The mission of the B.S. Degree Program in the Department of Biology at the University of West Georgia is to provide under-graduate students the knowledge and training necessary to pursue advanced graduate education, professional studies, or employment. In pursuit of this mission, the Department of Biology offers a B.S. Degree Program via a general track, professional preparation track or secondary education track.

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.

  • Overview

    The professional preparation track is a more restrictive program that is designed to prepare students well for the entrance exams and performance standards of medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, and physician’s assistant programs. The curriculum requires those courses most necessary for the demands of these professional programs. 

    Program Location

    Carrollton Campus

    Method of Delivery

    Face to Face

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 120

  • Cost

    This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    Coursework

    Sample 4-year plan

    B.S. DEGREE WITH A MAJOR IN BIOLOGY PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRACK

    Core Areas A, B, C, D, & E (42 hours)
          MATH 1113 required under Area A
          Two semesters of Physics required under Area D

    Core Area F
         BIOL 2107/2107L Principles of Biology I and Lab (4 hours)
         BIOL 2108/2108L Principles of Biology II and Lab (4 hours)
         Electives (10 Hours)

    Requirements for the Major
         Ecology/Evolutionary Biology Requirement1 (3-4 hours)
         Procaryotic Biology Requirement1 (3-4 hours)
         Organismal Biology Requirement1 (3-4 hours)
         Physiological Biology Requirement1 (3-4 hours)
         Cell and Molecular Biology Requirement1 (3-4 hours)
         Clinical Biology Requirement1
         Chemistry1Requirement1 (3-4)
         BIOL 4984 (1 hour)
         Upper Division Biology Electives (0-17 hours)
         Upper Division Electives (0-17 hours)
         Free Electives (0-15 hours)

    Supporting Courses for the Major
         MATH 1113 Precalculus (if not in Area F)
         CHEM 1211K Principles of Chemistry I (if not in Area F)                
         CHEM 1212K Principles of Chemistry II (if not in Area F)
         CHEM 2411/2411L Organic Chemistry I and Lab (if not in Area F)
         BIOL 1110 Biological Diversity (if not in Area F)     

    1Sub-Discipline Requirements
         Organismal Biology:
              BIOL 3221, 3223, 3226, 3231, 3232, 4241, 4242, 4245, 4441
         Procaryotic Biology: BIOL 3310
         Ecology/Evolutionary Biology: BIOL 3135, 3235
         Physiological Biology: BIOL 3513, 4539
         Cell an Molecular Biology: BIOL 3134
         Clinical Biology: BIOL 4325, 4727, 4729, 4730, 4731, 4732, 4733, 4734
         Chemistry: BIOL 4503; CHEM 3310/3310L, 3422/3422L, 4711

    Downloads

    General

    • BIOL-1110 - Biological Diversity

      This course is an Introductory foundation-building course for Biology majors. It is designed to familiarize students with the distinguishing characteristics, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships, and economic importance of all domains of life. For Biology majors only. Does not fulfill core requirements.

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    • BIOL-2107 - Principles of Biology I for Biology Majors

      This is the first of a two semester course designed for biology majors requiring a survey of fundamental topics in modern biology. Lectures build on a foundation of chemistry to develop current concepts of cell and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and biological diversity. This course satisfies a core requirement of the Biology Major, but does not fulfill any of the requirements for general education.

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    • BIOL-2108 - Principles of Biology II for Biology Majors

      This is the second of a two semester course designed for biology majors requiring a survey of fundamental topics in modern biology. Lectures build on a foundation of chemistry to develop current concepts of the form and function of plants and animals and of ecology. This course satisfies a core requirement of the Biology major but does not fulfill any of the requirements for general education.

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    • BIOL-3134 - Cell and Molecular Biology

      This course deals with the molecular aspects of cell structure and function,, emphasizing the chemical and molecular basis of cellular physiology. It also addresses genetic functions at the chromosomal and molecular levels, gene expression, and regulation.

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    • BIOL-3135 - Ecology

      This course is designed to familiarize Biology majors with the factors controlling the structure and function of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The role of evolutionary processes in the structure and function of these systems will also be explored. Basic concepts will be synthesized and reinforced by investigating the dynamics of the aquatic life zones and terrestrial biomes on earth.

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    • BIOL-3231 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

      A lab oriented (dissection) course in the organogenesis and gross morphology of animal structure with an emphasis on functional and evolutionary modifications. Gross dissection and techniques used in morphology.

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    • BIOL-3310 - Microbiology

      Microbiology is the study of biological organisms and agents too small to be seen with the unaided eye. This course will introduce students to the diversity, physiology, anatomy, and genetics of microorganisms, with particular emphasis on the bacteria. It will also introduce students to key areas of microbiology, including medical microbiology, microbial ecology, food microbiology, and biotechnology.

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    • BIOL-3513 - Human Physiology

      A survey of the mechanisms involved in the function of the human body. Study is approached from the organ system level to address muscular, neural, hormonal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive functions. Correlation will be made to the similarity between the demands placed on living systems regardless of whether the organism is multicellular or a single cell.

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    • BIOL-3526 - Vertebrate Histology

      A microanatomical study of cell and tissue structure. Emphasis is on the complex nature of tissues and how the cellular associations within the tissue contribute to the overall functions of the tissues. Laboratory is devoted to preparation and interpretation of tissue samples.

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    • BIOL-4242 - Invertebrate Zoology

      This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of taxonomy, morphology, physiology, and evolution of the more common invertebrate phyla. The distribution and interspecific relationships among invertebrates and other forms of life will be presented and discussed. The laboratory will be devoted primarily to developing an understanding of invertebrate morphology and classification.

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    • BIOL-4503 - Biological Perspectives: Biochemistry

      This course is designed to study the interactions of biochemical pathways and the control systems that function to regulate cell and whole body metabolism. This course emphasizes the regulation of biochemical pathways as opposed to the mechanisms involved in each enzymatic step within a given pathway.

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    • BIOL-4732 - Biology of Aging

      Since the beginning of time , the fear of aging has preoccupied mankind. Only recently we are gaining insights into important clues about biological process of aging. In this course we will focus on some of the ideas about aging put forward by early alchemists to modern molecular biologists. Biological principles behind anti-aging, aging intervention agents, and life-style options will be discussed.

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    • BIOL-4733 - Animal Nutrition

      This course provides a basic understanding of the fundamentals of vertebrate nutrition and builds from what biology majors already know about physiology, biochemistry and general biology. Emphases are placed on digestion, absorption, and functions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals, and water to provide students with the ability to apply the logic of science in understanding diet and make decisions regarding health and nutrition of domestic animals. This course also integrates energy balance, general health, disease, and metabolism in order to consider nutrition as an integrative field.

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    • BIOL-4734 - Neuroscience

      Biology 4734W is an upper level Discipline-Specific Writing science course. This course will provide an understanding of human neuroanatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system and its voluntary and autonomic target and sensory organs. Other topics will include cognition, neural disorders and disorders of movement. Students taking this course should have passed BIOL 3513 (Physiology) CGEN 2411 (Organic Chemistry I) or BIOL 4503 (Biochemistry).

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    • BIOL-4983 - Advanced Undergraduate Biology Research

      A course designed to allow students to conduct faculty-directed, independent research projects in areas of the biological sciences. The course may be repeated, but credit for BIOL 4983 may be applied toward biology degree requirements for a maximum of 4 credit hours.

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    • BIOL-4984 - Senior Biology Seminar

      This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to investigate areas of current interest in biology through the examination of primary biological literature and to develop (or further refine) oral presentation skills.

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  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.

    Application Deadlines

    Specific dates for admissions (Undergraduates Only), go to: UWG Admission Deadlines

    Admission Process Checklist

    1. Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
    2. Review important deadlines:
      • Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
      • Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
      • Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
        See program specific calendars here
    3. Complete online application
      Undergraduate Admissions Guide

      Undergraduate Application

      Undergraduate International Application

    4. Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
    5. Submit official documents

      Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.

      Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
      Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
      University of West Georgia
      1601 Maple Street
      Carrollton, GA 30118-4160
    6. Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
    7. Check the status of your application

    Contact

    biology@westga.edu
    678-839-6547

  • Dates

    Specific dates for admissions (Undergraduates Only), go to: UWG Admission Deadlines

  • Objectives
    • Students will use concepts, principles, and knowledge to demonstrate mastery in at least three of the following four subject areas: 1. cell biology; 2. molecular biology and genetics; 3. organismal biology; 4. population biology, evolution, and ecology.
    • Students will use critical thinking skills or problem based learning skills to demonstrate mastery of the scientific method as it pertains to experimental design, data analysis, or interpretation of experimental data.
    • Students will communicate scientific information through the acquisition, organization, or presentation of scientific information in written form.
    • Students will communicate scientific information through the acquisition, organization, or presentation of scientific information in oral form.