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 .
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Requirements for the B.S. in biological sciences are:
A minimum of 52 quarter hours in approved departmental courses which must include the following:
Freshman BIOS 170,171, 172,173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Chemistry 15 MATH 266A, 226B Calculus for Biologists 8
Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
Sophomore
BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4
BIOS 325 Genetics 5
BIOS 330 Evolution 4
CHEM 301, 302 # Organic Chemistry 6
or Chem 305,306,307 Organic Chemistry or 9
Phys 201,202,203 Physics
or Phys 251,252, Physics 15
253 or 262
Psy 221 Statistics 5
or Math 250, 251 Probability
and Statistics or 8
Junior/Senior
One course must be taken from three of the five areas below:
At least three upper-level, 300-400 courses in biological sciences must have a laboratory component. A minimum of 52 hours of BIOS course credit must be earned for a B.S. in biological sciences. Two or more electives must be taken in order to graduate.
* See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites
#Some graduate or professional programs may require organic labs.
Requirements for the minor in biological sciences consist of a minimum of 27 credit hours, including
BIOS 170,171, 172,173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5
Two additional courses 300 level or above, including 320 or 330, or both
*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Chemistry 15 MATH 266A, 226B Calculus for Biologists
Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
*See listing in Courses of Instructions section for prerequisites.
Sophomore
BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 CHEM 305, 306, 307 Organic Chemistry 9 CHEM 303, 304 Organic Chemistry Labs 4 BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or Math 250, 251 Probability and Statistics or 8
Junior/Senior
BIOL 426 Molecular Genetics 4 BIOS 326 Genetics Lab 3 BIOS 427 Mechanisms/Gene Regulation 3 CHEM 490, 491 Biochemistry 6 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252 or General Physics 262, 253Two of the following elective cellular/molecular courses:
BIOS 414 Molecular Cellular Neuroscience 4 BIOS 424A. Virology, Lab 5 BIOS 489 Microbial Physiology 5 PBIO 450 Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering 4 BIOS 407 Developmental Biology 4
This program prepares students for work in hospital laboratories, public health bureaus, and other laboratories concerned with medical diagnosis and investigation. It leads to a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or another certifying body.
The Ohio University-hospital school of clinical laboratory science affiliation for training of clinical laboratory scientists fulfills the requirements established by the A.M.A. and A.S.C.P. and affords you an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree.
After completing (1)a minimum of 144 quarter hours with at least a 2.0 g.p.a. in the major and in all hours attempted and (2)general education and all area requirements for the baccalaureate degree, you are eligible to apply for admission to one of several affiliated hospital schools for the clinical program. Upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month clinical program, you will receive the Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University.
Approval may be granted for completion of the clinical program at hospitals other than those affiliated with Ohio University if the hospital has a C.A.H.E.A. - approved program in clinical laboratory science and if, because of location or other factors, it would better meet your needs. You are required to present a copy of the hospital's program of study to the Department of Biological Sciences for evaluation.
Consult your advisor frequently during the preclinical period. Early in the fall quarter preceding the clinical program, obtain specific information about applying to an affiliated school of medical technology from the clinical laboratory science advisor.
During the 12-month clinical program, you register with and pay fees to Ohio University. A special fee schedule applies to these four quarters, and both fourth- and fifth-year students are required to register. Ohio University then pays the total tuition to the hospital-based school of medical technology.
If you transfer from another program or institution (including regional campuses of Ohio University), you cannot normally expect to complete the preclinical requirements in three years unless the need to make up courses is minimal.
If you remain at the Athens campus for your fourth or senior year, you can graduate with a B.S. in biological sciences/clinical laboratory science by fulfilling the requirements for the freshman, sophomore, and junior years listed below plus earning a total of 90 hours at the 200 level or above and completing a total of 192 credit hours. You may then enter a hospital internship program to qualify for the A.S.C.P. certification exam. If you graduate with a B.S. in biological sciences, or if you are a biological science major who has taken BIOS 321 and 421, you are also qualified to apply for admission to a clinical internship.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Bios 170, 171,
172, 173 + Intro to Zoology 14
CHEM 151, 152, 153 Fund. of Chemistry 15
English composition 5
MATH 113 Algebra 5
or MATH 163A(*) Intro to Calculus 4
Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
+ See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
CHEM 241, 242 Quantitative Analysis 5
CHEM 301, 302 Organic (short) 6
CHEM 325 Instr. Methods
of Analysis 4
BIOS 300 Elements of Anatomy
and Histology 6
BIOS 325 Gen. Genetics 5
BIOS 345 Human Physiology 4
BIOS 321 Gen. Microbiology 5 BIOS 421A, 421B Immunology 5 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 489 Biochemisty 4 BIOS 346 Human Physiology Lab 3 or BIOS 422 Microbiological Techniques 5 or BIOS 326 Laboratory Genetics 4
Senior (Clinical Program)
Four quarters of coursework constituting the clinical portion of the program are taken at a hospital-based school of medical technology. Register each quarter for these courses, entitled Clinical Laboratory Science Internship 470A, B, C, and D.A typical program includes:
Bacteriology and Serology 18 Clinical Chemistry 23 Hematology 10 Immunohematology 5 Parasitology 3 Radioisotopes 1 Urinalysis 4
Biological Sciences-Environmental Biology Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2509This specialized curriculum will provide the necessary course background for students preparing for graduate school or entry-level positions in fields of environmental and conservation biology. Courses meet the requirements for admission to graduate programs in biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation biology. The program also provides the necessary background for jobs with state and federal agencies (e.g., USDA or EPA) charged with environmental protection, research and monitoring, and information. Certification in first aid, CPR, and watercraft safety enhances the ability of students to become employed in the field or earn internships. Because the environmental field has become increasingly international in both activities and jobs and because the Peace Corps needs volunteers with an environmental biology education, a speaking knowledge of Spanish or French is strongly recommended.
See also the environmental degree programs listed under the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental and Plant Biology, Geography, and Geology. Tier II social science electives can be chosen to meet the requirements of the Environmental Studies Certificate program (see listing in this section of the catalog).
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266A, 266B Calculus for Biologists 8 GEOG 201 Environmental Geography 8 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250, 251 Statistics or 8Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Sophomore
BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 CHEM 301, 302 or Organic Chemistry 6 Chem 305,306,307 Organic Chemistry 6
Junior-Senior
BIOS 342 Principles of Physiology 3 and BIOS 354 Psychology Lab I 2 or BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 489 Biochemistry 4 BIOS 303 Comp. Vert. Anatomy 6 or BIOS 430 Invertebrate Zoology or BIOS 435 Entomology or BIOS 465 Icthyology BIOS 375 Animal Ecology 4 or BIOS 431 Limnology or 5 BIOS 491 Internships 3 BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5 PBIO 111 Plant Biology II 2 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252, General Physics or 262, 253 Two courses from the following: GEOG 101, 241, 315, 316, 417, GEOL 101, 130, 211, 215, 231, 330, 385 PBIO 420, or courses listed as alternatives above are recommended to meet the 52 or more credit hour requirement.
Biological Sciences-Marine Biology Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2514The Department of Biological Sciences provides a program for undergraduate majors who are interested in marine biology. Since this is an increasingly international field, you are encouraged to gain the speaking knowledge of a language other than English (preferably Spanish or French) and to consider the possibility of working for two years in the Peace Corps following graduation. Graduates will meet state and federal civil service course requirements for registry as fisheries biologist, ecologist, and general biologist. This program will also prepare you for graduate studies in biological sciences, ecology, or marine or freshwater biology. Training in SCUBA, CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, and watercraft safety will enhance students' chances of earning summer jobs and internships and are available as College of Health and Human Services courses. Since the program includes at least 50 hours in approved BIOS/MICR courses, you will meet the requirements of the biological sciences major. You may want to use elective credits to obtain an Environmental Studies Certificate.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
Tier II social science electives can be chosen to meet the requirements of the Environmental Certificate Program.
Freshman
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266A, 266B Calculus for Biologists 8 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250, 251 Probability and Statistics 8*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Sophomore
BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 CHEM 301, 302 or Organic Chemistry 9 CHEM 305, 306, 307 Organic Chemistry or 6
Junior-Senior
BIOS 342, 354 Principles of Physiology I 5 & Lab BIOS 343, 355 Prin. Physiology II and Lab 5 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry or 4 or Chem 489 Biochemistry BIOS 375 Animal Ecology 4 BIOS 376 Field Ecology 4 BIOS 429 Marine Biology 5 or BIOS 431 Limnology BIOS 430 Invertebrate Zoology 6 or BIOS 303 Comp. Vert. Anatomy BIOS 491 Internship 3 BIOS 321 Microbiology 5 or PBIO 111 Plant Biology II or 6 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252, General Physics or 262, 253
Biological Sciences-Microbiology Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major Code BS0411The 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-sneior years to pursue a successful career in research and development.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS/MICR departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Requirements for the microbiology special curriculum program in biological sciences are:
Freshman-Sophomore
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(*) Introduction to Zoology 14 MATH 163A,163B or MATH 263A, 263B Calculus for Biologists 8 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252, General Physics or 262, 253 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 CHEM 305, 306, 307 Organic Chemistry 9 BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5
Junior-Senior
BIOS 326 Lab Generic 4 BIOS 421A, 421B Immunology, Lab 5 BIOS 489 Microbial Physiology 5 BIOS 426 Molecular Genetics 3 CHEM 241, 242 Quantitative Analysis 5
CHEM 490, 491 General Biochemistry I, II 7At least 16 hours including 2 lab courses (BIOS 326, 422, 423B, 441B), from:
BIOS 385 Microbial Ecology 3 BIOS 422 Microbial Techniques 5 BIOS 423A, 423B Pathogenic Bacteriology, 5 Lab BIOS 424A, 424B Virology, Lab 5 BIOS 427 Gene Regulation 3 BIOS 441A, B Parisitology, Lab 6Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
Biological sciences majors in the microbiology special curriculum program wishing to apply to a professional school of medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine should make an appointment with the Preprofessional Health Careers Office, Irvine Hall 111, for applications and advice on recommended BIOS courses.
*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Biological Sciences-Neurobiology Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2125
Neuroscience is a rapidly growing field in both academia and industry. The neuroscience program is appropriate for students interested in graduate study in neuroscience or neuroscience research in conjunction with a professional career in medicine, pharmacology, or dentistry, or neuroscience technical positions.The program has been designed with both a research-oriented senior honors thesis option and a standard course-oriented option. Students are strongly encouraged, however, to pursue the research option since neuroscience careers almost exclusively involve research. In order to pursue the research option, you must have earned 30 hours (BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173, 320, 325, 330, 333) and a g.p.a. of at least 3.2 in these courses.
The program will provide, on a competitive basis, stipends and support for research during the summer of the third year. Research-option students will take a lighter course load in the senior year to free additional time for the senior-thesis research project. This program is demanding and requires careful planning in order to schedule extra-departmental courses as well as the general education Tier and Arts and Sciences requirements.
The specialized portion of the curriculum begins during the junior year, so it is not necessary for students to declare this major until relatively late in their undergraduate studies. Students considering this major should contact the program faculty advisor to discuss the options outlined above and to select courses to remain on schedule, which is generally outlined below.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanitites and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult your DARS and with your academic advisor.
Freshman
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173 (*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 263A, 263B Calculus for Biologists 8 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250, 251 Probably & Statistics or 8*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Sophomore
BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 BIOS 333 Neural Basis of Behavior 3 CHEM 301, 302 Organic (short) 6 or CHEM 305,306,307 Organic (long) or 9 PHYS 201-203 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252 General Physics or 262, 253
Junior
BIOS 303 or 430 or 435 Anatomical/Organismal 6 BIOS 342, 343 Prin. of Physiology I, II 6 BIOS 354, 355 Prin. of Physiology Labs 4 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 490, 491(**)General Biochemistry I, II or 7
Senior (research option)
BIOS 414 Molecular Cellular Neuroscience 4 BIOS 415 Neural Basis Sensation Movemeny 4 BIOS 418 Methods in Computational Neuroscience 4 or 417 Cognitive Neuroscience One advanced related course (BIOS 406, 407, 420, or 473; BIOS 426; PSY-312) BIOS 494H Undergraduate Research 8 BIOS 495H Undergraduate Research Thesis 3-9
Senior (course option)
BIOS 414 Molecular Cellular Neuroscience 4 BIOS 415 Neural Basis Sensation-Movement 4 BIOS 417 Cognitive Neuroscience 4 BIOS 418 Methods in Computational 4 Neuroscience Two advanced related courses (BIOS 406, 407, 413, 420,or 473; BIOS 426; PSY 312) 8-12 **Prereq: CHEM 305-307.
Biological Sciences-Predentistry Major (B.S.)
For students interested in a career in dentistry, no specific area for the major is required by dental colleges or by Ohio University. You must show competence in various basic sciences. Many students complete a major in one science or a dual major in two sciences. Many dental schools require at least a year of behavioral and social sciences as well as a year of English. You can fulfill these requirements by following either the biological sciences or chemistry predentistry major.
Special curriculum; major code BS2501Most dental schools select students with a bachelor's degree; a very limited number of applicants who have completed three years and have met the degree in absentia privilege requirements are admitted.
All dental school applicants are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), offered year-round. It is recommended that you take the DAT by the spring of your junior year.
Except for the lack of an organic chemistry laboratory, the biologcial sciences w/special curriuclum in microbiology major satisfies the requirements of most dental schools.
If you elect the degree in absentia option, you must complete a minimum of 43 hours in BIOS; for the four-year program, you must complete a minimum of 52 hours in BIOS. In addition, you must meet the requirements for the biological sciences major.
The following sequence of courses is required for predentistry students majoring in biological sciences.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266A, B Calculus for Biologists 8 BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173 (*) Intro to Zoology 14 CLAS 227 Gk. and Lat. Roots in Biomedical Terms 4Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives shuld be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Sophomore
CHEM 301, 302 Organic (short) 6 or CHEM 305,306,307 Organic (long) 9 CHEM 303, 304 Organic Lab (short) 4 BIOS 325 Gen. Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4
Junior-Senior
BIOS 342, 343, 354, 355 Principles Physiology 10 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250, 251 Statistics or 8 PHYS 201,202,203 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251,252 or 262,253 General Physics CHEM 490, 491(*) General Biochemistry 7 or BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 489 Biochemistry 4 BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5 BIOS 303 Compar. Vert. Anat. 6*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Biological Sciences - Pre-Exercise Physiology Major (B.S.)
Special Curriculum; major code BS2516The following curriculum is designed to provide students graduate studies in exercise or applied work physiology with the necessary coursework to prepare for advanced study in a research-oriented graduate degree program.
Although an undergraduate degree in the area of exercise physiology may provide you the opportunity to compete in the job market, most current employment opportunities require a master's or doctoral degree.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266 A,B Calculus for Biologists 8 PSY 221 Statistics for Behav. Sci. 5 or MATH 250 and 251 Intro to Prob. and Stat. or 8Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives shuld be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Sophomore
PHYS 201, 202, 302 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252 or 262, 253 General Physics BIOS 320 Animal Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4
Junior-Senior
BIOS 301 Human Anatomy 6 BIOS 345 Human Physiology 4 BIOS 346 Human Physiology Lab 3 BIOS 352 Biomechanics 4 CHEM 301, 302 Organic (short) 6 or CHEM 305, 306, 307 Organic (long) or 9 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 489 Biochemistry or CHEM 490, 491 (+)General Biochemistry I, II or 7 BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5 BIOS 445 Physiology of Exercise 4 BIOS 446 Phys. of Exercise Lab 3 BIOS 493 Undergrad. Research 6 or 494H Honors Thesis ResearchSuggested elective courses:
BIOS 450 Endrocrinology 4 HCFN 128 Intro to Nutrition 4*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
Biological Sciences-Premedicine Major (B.S.)
Special curriculum; major code BS2502No specific major is required by medical colleges or by Ohio University in undergraduate preparation for medicine. Many students complete a major in one science or a dual major in two sciences.
For most medical schools, admission prerequisites include an entire year, with labs, in biological sciences, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Many schools also require a year of college English and college math, and strongly recommend courses in biochemistry, humanities, and the social sciences. Consult the catalog of a particular medical school to make sure you are meeting its prerequisites. Additional coursework in genetics, anatomy, physiology, cell biology, embryology, developmental biology and molecular biology will improve your preparedness. Courses that fulfill these requirements and recommendations are listed with this major and the chemistry premedicine major.
All medical college applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in spring (preferred) or fall of the calendar year before the year they expect to enroll in medical college.
A major in biological sciences with special curriculum in microbiology is also available for students who wish to complete graduate study in medicine or health sciences. Biological Sciences majors w/special curriculum in microbiology who plan to apply to medical school should also take CHEM 303 and 304 Organic Chemistry Lab.
You are encouraged to note particularly the opportunities provided by the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the preprofessional advising center (Irvine Hall 111).
As a premedical student majoring in biological sciences, you are required to satisfy the following program, completing a minimum of 52 hours in BIOS.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS/MICR departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
BIOS 170,171, 172, 173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266A, B(#) Calculus for Biologists 8 CLAS 227 Gk. and Lat. Roots in Biomedical Terminology 4Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Sophomore
CHEM 305, 306, 307 Organic (long) 9 CHEM 303, 304 Organic Lab 5 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Intro Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252 General Physics or 262, 253 BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250, 251 or 8Junior-Senior
BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5 BIOS 303 Compar. Vert. Anatomy 6 BIOS 342, 343, 354, 355 Prin. Physiology, labs 10 CHEM 490, 491(**) General Biochemistry 7Electives two or more in BIOS to earn a minimum of 52 hours required for B.S. degree.
*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
#Some medical schools require 3 quarters of college calculus; 263C will suffice.
Biological Sciences-Pre-Optometry Major (B.S.)
Requirements for admission to schools of optometry are not uniform. A minimum of 90 hours exclusive of military science and physical education is required. However, most students entering optometry school have earned a bachelor's degree. This curriculum meets the admission requirements for a collegiate program and consequently for most independent schools of optometry. Consult the catalog of a particular school to make sure you are meeting its prerequisites. To earn the degree in absentia, you must complete at least 144 hours, including all Arts and Sciences and University General Education Requirements and the program outlined below. This must include the departmental area requirements for the general biological sciences major. To graduate from Ohio University without the in absentia option, you must fulfill the biological sciences major requirements for your catalog year of entry. Candidates for optometry school normally take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) in October or February before admission the following fall.
Special curriculum; major code BS2505Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS/MICR departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(*) Intro to Zoology 14 PSY 101 Gen. Psychology 5 MATH 250, 251 Statistics 8 or PSY 221 Statistics for Behavioral Sci or 5 MATH 266A, B Calculus for Biologists 8Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Sophomore
CHEM 305, 306, 307(***) Organic Chemistry 9 BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4Junior
BIOS 321 General Microbiology 5 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Intro Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252 General Physics or 262, 253 BIOS 303 Compar. Vert. Anatomy 6 BIOS 342, 343, 354, 355 Principles of Physiology 10 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 490,491(** General Biochemistry I, II or 7 or CHEM 489 Biochemistry or 4*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
***Organic chemistry labs CHEM 303, 304 are required by many optometry schools. Consult their catalogs or web sites.
Because most students complete a baccalaureate degree before being accepted for professional school, consult the department advisor early in your freshman year for recommendations on degree requirements and electives.
You can obtain further information concerning requirements and the profession of optometry by writing to the American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis MO 63141, or consult the web site at https://www.aoanet.org.
Biological Sciences-Pre-Physical Therapy Major (B.S.)
There are no uniform requirements for physical therapy schools. Consult the school's catalog or website for exact prerequisites. B.S. degree pre-physical therapy students majoring in biological sciences are required to complete the entire program. For more information about the school of physical therapy, see the Physical Therapy listing in this section. See also the Department of Psychology pre-physical therapy major in this section and the School of Physical Therapy listing in the College of Health and Human Services section.
Special curriculum; major code BS2507Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS/MICR departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(** Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266A Calculus for Biologists 4 Phil 101 Fund. of Philosophy 5 or PHIL 130(#) Intro Ethics or 4Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Sophomore
BIOS Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Principles of Evolution 4 CHEM 301, 302 Organic (short) 6 or CHEM 305,306,307 Organic (long) 9 PHYS 201, 202 or 251, 252 or 262(***) Intro to Physics 10 PSY 101 General Psychology 5 PSY 221 Stat. for Behav. Sci. 5 PSY 273 Child and Adolescent 4 PT 259A Intro to Phys. Therapy 2Junior-Senior
BIOS 221(+) Basic Microbiology 4 or PT 403(+ Pathophysiology 4 BIOS 301 Human Anatomy 6 BIOS 345 Human Physiology 4 BIOS 346 Human Physiology Lab 3 BIOS 413(+) Human Neuroscience 3 BIOS 445 Physiology of Exercise 5 BIOS 446 Phys. of Exercise Lab 3 BIOS 463 Cell Chemistry 4 or CHEM 489 Biochemistry*See note, page 271**See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
***A third quarter of physics may be reruited for admission to certain grduate and professional schools.
+BIOS 221 is required for a B.S. in biological sciences. For students who have been accepted into Ohio University's School of Physical Therapy in absentia, PT 403 may be used to fulfill the BIOD 221 requirement. If BIOS 413 has not been completed before admission to the School of Physical Therapy, you must complete it during your first year.
# will fulfill philosophy requirement of OU Physical Therapy School
Biological Sciences-Pre-Veterinary Medicine Major (B.S.)
If you plan to attend veterinary school, learn the entrance requirements of the schools of your choice early in your college career. Many biological sciences majors are suitable preparation for veterinary school. Discuss your course selections with your academic advisor.
Special curriculum; major code BS2508Many schools of veterinary medicine require a bachelor's degree for admission. A standardized test (MCAT, GRE, or VAT) must be taken at least one year before you expect to enroll in veterinary school. Contact the veterinary schools of your choice or see your advisor to determine which test you need.
Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Freshman
BIOS 170, 171, 172, 173(** Intro to Zoology 14 CHEM 151,152,153 Fund. of Chemistry 15 MATH 266 A, B Calculus for Biologists 8Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Sophomore
BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 General Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4 CHEM 305, 306, 307 Organic Chemistry 9 PHYS 201, 202, 203 Intro to Physics 15 or PHYS 251, 252 General Physics or 262, 253 PSY 221 Statistics 5 or MATH 250, 251 Probability and Statistics or 8
Junior-Senior
BIOS 321 Microbiology 5 CHEM490, 491 General Biochemistry 7 BIOS 303 Comp. Vertebrate Anatomy 6 BIOS 342, 343, 354, 355 Principles of Physiology 10An additional 4 credits of BIOS, at minimum, to give 52 hours required for the B.S.
Biological Sciences-Wildlife Biology Major (B.S.)
The Department of Biological Sciences provides a program for undergraduate students in biological sciences 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, or animal ecology. You may want to use elective credits to obtain an Environmental Studies certificate.
Special curriculum; major code BS2515Unless otherwise indicated, BIOS departmental courses may be retaken only once.
Tier I, II, III General Education and Arts and Sciences humanities and social science requirements, including foreign language (if necessary), and other electives should be taken when appropriate. Consult with your DARS and your academic advisor.
Freshman
172, 173(* Intro to Zoology 14 MATH 266A, B Calculus for Biologists 8 CHEM 151, 152, 153 Fund. of Chemistry 15Sophomore
CHEM 301, 302 Organic Chemistry 6 PSY 221 Statistics 5 PHYS 201, 202 Intro to Physics 10 or 251, or 262(**) BIOS 320 Cell Biology 4 BIOS 325 Genetics 5 BIOS 330 Evolution 4Junior-Senior
BIOS 303 Comp Vert. Anatomy 6 BIOS 375 Animal Ecology 5 BIOS 376 Field Ecology 4 BIOS 491 Internships 6 PBIO 111 Intro to Plant Biology 6A minimum of 16 hours in wildlife subjects selected from
BIOS 425 Evolutionary Genetics 4 BIOS 471 Ornithology 5 BIOS 474 Mammalogy 6 BIOS 477 Population Ecology 4 BIOS 478 Community Ecology 4 BIOS 479 Evolution 4 BIOS 481 Animal Conservation Biol. 4 BIOS 484 Wildlife Biology 3
Substitutions can be recommended by your advisor but must be approved in writing by the curriculum chair.
A minimum of 14 hours in plant sciences (PBIO major courses only), including PBIO 111.
If you plan to go on to graduate school, you should take BIOS 493 or BIOS 494H Undergraduate Research. Consult your advisor.
*See listing in Courses of Instruction section for prerequisites.
**A third quarter of physics may be required for admission to certain graduate and professional schools.
University Advancement and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/catalog/02-03/colleges/majors1.htm) on October 30, 2002.
Please E-mail comments or suggestions to "ucat@www.ohiou.edu."