OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
Microbiology Major (B.S.) |
Major code BS0411
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences Department
Irvine Hall 107
www.ohio.edu/cas/biology
Laura Saltman, contact person
saltman@ohio.edu
Program Overview
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and parasites. This program provides the knowledge base and lab experience to prepare for a variety of careers in areas of biotechnology, human health (e.g., immunology, vaccines, antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, food and water quality control), as well as microbial diversity and ecology. Students in this program are encouraged to participate in research opportunities and clinical observation during their junior and senior years to prepare for a successful career in research and/or development.
Admission Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
Freshmen who would like to declare any Biology major 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), or a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1 to enter these programs. Students who do not meet this criterion may still earn admission to Ohio University but will not be able to enter any of the Biological Sciences majors directly. 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
Graduates are prepared for jobs in biotechnology and health industries, as well as further graduate studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, public health, microbiology, or molecular biology. With our increased understanding of the importance of both positive and negative effects of the microbiome on human health and the environment, career opportunities and outlook are very good.
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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 Microbiology major requires a minimum of 125 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide page.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement
View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .
Biological Sciences Requirements
Complete a total of 38 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.
- BIOS 1700 - Biological Sciences I: Molecules and Cells Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 1705 - Biological Sciences I Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
- BIOS 1710 - Biological Sciences II: Ecology, Evolution, Animal Body Systems Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 1715 - Biological Sciences II Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
- BIOS 3100 - General Genetics Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 3105 - Laboratory Genetics Credit Hours: 2
- BIOS 3200 - Fundamentals of Animal Cell Biology Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 3220 - General Microbiology Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 3225 - General Microbiology Laboratory Credit Hours: 2
- BIOS 3300 - Principles of Evolution Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4260 - Molecular Genetics Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4630 - Biological Chemistry Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4635 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory Credit Hours: 2
- BIOS 4880 - Fundamentals of Immunology Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4865 - Immunology Lab Credit Hours: 1
Microbiology Electives
Complete two of the following courses:
- BIOS 3205 - Cell and Microbiology Techniques Credit Hours: 2
- BIOS 4220 - Pathogenic Bacteriology Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4240 - Virology Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4270 - Mechanisms of Gene Regulation Credit Hours: 3
- BIOS 4410 - Parasitology Credit Hours: 2
- BIOS 4440 - Tropical Disease Biology Credit Hours: 3
Sub-Requirement 1: Chemistry
Complete the following courses:
- CHEM 1510 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
- CHEM 1520 - Fundamentals of Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
- CHEM 3050 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3
- CHEM 3060 - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3
Sub-Requirement 2: Mathematics
Complete the following course:
- MATH 2301 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4
Introduction to Physics course group option
Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 2001 - Introduction to Physics Credit Hours: 4
- PHYS 2002 - Introduction to Physics Credit Hours: 4
General Physics course group option
Complete the following courses/sequences:
- PHYS 2051 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5
-
or
- PHYS 2054 - General Physics 1 classical mechanics and thermodynamics Credit Hours: 3
-
and
- PHYS 2055 - General Physics 1 laboratory course Credit Hours: 1
- PHYS 2052 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5
-
or
- PHYS 2056 - General Physics 2 electricity and magnetism Credit Hours: 3
-
and
- PHYS 2057 - General Physics 2 laboratory course Credit Hours: 1
Sub-Requirement 4: Statistics
Complete one of the following:
- MATH 2500 - Statistics and Probability Credit Hours: 4
- PSY 2110 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4