Why Study Biology

University of North Georgia is a teaching institution. Our faculty are active in research as well as service to the campus and community, but we are primarily focused on instruction. This is often not the case at other institutions.

A typical biology class has 24 students. Freshmen classes are larger but are still smaller than you would probably find elsewhere. This allows us to provide plenty of individual help and attention.

The faculty that teach students in lecture almost always teach those same students in the lab. This is often not the case at other institutions. The result is careful dovetailing of the laboratory and lecture experiences.

Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad background in biological sciences while still allowing upperclassmen to explore specialized areas within the field. Freshmen take Principles of Biology I & II--the sequence provides a solid foundation for further study. Sophomores and juniors typically take courses in microbiology, botany, zoology, genetics, cell biology, physiology, and ecology to develop their analytical abilities and become well versed in organismal biology. Seniors take specialized biology courses to pursue specific areas of interest.

Our biology courses are very challenging. We make this point clear when writing letters of recommendation, so outstanding students truly do stand out. Our students graduate knowing how to work hard, expect to continue working hard to succeed throughout life, and are well prepared for future academic challenges.

Our faculty go out of their way to be available to students outside of the classroom. Nevertheless, sometimes students prefer to get help from other students. Our tutors are seasoned, accomplished biology majors who are regularly available to provide free tutoring.

Students are advised by faculty who advise only students in specific career paths. Some faculty specialize in advising pre-medical students, others advise only pre-physical therapy students, etc. Advisors can truly be experts when they are dedicated to advising students in just one or two career paths.

Our facilities include well-equipped microbiology, genetics and cell biology laboratories, and a physiology lab that truly qualifies as "state-of-the-art." Most of our biology courses have a laboratory component; this enables students to engage in active learning, develop analytical skills, and practice critical thinking.

Students enrolled in ecology, plant taxonomy, or marine biology may enroll in additional courses termed "extended field studies" which provide field experiences in off-campus locations such as the Okefenokee Swamp and Sapelo Island. A recently developed field station at the nearby Hurricane Creek Tract Wildlife Conservation Area allows convenient access to a variety of ecosystems for students engaged in independent research projects. Ecology laboratories also typically include field experiences in which students collect data for analysis.