Nov 22, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
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OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

Biological Sciences—Biological Sciences Major (B.S.)

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Major code BS2121

College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences Department
Irvine Hall 107
Athens, OH 45701
www.ohio.edu/cas/biology

Jim Van Brocklyn,  contact person
vanbrock@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The B.S. degree program in biological sciences is designed for students who seek flexibility and breadth in their programs. This track is particularly well-suited for students who plan to enter a biological sciences graduate program or professional school. To fulfill the minimum of 36 hours in biology, courses can be chosen to prepare for the student’s specific area of interest, while fulfilling the biology breadth requirement. This track fulfills the needs of students interested in specializations in clincal laboratory science/medical technology, exercise physiology, or neuroscience. With careful selection of elective courses, this track meets the pre-requisites for applying to medical, physician assistant, dental, optometry, and veterinary programs.

Admission Information

Freshman/First Year Admission

In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700  and BIOS 1705  and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700  and BIOS 1705  with a minimum accumulative Ohio University GPA of 2.5.

External Transfer Admission

Transfer students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in the equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700  and BIOS 1705  with a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 from their previous institution.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students who complete a program in Biological Sciences will be prepared for a wide range of careers, including, but not limited to, work in the state and federal government, higher education settings, the health industry, research laboratories, environmental organizations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nature centers, museums, etc. This track is particularly well suited for students who plan to enter a biological sciences graduate program or professional school. With careful course selection, this major will meet the prerequisites for applying to the Physician’s Assistant programs.

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Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the B.S. in Biological Sciences requires completion of a minimum of 121 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the University-wide graduation requirements .

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Biological Sciences Hours Requirement

Complete a total of 36 semester hours of BIOS coursework, including all of the requirements below. Note: 1000- and 2000-level courses not specifically required by the major will not count toward the BIOS hours requirement, but they may be used to fulfill University graduation requirements.

Biological Sciences Common Curriculum

Complete the following courses:

Biological Sciences Sub-Requirements

Complete one course or course group in three of the following five sub-requirements.

Sub-Requirement 1: Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior

Complete one of the following courses:

Sub-Requirement 2: Form and Function

Complete one of the following courses or course group:

Or complete the following Human Anatomy course group:

Sub-Requirement 3: Microbes

Complete the following courses:

Sub-Requirement 4: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Complete one of the following courses or course group:

Or complete the following Biochemistry course group:

Sub-Requirement 5: Physiology and Body Systems

Complete the following course or course group:

Or complete one Human Physiology course group:

Biological Sciences Upper Level Laboratory Courses

Complete additional Biological Sciences courses at the 3000 level or above to meet the 36 credit hour requirement. At least three laboratory courses at the 3000 level or above must be included in the 36 hours.

Extradepartmental Requirements

Complete five sub-requirements.

Sub-Requirement 1: Intro Chemistry

Complete the following courses:

Sub-Requirement 2: Mathematics

Complete the following course:

Sub-Requirement 3: Organic Chemistry

Complete the following course or course group:

Sub-Requirement 4: Physics

Complete one of the following course group options:

Introduction to Physics course group option

Complete the following courses:

General Physics course group option

Complete the following courses/sequences:

Sub-Requirement 5: Statistics

Complete one of the following:

Special Interest Options

Students in the Biological Sciences track also have the option of pursuing one of the following special interests. Contact the preprofessional advisor by the end of the sophomore year to be assigned an appropriate faculty advisor.

Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology

Students in any biological sciences major track may choose to enter a clinical laboratory sciences internship provide they have taken Microbiology ( BIOS 3210 ), Immunology ( BIOS 4880 , 4865 ), and Human Physiology ( BIOS 3450 ). The internship year in a licensed clinical facility qualifies a student to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists registry exam to become a registered medical technologist. The program prepares students to work in hospitals, public health facilities, forensic biology organizations, and medical diagnosis laboratories, or to go on to graduate or professional education. Students registered at Ohio University may count courses taken during this period toward total credit hours in Biological Sciences.

Exercise Physiology

Students interested in exercise physiology may take courses designed to prepare for graduate studies in exercise or applied physiology. These students should take Human Anatomy ( BIOS 3010 ), Human Physiology ( BIOS 3450 , 3455 ), and Physiology of Exercise ( BIOS 4450 ). Biomechanics and Applied Kinesiology ( EXPH 3200  and EXPH 3205 ) are also highly recommended.

Neuroscience

Students interested in graduate study in neuroscience or neuroscience research in conjunction with a health professional career should consider this option. Specialized neuroscience courses are required in the junior and senior years. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue undergraduate research, since neuroscience careers almost exclusively involve research. Stipends and support for research are available, by application, during the summer of the third year.


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