Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs
This section outlines the specific requirements for every program in the College of Arts and Sciences that begin with the letter B.
Bacteriology
See Biological Sciences-Microbiology.Behavior
See Biological Sciences or Psychology.Biological Sciences
Biology is the study of life and its component parts, from molecules to cells to ecosystems. It encompasses the entire biosphere that is the Earth. The current state of biological knowledge has taken centuries to accumulate, and with modern molecular and other analytical techniques, our understanding of biological processes is growing rapidly. The study of biology encompasses a broad spectrum of careers. These inlude researchers in the laboratory and field seeking to understand how molecules, cells, organisms, and groups of organisms work; those responsible for the health of all organisms, including humans; those interested in conservation of life and the environment; as well as those who educate others. Each plays a vital role and each needs to have a broad understanding of historical and current biology and modern techniques. The first two years of the biological sciences curriculum provides a solid basis for an understanding of life from the micro to the macro level, as well as in-depth introductions to three unifying topics; cell biology, genetics, and evolution. Specialized curricula at the upper-level include courses designed to prepare students for specific careers, including graduate schools and professional schools. Whichever special curricular track is chosen, the student will graduate with a solid foundation in biological sciences as well as a thorough preparation for biological careers and advanced education.The commmon requirements for the B.S.in biological sciences are as follows:
A minimum of 54 quarter hours earned in biological science (BIOS) coursework.This may require several BIOS electives in addition to the courses listed under each specialized track. The non-major courses; BIOS 100, 103, 220, 225, and 392 do not count.
At least three upper-level 300-400 level courses in biological sciences must have a laboratory component. (L) indicates BIOL laboratory course or a BIOS course with a laboratory component.
If you plan to attend a graduate school, it is strongly recommended that you take BIOS 493 or BIOS 494H (Undergraduate Research) in your junior and/or senior year. See the biological sciences Web page for opportunities in undergraduate research.
Consult your DARS and your academic advisor when choosing courses to fulfill University and College requirements.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
The following is a list of core science requirements for biological sciences students in the first two years, regardless of specialization (Major code). Exceptions and additional courses are listed under each major code, but the list below is common for most students pursuing a degree in biology.
BIOS 170(L),171(L), 172, 173(L) Intro to Zoology 14 BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 CHEM 151,152,153 Fundamentals Chem 15 CHEM 301,302 Organic Chemistry 6 or 305-307 Organic Chemistry or 9 PSY 221 Statistics 5 MATH 266A, 266B Calculus w/App Biology 8 PHYS 201-203 or 251-253 Physics 15Junior and senior-level course requirements are determined by area of specialization. Freshman
Biological Sciences Minor
Minor code OR2121Requirements for the minor in biological sciences consist of a minimum of 27 BIOS credit hours, including
BIOS 170(L), 171(L), 172, 173(L) Introduction to Zoology 14 At least one of the following: BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4Additional graded BIOS coursework at 300 level or above to reach 27 hours.
You must have a minimum g.p.a. of 2.0 in BIOS course work taken for the minor.
Honors Program in BiologyOutstanding students who are not part of the Honors Tutorial College may graduate with Departmental Honors. These students may be in any BIOS area of spcializiation (major code). Departmental Honors requires that a student:
- Graduate with an overal g.p.a. of at least 3.5, i.e. cum laude.
- Complete a senior hours research thesis with one of the faculty in the Department (this requires registering for BIOS 494H and 495H.
Graduation with Departmental Honors is a special achievement that offers:
- Special recognition at graduation and on the degree certificate.
- In-depth hands-on research experience in the laboratory of a faculty member.
- Direct and close interaction with a faculty member over the course of an entire year.
Biological Sciences--Integrated Biology Major (B.S.)
Major Code BS2121
The B.S. degree program in biological sciences is chosen by students who seek flexibility and breadth in their program. It is suited to students who plan to enter a graduate program in biology or students entering professional schools. FreshmanBIOS 170(L), 171(L), 172, 173(L) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Chemistry 15 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250,251 Prob and Statistics 8 Math 266A, 266B Calculus w/App Biology 8 SophomoreBIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 CHEM 301,302 Organic Chemistry 6 or305,306,307 or9 PHYS 201,202,203 Physics 15 or251,252 or 262, 253Some graduate or professional programs may require organic chemistry labs CHEM 303, 304 or 308, 309.
Junior/Senior
At least one course must be taken from three of the five areas below:
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 orCHEM 490,491 General Biochemistry I, II 7 BIOS 326(L) Laboratory Genetics 4 BIOS 407 Developmental Biology 4 BIOS 414 Molecular Cellular Neurosci 4 BIOS 426 Molecular Genetics 3 BIOS 427 Mechanisms Gene Regulation 3
- Physiology and Body Systems BIOS 342 and 354(L) Prin. Physiology I, Lab 5 BIOS 345 and 346(L) Human Physiology, Lab 7
- Form and Function BIOS 300(L) Anatomy and Histology 6 BIOS 301(L) Human Anatomy 6 BIOS 303(L) Comp. Vertebrate Anat 6 BIOS 430(L) Invertebrate Biol 6 BIOS 435(L) Entomology 6
- Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior BIOS 333 Neural Basis of Behavior 3 BIOS 375 Animal Ecology 4 BIOS 376(L) Field Ecology 4 BIOS 429(L) Marine Biology 5 BIOS 431(L) Limnology 5 BIOS 457 Animal Systematics 4 BIOS 473 Animal Behavior 5 BIOS 475 Sociobiology 3 BIOS 479 Evolution 4 BIOS 481 Animal Conservation Biol 4
- Plants and Microbes
A student in the Integrated Biology major my pusue one of the following special interests:
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical TechnologyStudents in Integrated Biological Sciences or any other biological sciences major track may choose to enter a Clinical Laboratory Sciences internship provided they have taken Microbiology (BIOS 321) and Immunology (BIOS 489A and B). A year spend in a licensed clinical facility qualifies a student to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists registry exam to become an officially registered medical technologist. This program prepares students for work in hospital laboratories, public health bureaus, and other laboratories concerned with medical diagnosis and investigation. The job market is excellent. Coruses taken during the intrnship may count towards total credit hours in Biological Sciences if the student is registered at Ohio University, but do not substitute for particular course requirements. Students are strongly urged to see a clinical laboratory faculty advisor during their sophomore year if they are interested in this program.
Exercise PhysiologyA student with an interest in exercise physiology may take courses designed to prepare for graduate studies in exercise or applied physiology. An Integrated Biological Sciences Major may pursue an interest in exercise physiology by taking Human Anatomy (BIOS 301) and Human Physiology (BIOS 345, 346) as Junior/Seniors. Biomechanics (BIOS 352) and Physiology of Exercise (BIOS 445, 446) are additional specialized courses available to students in this field. A student interested in pursuing the field of exercise physiology must see the faculty advisor in that field by the end of sophomore year.
NeuroscienceStudents who are interested in graduate study in neuroscience; neuroscience research in conjuntion with a professional career in medicine, pharmacology, or dentistry; professional career in medicine, pharmacology, or dentistry; or research technician positions should consider this option. Integrated Biological Sciences Majors interested in this track must see the faculty advsior in the Neuroscience Program at the end of their sophomore year. 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. The Neuroscience Program provides, on a competitive basis, stipend and support for research during the summer of the third year.
Biological Sciences-Cellular and Molecular Biology (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2520
Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas of modern biology. Progress in these areas is driven by the ongoing revolution in genetics and genomics, and has profound and wide-ranging implications for medicine and for our understanding of the mechanisms of life. This specialization will prepare students for graduate or professional school, and career paths in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related areas. These are fields that are experiencing tremendous growth in employment opportunities both in academia and in the private sector. FreshmanBIOS 170(L), 171(L),
172, 173
Biological Sciences--Marine, Freshwater, and
Environmental Biology Major (B.S.
Special curriculum; major code BS2126
The Department of Biological Sciences provides this program for undergraduate majors who are interested in careers studying marine, freshwater or terrestrial organisms and their enviornments. Courses meet the requirements for admission to graduate programs in marine biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation biology. The program also provides the necessary background for jobs with state and federal ageancies (i.e., USDA or EPA) charged with environmental protection, research and monitoring, and information collection. Tier II social science electives can be chosen to meet the requirements of the Environmental Studies Certificate in conjunction with the environmental biiology track. For federal jo and employment information, see https://www.usajobs.opm.gov/
. BS2126 includes a minimum of 54 hours in BIOS.
Freshman
BIOS 170(L), 171(L) 172, 173(L) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Chemistry 15 PSY 221 Statistics 5 orMath 250, 251 Prob and Statistics or8 Math 266A, 266B Calculus w/App Biology 8 SophomoreBIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 BIOS 375 Animal Ecology 4 CHEM 301, 302 Organic Chemsitry 6 orCHEM 305, 306, 307 or9 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Physics 15 or251, 252 or 262, 253 Junior-SeniorBIOS 321(L) Microbiology 5 orPBIO 211 Diversity of Life BIOS 342, 354(L) Prin of Physiology I, Lab 5 orBIOS 463 Cell Chemistry or4 BIOS 343, 355(L) Prin of Physiology II, Lab 5 orGEOG 201 Environmental Geography or4 BIOS 376(L) Field Ecology 4 orBIOS 429(L) Marine Biology or5 orBIOS 431(L) Limnology or5 BIOS 303 Comp. Vert. Anatomy 6 orBIOS 430(L) Invertebrate Zoology orBIOS 435(L) Enthomology orBIOS 456(L) Ichthyology BIOS 491(L) Internship 3
Biological Sciences-Microbiology Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major Code BS0411
The Department of Biological Sciences provides a program for undergraduate majors who are interested in microbiology. This program provides the necessary background and extensive lab experience to pursue a variety of careers in the areas of: research and product development (e.g. immunology, vaccines, antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology), food and water quality control, microbial ecology, and clinical laboratory science. Graduates of this program are also prepared for further graduate studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, public health, microbiology or molecular biology. With current interest and advances in molecular biology and genetics, emerging pathogens such as HIV and food-borne illness, the career opportunities and outlook are very good.
Students in this program are encouraged in participate in research opportunities their junior-senior years to prepare for a successful career in research and development.
BS0411 includes a minimumof 56 hours in BIOS.
Freshman
BIOS 170(L),171(L), 172, 173(L) Introduction to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 PSY 221 Statistics 5 orMATH 250,251 Prob and Statistics 8 MATH 266A* Calculus w/App Biology 8 *Students who change special curricula (major codes) within Biology will also be required to take MATH 266B. orMATH 163A,163B Intro to Calculus 7 SophomoreBIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 orBIOS 385 Microbal Ecology or3 BIOS 321(L) General Microbiology 5 CHEM 305,306,307 Organic Chemistry 9 PHYS 201,202,203 Physics 15 or251,252 or 262,253 Junior-SeniorBIOS 486A, B(L) Immunology, Lab 5 BIOS 489(L) Microbial Physiology 5 BIOS 426 Molecular Genetics 3 CHEM 241, 242 Quantitative Analysis 5 CHEM 490, 491 General Biochemistry I, II 7 At least 12 hours, including 2 lab courses from:BIOS 326(L) Lab Genetics 4 BIOS 385 Microbial Ecology 3 BIOS 422(L) Microbial Techniques 5 BIOS 423A,423B(L) Pathogenic Bacteriology, Lab 5 BIOS 424A,424B(L) Virology, Lab 5 BIOS 427 Gene Regulation 3 BIOS 441A, 441B(L) Parisitology, Lab 5
Biological Sciences-Pre-Physical Therapy Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2507
The biology pre-physical therapy major is designed to meet the prerequisites of the physical therapy program at Ohio University and at many other institutions. This major is also designed to provide students with a solid background in the life sciences. It should be noted that there are no uniform requirements for physical therapy schools. If you are interested in applying to a particular physical therapy program you will need to consult the school's catalog or Web site for exact prerequisites. For more information about the Ohio University school of physical therapy, see the Physical Therapy listing in this catalog. BS2507 includes a minimumof 55 hours in BIOS.
Freshman
BIOS 170(L),171(L), 172,173(L) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Chemistry 15 PSY 221 Statistics 5 orMATH 250, 251 Prob and Statistics or8 MATH 266A( * ) Calculus w/App Biology 4 PSY 101 General Psychology 5 Psy 273 Child Adolescent Psy 4 *Students who change special curricula (major codes) within Biology will be required to take MATH 266B in addition. SophomoreBIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 CHEM 301, 302 Organic Chemistry 6 or305,306,307 or9 PHYS 201,202 203, Physics 15 or251,252 or 262,253 PT 259A Intro to Phys. Therapy 2 Junior-SeniorBIOS 301(L) Human Anatomy 6 BIOS 345,346(L) Human Physiology, Lab 7 BIOS 413(L) Human Neuroscience 4 BIOS 445,446(L) Phys. of Exercise Lab 7 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 Recommended Elective: PT 259B Intro to PT-Clinical Exp. 4 Additional recommended electives that fulfill Tier II and Arts and Sciences distribution requirements and are required by some PT schools:CLAS 227 Greek and Latin Roots 4 PHIL 101 Fund Philosophy 4 orPHIL 130 Intro to Ethics
Biological Sciences--Pre-Professional Program (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code 2127
The Department of Biological Sciences provides a specialized curriculum for students interested in one of the following: Pre-dentistry
Pre-medicine
Pre-optometry
Pre-veterinary medicine
While no specific major is required by any of these schools, this curriculum provides students with a degre in Biological Sciences, prepares them for their professional school experience, and fulfills course requirements for entry into most schools. Applicants to these schools are required to take one of the following admisison tests: Dental Admission Test (DAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Optometry Admission Test (OAT), and either the Veterinary Admission Test (VAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for veterinary school.
Students are encouraged to choose an academic advisor who specializes in the type of professional school he or she is interested in attending. a student should contact the schools of choice and consult both academic advisor and the department pre-professional advisor for specific course and exam requirements.
Bs2127 includes a minimum of 54 hours in BIOS>
FreshmanBIOS 170(L), 171(L) 172, 173(L) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Chemistry 15 PSY 221 Statistics 5 orMATH 250, 251 Prob and Statistics or8 MATH 266A, 266B Calculus w/App Biology 8 SophomoreBIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 BIOS 321(L) General Microbiology 5 CHEM 305, 306, 307* Organic Chemistry 9 PHYS 201, 202, 203 or251, 252 or 262, 253 Physics 15 Junior-SeniorBIOS 303(L) Comp. Vert. Anatomy 6 BIOS 321(L) General Microbiology 5 BIOS 342, 354(L) Prin. of Physiology I, Lab 5 BIOS 343 Prin. of Physiology II 5 CHEM 490, 491** General Biochemsitry I, II 7 orBIOS 463 Cell Chemistry or4 *Many medical and dental schools require organic chemistry labs for admission. Students considering these careers should take: CHEM 303, 304 Organic Chemistry Lab 5 orCHEM 308, 309 or6 **Students considering medical school or veterinary school should take CHEM 490,491 to fulfill their biochemistry requirement. Many optometry schools require a psychology course for admission. The following is recommended for students interested in this career track: PSY 101 General Psychology 5
Biological Sciences-Wildlife and Conservation Biology Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2515
This track is suitable for students who are interested in careers in the conservation and biology of wildlife. Graduates of this program meet the course qualifications for state and federal civil service registers as ecologist, wildlife biologist, wildlife refuge manager, zoologist, and general biologist. This program also provides training for students planning to go on to graduate school in wildlife biology or an allied discipline such as mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, animal ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology. Tier II social science electives can be chosen to meet the requirements of the Environmentl Studies Certificate program. For federal job and employment information, check the following Web site: https://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ .
BS2515 includes a minimum of 56 horus in BIOS.
FreshmanBIOS 170(L), 171(L) 172,173(L) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 PSY 221 Statistics 5 orMATH 250,251 Prob and Statistics or8 MATH 266A, 266B Calculus w/App Biology 8 SophomoreBIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 CHEM 301, 302 Organic Chemistry 6 or305,306,307 or9 PHYS 201, 202 Physics 10 or251,252 or 262 Junior-SeniorBIOS 303(L) Comp Vert. Anatomy 6 BIOS 375 Animal Ecology 4 BIOS 376(L) Field Ecology 4 BIOS 491(L) Internships 3 At least 12 hours in wildlife subjects including at least one lab course from:BIOS 471(L) Ornithology 6 BIOS 474(L) Mammalogy 6 BIOS 477 Population Ecology 4 BIOS 478 Community Ecology 4 BIOS 481 Animal Conservation Biology 4 BIOS 458(L) Biology of Amphibians( * ) 3 BIOS 459(L) Biology of Reptiles ( * ) 3 BIOS 465(L) Ichtyology( * ) 6 The following 14 hours in PBIO courses:PBIO 211 Diversity of Life 5 PBIOO 248 Trees and Shrubs 4 PBIO 435 Plant Population Biology 5 or PBIO 436 Plant Community Ecology or PBIO 437 Ecosystem Ecology
*BIOS 465, BIOS 458, and BIOS 459 may be used to fulfill elective requirements for this track, but do not meet federal civil service register requirements as wildlife subjects.
(https://www.ohio.edu/catalog/04-05/colleges.majors1.htm) on August 17, 2004.
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