. Orthopaedic Surgeon Fellow in Hand and Microvascular Surgery Macon Orthopaedic and Hand Center, Macon, GA Topic: “Evolution and Adaptation of the Human Hand”	B.S. 1984
2008	Charlene R. (Hudson) Jackson, Ph.D. Lead Scientist, Microbiology Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA Topic: “The top ten worst jobs in science:  my career at #2”	B.S. 1990 M.S. 1992

As always, we in Biology welcome your visit and would love to hear from you. Please let us know what you are doing in your life after Southern.

Demetrius Hurst

B.S. Biology 2020
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology

“The experience that I had in the lab represented the teamwork and innovative skills that I was able to use in both the classroom and in my current research study.”

I currently serve as the GTA (graduate teaching assistant) in the Chemistry department for CHEM 1211 and 1212 Lab. I am also pursuing a M.S. in the Professional Science (PSM) track of Applied Physical Science. 

How did Georgia Southern get you ready?

When applying for my program, I highlighted my research experience. I was able to learn the rules of the lab like the back of my hand, which helped me in getting my GTA position. The experience that I had in the lab represented the teamwork and innovative skills I was able to use in both the classroom and in my current research study.

My experience as a teaching assistant for Dr. Demars’ BIO 1107 Lab prepared me for the GTA position I have now with the office hours, grading, and the ability to explain the material in a different way to the students.

How did Georgia Southern make you feel welcome?

I just love the Armstrong Campus. I felt like I could be myself in this setting. The faculty were always there to help and have really poured into my current endeavors. The Biology department as a whole kept me fascinated with seminars and events, even though my end goal is to become a physician. It is without a doubt that the Biology department is responsible for some of my most memorable experiences here.

Jessica Young

B.S. Biology
Cellar, Quality, and Sensory Manager at Bearded Iris Brewing Company in Nashville, TN

“I feel quite lucky to have found a job that allows me to utilize my love for molecular biology and yeast at work each day!”

I am currently the Cellar, Quality, and Sensory Manager at Bearded Iris Brewing Company in Nashville, Tennessee. I started here as a brewer in 2018. This fall, I will begin my graduate studies with the Food Science program at University of California – Davis. 

How did Georgia Southern get you ready?

Several classes from the Armstrong Campus come to mind that I still find valuable on a daily basis. I absolutely mentioned these courses in my interview process, and my internship at Mercer remains on my resume to this day.

• Microbiology and Applied Microbiology with Dr. Brofft. My first time brewing a beer. This class really helped hone practical microbiology skills and applications in the real world. 
• Cell Bio and Mycology with Dr. Gremillion. We studied fermentation and yeast – the foundation of my profession – in great detail. 
• An internship with Mercer that Dr. Ness helped facilitate, where I learned to work in a professional laboratory. 

Every one of the courses listed are beneficial to me on a daily basis. The professors provided not just in-depth instruction, but imparted a deep conceptual understanding that enabled students to put that knowledge to practical use. 

At this point in my career, I’ve built a lab from the ground up and use it to conduct micro testing and yeast propagation. I am free to run any experiments that come to mind pertaining to beer, hops, yeast, or sensory. I have in-depth conversations about enzymes and various molecules in hops and malt, theoretical discussions on enzyme kinetics in a mash or fermentor. 

I study water chemistry, and ultimately create beer  — which just makes people happy. I feel quite lucky to have found a job that allows me to utilize my love for molecular biology and yeast at work each day!

How did Georgia Southern make you feel welcome?

Something I loved about Georgia Southern was the focus on education and connectivity with professors. I spent untold hours in many of their offices and somehow they never got tired of my questions. If you show the effort, they will advocate on your behalf for interesting opportunities.

Charnice McDonald

B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology 2014
Completed Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

“All of the veterinary clinic experiences allowed me to build the confidence I needed to work with all animals.”

I am currently a senior student at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. I will be graduating in May with my DVM and will be practicing small animal medicine as a general practitioner. 

Prior to starting veterinary school and soon after graduating from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University) in December 2014, I went on to obtain a Masters in Animal Science from Fort Valley State University.

How did Georgia Southern get you ready?

During my time at Georgia Southern, I was involved in both academic and campus community. I was a member of the TriBeta honors society and I was a part of a research team which studied the efficacy of protective gear designed for decreasing incidences of concussions in sports, specifically soccer. 

With my interest in traveling, I studied abroad in Ecuador for four weeks studying ecology. During that time, we conducted a community service project which involved cleaning up a portion of the beach located in a coastal city called Guayaquil. I also was a residential assistant for two years.  I participated in many extracurricular activities such as volunteering at the local ASPCA and also participated in a scholarship pageant for Collegiate 100. 

What were some of your favorite Georgia Southern experiences?

Each summer, I worked at a small animal veterinary clinic near my hometown in Kennesaw, Ga. A few of those weeks, I found opportunities to shadow a specialist in small animal physical rehabilitation and as well as volunteering at a nearby horse stable to gain more experience in animals other than dogs and cats. During my time obtaining my master’s, my thesis involved research with goats and sheep and I was able gain more opportunities to work with farm animals. All of these experiences allowed me to build the confidence I needed to work with all animals in my current clinical year of school. 

How did Georgia Southern make you feel welcome?

Wow, it was so long ago being on Georgia Southern University’s campus. However, because I love everything sports, I was heavily involved in the recreational center. I love being active, so I participated in club sports like basketball and flag football. My teammates and I were able to reach the state tournament each year. I also was a referee, too. 

Savannah Myers

B.S. in Biology, 2020
Clinical Trial Coordinator at PPD North Carolina

Participating in undergraduate research allowed me to expand my classroom knowledge by gaining hands-on project experience. Working in Dr. Mans’ lab rewarded me with mentorship, leadership skills, and the confidence to start my career in clinical research. 

My interviewers/employers found it impressive that I was able to walk them through the hands-on research techniques I learned by working in the lab: team collaboration, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), running western blots, reading literature, data analysis and input, and presentation skills.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)