2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
    Oct 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

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 in Medical Laboratory Science

The Biological Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, offers greater flexibility and an enhanced liberal arts education than does the Bachelor of Science. Students can focus their studies in health sciences (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, etc.), molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, conservation biology, and ecology. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and scientific reasoning, while providing an opportunity for more elective study in other fields.

Admission Requirements

All students are eligible to be directly admitted into the Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences program.

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 email the department at biology@wright.edu.

Program Learning Objectives

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences will learn to:

  • Explain fundamental concepts of biology at molecular, organismal, and ecosystem scales.
  • Explain 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 troubleshoot procedures.
  • Effectively communicate biological concepts and interpretations to varied audiences orally and in writing.
  • Describe the ethical implications of biological understanding and discoveries.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, students successfully completing a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences can:

  • Explain fundamental concepts of biology at molecular, organismal, and ecosystem scales.
  • Explain 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 troubleshoot procedures.
  • Effectively communicate biological concepts and interpretations to varied audiences orally and in writing.
  • Describe the ethical implications of biological understanding and discoveries.

For More Information

Biological Sciences, BA Program Requirements:


I. Wright State Core: 43 Hours


Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours


Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours


Required

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

Additional Core Courses: 10 Hours


Required

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives: 24 Hours


Select 12 hours of 3000/4000-level BIO courses.*

Select 12 hours of additional 3000/4000-level BIO or other Life Science courses from ANT, BMB, EES, PPH, CHM, MI, MLB, MTH, NEU, STT, PHY, PSY.

Among those selected:

  • At least two courses must include a lab component.
  • At least one of the following capstone courses:  BIO 3920, 4020, 4920, 4240, 4460, 4730, 4800, 4110.

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*Exceptions:

  • Up to 5 hours of MLB courses can substitute for BIO courses
  • Up to 5 hours of Independent Study can be used, including: 
    • BIO 4880  - Indpendent Reading
    • BIO 4900  - Internship
    • BIO 4990  - Special Problems in Biology
    • BIO 4950  - Honors Research (Up to 8 hours, which may include hours earned for other Independent Studies in BIO)
    • BIO 3990  - Undergrad Teaching Assistant (Up to 3 hours)

IV. Related Requirements (non-departmental): 24 Hours


V. General Elective: 14.5 Hours


Total: 120 Hours


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.

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