2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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 and Bachelor of Arts in Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. Students can focus their studies in health professions (e.g., medicine, dentistry, optometry), molecular & cellular biology, microbiology, conservation biology, and ecology.

Our 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.

Biological Sciences 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 contact Meredith Rodgers at 937-775-2374.

Departmental Entrance 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 about undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences, please contact:

College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center

106 Oelman Hall

(937) 775-3180

bioadvising@wright.edu

Department Chair:  Dr. Scott Baird

For additional information:

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

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 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


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.