Biological Sciences, BA

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

ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
ENG 2100 - Research Writing and Argumentation Credit Hour(s): 3

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: 14.5 Hours

BIO 1110 - Freshman Seminar Bio Sciences Credit Hour(s): 1
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

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

PHY 1110 - Principles of Physics I Credit Hour(s): 4
PHY 1110L - Principles of Physics Lab I Credit Hour(s): 1
MTH 1280 - College Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4
15 hours in departments outside COSM and CECS.

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.