Department of Biology

Dr. Kaneatra Simmons, Interim Coordinator
311 ACL Building
478-822-3320

The Department of Biology offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology with concentrations in health sciences, forensic science, fisheries biology or wildlife conservation. Biology graduates are expected to demonstrate competencies in the content and knowledge of biology, its methods and its technology applications and to have an understanding of appropriate attitudes and acceptable ethics relevant to specific biological issues. Among the pre-professional careers for which students are prepared are medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical technology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, allied health fields and crime investigations. In addition Biology students successfully pursue graduate studies in core biology programs as well as in agriculture. The department trains students as wildlife conservationists as well as fisheries biologists for further study or employment by state, federal or private agencies. Students are also prepared for graduate studies or the job market in the biological and chemical analysis of evidence as forensic scientists. Biology majors are required to enroll in a minimum of 16 hours of chemistry, and one course of mathematics beyond pre-calculus. Most must also complete 8 hours of physics. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all required and elective courses in science and mathematics. Major area courses are designated BIOL, BOTN, MATH, PHYS, or ZOOL.

Biology Major

Pre-Health Sciences

The Biology major serves primarily as the pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-nursing and pre-allied health professional program. After completion of the second or third year of study, the student shall have met the minimum requirements for entrance into most medical, dental, nursing or allied health schools in the United States. Departmental advisors will assist students in designing pre-professional health and graduate programs.

Forensic Sciences

This major prepares the student to successfully enter the job market upon graduation. Students learn techniques used in analysis of biological and chemical forms of forensic evidence as well as mastering maintaining a chain of evidence, writing criminal reports and presenting evidence.

Fisheries Biology or Wildlife Conservation

Opportunities are provided within this major for students to develop sound backgrounds in the ecological and organismal sciences, as well as in fundamental biological concepts and procedures related to fish and wildlife conservation and management. Students must participate in an internship which provides on-the-job training. The goal of the program is to prepare students for graduate school or employment with federal, state or private agencies.

Dual Degree Program

Established in 1983 with grant assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Minority Economic Impact, the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) is designed to increase the number of minorities and women working in private and governmental sectors of the energy industry. For this purpose, the program focuses on the recruitment of academically-talented minorities and females who complete an intensive energy-based curriculum, student internships and co-op assignments and are subsequently placed in professional level careers in the energy industry. The principal objective of CDEP is that of increasing the number of minorities and females working in the energy industry. The Biology Department participates in the Dual Degree Programs in Biology and Health Physics, jointly sponsored with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. This program consists of three years of course work at Fort Valley State University and two years of course work at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Upon completion of these programs, students will receive a degree in Biology from Fort Valley State University and another in Health Physics from University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Scholarships are available through the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) at Fort Valley State University.

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