Biological Sciences, BA

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Program Description

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences
• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Public Health
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Students can focus their studies in health professions (e.g., medicine, dentistry, optometry), molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, conservation biology, and ecology. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and scientific reasoning, with a breadth of courses. A 200-acre biology preserve on campus, and nearby parks and preserves such as the Beavercreek Wetlands, provide excellent opportunities for terrestrial and aquatic field studies, as do field-based courses like ornithology and Amazon ecology.

Program Learning Objectives

Students completing a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge of essential concepts of biology at molecular, organismal, and ecosystem scales.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge of concepts in chemistry and physics necessary to understand the foundations of biology.
• Utilize mathematics and statistics to apply quantitative reasoning to biological concepts.
• Evaluate data using quantitative analysis and graphical representation.
• Apply observational strategies, formulate testable hypotheses, and design experiments with appropriate controls and variables.
• Exhibit problem solving skills and trouble-shoot procedures.
• Effectively communicate biological concepts and interpretations to varied audiences orally and in writing.
• Discuss the ethical implications of biological understanding and discoveries.

Biological Sciences Honors Program

An honors program allows qualified students to carry out sustained independent projects under the guidance of faculty sponsors. Students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.4 during the preceding two semesters may apply to the Department of Biological Sciences to pursue an honors program. Application for admission to the program should be made during the student’s junior year. Students interested in the honors program should call the program office at 937-775-2655.

Admission Requirements

For admission into the Department of Biological Sciences, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of a least 15 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 2.00 overall
• Completion of at least one semester course in general biology (BIO1120 or 1150) with a grade of “C” or higher

After review by a departmental advisor, students will be notified via email of their acceptance. Once accepted, students are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor who will help develop a program of study.

For More Information

• Biological Sciences, BS
• Department of Biological Sciences
• College of Science and Mathematics

College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center

106 Oelman Hall

937-775-3180

bioadvising@wright.edu

Program Requirements:

Note: For graduation credit, all CoSM courses require a grade of C or better. 

I. Wright State Core: 43 Hours

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 4 HOURS

Required

• STT 2640 - Elementary Statistics Credit Hour(s): 4

•  or

• STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

Required

• BIO 1120 - Cells and Genes Credit Hour(s): 4
• BIO 1150 - Organisms and Ecosystems Credit Hour(s): 4

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 10 HOURS

Required

• CHM 1210 - General Chemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3
• CHM 1210L - General Chemistry Lab I Credit Hour(s): 2
• CHM 1220 - General Chemistry II Credit Hour(s): 3
• CHM 1220L - General Chemistry Lab II Credit Hour(s): 2

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 17 Hours

• BIO 2100 - Orientation Seminar in Biological Sciences Credit Hour(s): 1
• BIO 2110 - Principles of Molecular and Classical Genetics Credit Hour(s): 3
• BIO 2120 - Cell Biology Credit Hour(s): 3
• BIO 2140 - Introduction to Cell Biology Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 2.5
• BIO 2310 - Evolution and Ecology Credit Hour(s): 4
• BIO 3140 - Molecular Biology Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 3.5

III. Departmental Electives: 17 Hours

Select 17 semester hours from approved 3000- and 4000- level BIO and MLB.

• At least two course must include a lab component.
• Maximum of 6 cr hrs of online courses.
• Maximum of 5 cr hrs of MLB courses
• You may apply up to 5 hours of Independent Study.  Independent Study is to be arranged by the student and professor and can include:  BIO 4880 Independent Reading; BIO 4900 Research; BIO 4950 Honors Research *Up to 8 hours of Honors Research may apply.  *Up to 3 hours of BIO 3990 Undergrad Teaching Asst. can apply.  3.0 required for BIO 3990.
• Must include 1 of the following capstone or department approved courses:  BIO4000, 4020, 4920, 4240, 4460, 4730, 4800, 4110, 3920 (Honors only).

IV. Related Requirements (non-departmental): 39 Hours

• CHM 2110 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3
• CHM 2110L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credit Hour(s): 2
• CHM 2120 - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hour(s): 3
• CHM 2120L - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 2
• PHY 1110 - Principles of Physics I Credit Hour(s): 4
• PHY 1110L - Principles of Physics Lab I Credit Hour(s): 1
• PHY 1120 - Principles of Physics II Credit Hour(s): 4
• PHY 1120L - Principles of Physics Lab II Credit Hour(s): 1
• MTH 1280 - College Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4
• 15 hours in departments outside COSM and CECS.

V. General Elective: 4 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

**For graduation credit, a grade of C or better is required for all Core, Departmental, Supporting and Life Science Elective science and math courses.

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

• Biological Sciences, BA (3 yr) (GPS) 
• Biological Sciences, BA (GPS)