Biological Sciences—Cellular and Molecular Biology Major (B.S.)

Major code BS2520

College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences Department
Irvine Hall 107
Athens, OH 45701
www.ohio.edu/cas/biology

Corinne Nielsen, contact person
nielsenc@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Cellular and molecular biology are vibrant, exiting, and rapidly growing areas of modern biology. The ongoing revolutions in genetic engineering, genomics, and proteomics have profound implications for medicine and for our understanding of the biological world around us. Students in this program are encouraged to participate in research opportunities during their junior and senior years to prepare for further studies in graduate or professional school and/or a successful career in research or development.

Admission Information

Freshman/First Year Admission

In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test-optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 with a minimum accumulative Ohio University GPA of 2.5.

External Transfer Admission

Transfer students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in the equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 with a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 from their previous institution.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas in modern biology. This specialization will prepare students for graduate or professional school, and career paths in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related areas. These are fields that are experiencing tremendous growth in employment opportunities both in academia and in the private sector.

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Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the Biological Sciences - Cellular and Molecular Biology major requires completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the University-wide graduation requirements .

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Biological Sciences Requirements

Complete a total of 42 semester hours of BIOS coursework, including all of the requirements below. Note: 1000- and 2000-level courses not specifically required by the major will not count toward the BIOS hours requirement, but they may be used to fulfill University graduation requirements.