Major Code BS1904

Honors Tutorial College  
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
Fax: 740.593.9521
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors

Lauren McMills, director of studies/contact person
mcmillsl@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Honors Tutorial College program in chemistry and biochemistry offers exceptional students the opportunity to study the many aspects of chemistry or biochemistry in one-on-one interaction with our faculty members. Maximum opportunities will be afforded for the student to progress well beyond the material found in conventional courses. The primary purpose of the tutorial program is to serve as preparation for graduate or professional study. Students will receive the degree of Bachelor of Science from the Honors Tutorial College.

Tutorials

Students are required to complete eight tutorials within the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, including two devoted to research and thesis. A typical tutorial will meet on a weekly basis for a minimum of one hour. The student and the tutor will discuss the current reading and written assignments, discuss problems and solutions, debate and offer critical analysis, and the tutor will continuously evaluate the progress of the student. The final grade of the tutorial is based on many facets of evaluation available to the tutor: written assignments, written exams, oral exams, discussions, presentations by the student, etc.

In addition to the tutorials, the student must complete the Tier I English requirement, the first year seminar, and all core courses not covered by tutorials, and an appropriate number of approved electives. Internships and/or study abroad may be included within the program with special permission from the director of studies (credit will only be given once). Honors Tutorial College students take a minimum of 15 hours per semester.

Advising and Evaluating

Each student receives initial advice from the director of studies regarding selection and sequencing of courses, choice of a thesis advisor, and other procedural matters. A committee, composed of the director of studies and the advisor, will monitor the thesis work. 

Students throughout the program earn letter grades consistent with the University grading system and are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher (both overall and in the major). Students who earn less than a B (3.0), or who maintain less than a 3.5 GPA will need to confer with the director of studies and/or the Dean of the College. In addition to letter grades assessments, tutors complete semester based course descriptions and evaluations of each student’s work. In these assessments both the student’s academic standing and academic attitude are evaluated.

The Honors Thesis

The honors thesis is a reflection of the student’s special interests. Its acceptance, dependent upon an appropriate mixture of research and analysis, relies upon the judgment of his or her committee or the director of studies. It is expected that this major paper will constitute work of the highest quality in investigating a problem or concern to both scholars and practitioners.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students are selected by the director of studies of the chemistry and biochemistry tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College on the basis of superior ability and sustained motivation. An excellent high school record (class standing in the top 10%) and high scores on standardized tests (30 or better composite score on the ACT or a combined score of 1300 on the SAT). An interview with the director of studies is required for acceptance into our program. Recommendations from two high school teachers are strongly recommended. The priority deadline for application for admission is December 1st, and admission interviews are held in January.

Change of Program Policy

First year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the chemistry and biochemistry honors tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering first-year students. The priority deadline for application is December 1st.

External Transfer Admission

First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer into the chemistry and biochemistry honors tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering first-year students. The priority deadline for application is December 1st.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Successful graduates of the department’s honors tutorial program are highly competitive applicants for graduate or professional school (medicine, pharmacy, etc.).

Requirements