Science and Mathematics

Biological Sciences

Professors Arlian, Burton, Carmichael, Goldstein (chair), Hull, Kantor (Emeritus), Runkle, Wheatly (Dean, COSM), Wood

Associate Professors Amon, Baird, Grasman, Krane, Mamrack, Miller, Pohlman, Tomlin

Assistant Professors Cipollini, Hiskey (WSU - Lake Campus), Van't Hof , Vadelbonconer, Smith

Clinical Laboratory Science Program Phyllis Pacifico (Director), Schieltz

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following degree programs: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences, Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Exercise Science option, Microbiology and Immunology option, and Master of Science in biological sciences. A new 2+2 program in Allied Health Areas is now available along with a dual major program in chemistry.

There are minimum grade requirements for departmental courses in each of the undergraduate degree programs. See degree requirements for specific programs for details.

The teaching and research programs of the department are conducted in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. A 60-acre biology preserve on campus and nearby parks and preserves such as the Beavercreek Wetlands provide excellent opportunities for terrestrial and aquatic field studies.

Students must plan their individual programs of study with the help of a departmental advisor to be sure they are meeting university, college, and departmental requirements. Many undergraduate students include faculty-guided, independent-research projects in their academic programs.

Biological Sciences

The Bachelor of Science curriculum offers a broad, integrated, and in-depth approach to the life sciences. The departmental requirements consist of a balanced core of courses selected from several subject areas, combined with elective courses from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology.

Within this degree, several different options are open to students. The programs of study can accommodate students with such differing interests and objectives as graduate work in molecular biology, laboratory work in microbiology, or field work in ecology. It can also serve as preprofessional preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary sciences.

Degree Requirements - Biological Sciences

Bachelor of Science Degree

Students must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each course used to fulfill the Departmental Requirements of the degree.

A minimum of 30 credit hours must be selected from 300- and 400-level courses in the College of Science and Mathematics. At least 15 credits must be courses with a BIO, M+I, or EXB prefix. Up to 15 credits may be selected from the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, and/or Anatomy and Physiology. Up to 10 credits may be selected from chemistry, geological sciences, mathematics and statistics, physics, and/or psychology. Up to eight credits of independent study courses (BIO 399, 488, 490, 492, and 499) may apply. Departmental honors students may apply up to 12 hours of BIO 495.

Exercise Biology

Exercise biology consists of three major areas of study, namely: exercise physiology, human motor behavior, and human biomechanics. This program is designed to promote and integrate scientific research, education, and practical applications of all aspects of exercise science to prepare the undergraduate in fields of physical performance, fitness, health/wellness, and research. Course work and practical experience is designed with the latest American College of Sports Medicine objectives for comprehensive knowledge in the field. Outcomes of study include the opportunity to take the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification exams.

Degree Requirements -
Biological Sciences/Exercise Biology Option

Bachelor of Science Degree

Students must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each course to fulfill the department's requirements for the degree.

Degree Requirements - Biological Sciences

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts curriculum is less structured than the Bachelor of Science curriculum. It provides a substantial foundation in the biological and physical sciences, while the large number of electives allows students considerable flexibility to meet their individual educational objectives. Students must work with their advisor to formulate a specific plan of study.

Students must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each course used to fulfill the departmental requirements and the departmental electives of this degree.

1. Select a minimum of 15 credits from 300- and 400- level courses in the Department of Biological Sciences (BIO, M+I, EXB prefix). You may apply up to five credits of independent study courses (BIO 399, 488, 492, 495, AND 499).
2. Select a minimum of 15 credits from 300- and 400- level courses and minimum of 15 credits from 100- and 200- level courses all outside the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
3. At least three courses in a department in the College of Science and Mathematics or the College of Engineering and Computer Science other than the Department of Biology

Minor Program

Students majoring in another department may earn a minor in biological sciences. The minor includes at least 36 credit hours from a broad selection of courses in both biological sciences and environmental health distributed as follows:

Minimum entry requirements include 24 hours (or equivalent) of previous university coursework with grades of “C” or better, and an overall 2.0 GPA in three introductory biology courses (BIO 111, 112, 115 preferred). Successful completion of a biological sciences minor requires a grade of "C" or better in program courses. Note that many BIO and EH courses themselves have specific course prerequisites.

Clinical Laboratory Science

(Previously Medical Technology)

The clinical laboratory science program includes three years of prescribed study at Wright State University and a one-year clinical laboratory curriculum in a clinical laboratory science program accredited by the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education through the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Upon successfully completing the program, students receive the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science degree. They also become eligible to take the national certification examination given by the Board of Registry for Medical Technologists (ASCP) and the CLS examination administered by the National Certification Agency for Laboratory Personnel. Through special arrangements, students may obtain their clinical education in other programs of clinical laboratory science accredited by the NAACLS after they receive approval from the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

In the fall quarter of their preclinical year, students apply, through the department, for admission into the clinical laboratory program. Criteria used to determine admission include the academic record, letters of recommendation, and results of a personal interview. The number of positions in each class for the clinical year program is limited.

Degree Requirements - Clinical Laboratory Science

(Previously Medical Technology)

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science Degree

Students must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each course used to fulfill the departmental requirements and clinical program requirements of this degree.

In a program such as this, the order in which courses are taken is of extreme importance. The required program should be followed, and all individual course schedules should be planned with an advisor.

Clinical Laboratory Science

Clinical Year Program

The College of Science and Mathematics offers a comprehensive Clinical Laboratory Science Clinical Year Program that provides participating students with the academic preparation and clinical skills needed to be a qualified practitioner. The curriculum begins in June and includes one quarter of basic lecture/laboratory courses on campus, followed by three quarters of supervised clinical rotations in nine cooperating affiliated clinical facilities: The Children’s Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Greene Memorial Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center, Upper Valley Medical Center, Reid Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital, McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital, and CompuNet Clinical Laboratories. Upon successfully completing the program, students are eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science degree, provided they meet the requirements for the degree stated in this catalog.

Prerequisites, Application, and Admission

Requirements for admission to the clinical year program are set by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Prerequisites include inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and/or biochemistry, general biological sciences, microbiology, immunology, and mathematics. Applicants must also have a bachelor's degree or be eligible for one upon completing the clinical program and an overall GPA of 2.5.

Eligible applicants from nonaffiliated universities will be considered. These applicants must also meet NAACLS requirements before they can enter the program.

Applicants with a foreign baccalaureate degree must meet NAACLS criteria before they enter the clinical year program.

Admission to Wright State University does not automatically guarantee admission into the clinical year program.

Applicants should submit their application materials and schedule an interview with Clinical Laboratory Science Program director during the fall quarter of the year before they enter the program.

Curriculum Outline

Course Requirements

CL 420 - Introduction to Clinical Lab Science
CL 431 - Urine and Body Fluid Analysis
CL 441 - Hematology
CL 451 - Principles of Homeostasis
CL 461 - Clinical Chemistry
CL 471 - Diagnostic Microbiology
CL 481 - Immunology/Serology
CL 491 - Immunohematology/Transfusion Medicine
CL 442 - Advanced Hematology
CL 462 - Advanced Clinical Chemistry
CL 472 - Advanced Diagnostic Microbiology
CL 492 - Advanced Immunohematology
CL 422 - Laboratory Management
CL 423 - Clinical Pathology Seminar
CL 443 - Clinical Hematology Practicum
CL 463 - Clinical Chemistry Practicum
CL 473 - Clinical Microbiology Practicum
CL 493 - Clinical Transfusion Medicine Practicum

Allied Health Programs

Students can begin with two years at Wright State University and gain an excellent foundation while checking off many of the early college requirements for application to the Ohio State programs listed below.

Allied Health Areas

Medical Dietetics
Circulation Technology
Health Information Management and Systems
Occupational Therapy
Radiological Technology
Respiratory Therapy

Students wanting a degree in Physical Therapy should complete the Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science and then transfer to Ohio State's Master's in Physical Therapy.

Allied Health Program Requirements:

The First Two Years

Medical Dietetics

Dietitians combine education, practice and research in food, nutrition and health, diet, and food choices. Dietitians offer nutrition education for groups and provide diet counseling for persons of all ages. Graduates may manage food-service operations in health care settings, and they often advance to general management positions in hospitals and nursing homes.

Circulation Technology

A circulation technologist is essential to the performance of heart/lung bypass in support of the patient undergoing open heart surgery and other diagnostic procedures. The work is challenging and demanding with on-call hours and weekend/holiday schedules. CT specialists are typically found only in major metropolitan health care centers.

Health Information Management and Systems

The health information administrator provides critical data for business decision-making in clinical operations, health care, and related organizations. This person may manage the systems and people, or analyze information. Opportunities for practice are found in a variety of settings such as hospitals, managed care organizations, behavioral and long term care facilities, insurance companies, and government agencies.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a profession concerned with the optimal development of physical and emotional abilities. Therapists prescribe a treatment program designed for a patient's particular needs, both physical and psychological. They then determine the appropriate therapy and activities to meet the needs of that patient. Occupational therapist work in children's hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric clinics, sheltered workshops, and other community agencies. Some therapists establish their own private practices.

Radiological Technology

The RT position works independently and as an assistant to a radiologist or physician. They prepare patients, dispense x-radiation, and develop film to aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions. Exami-nations are often performed in the emergency room, at the patient's bedside, and in surgery. Computers are utilized to acquire, manipulate, and store medical images. Positions available in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and physicians's offices allow flexibility. Radiographers are in high demand, and many employers have initiated hiring incentives.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists provide respiratory care in hospitals, medical offices, and in patient homes through the use of life support equipment. Therapists measure cardiopulmonary volumes, pressure, electrocardiograms, and blood gases. They provide ventilator life support, administer medical gases, and perform cardiopulmonary monitoring and resuscitation.

Respiratory therapists work for medical equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies in sales, research, development, and as clinical applications specialists.

Physical Therapy - Masters Program (MPT)

Physical therapy is a health care profession whose practitioners work with patients who are disabled by illness or accident or were born with a disability. Treatment objectives are to alleviate pain, correct or minimize deformities, and improve the health of the person using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, and electricity. Assessment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, sensorimotor, and related cardio-respiratory functions of the patient are performed by the physical therapist to plan and implement treatment programs.

Many graduates are initially employed in acute care general hospitals; others enter private practice groups or specialty settings such as pediatrics rehabilitation centers and school systems. Physical therapy is a masters program with a bachelor’s degree required (minimum 3.0 GPA) and completion of prerequisite courses, two course sequence in general chemistry; two in general physics; one course in general biology, psychology, human growth and development, medical/scientific terminology; one or two courses in human physiology; one course in physiology of exercise, human or vertebrate anatomy, statistical analysis, and research design. Prerequisite courses can be fulfilled in our exercise science program.

Environmental Health Sciences

Our program is one of only 24 nationwide accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. The curriculum in environmental sciences provides students with a sound academic background and the specialized training needed for them to work effectively in several areas involving environmental quality management. Career opportunities include work in public health and environmental protection agencies, environmental consulting firms and analytical laboratories, and health and safety programs in industries as well as natural resource management. The program also prepares students for graduate programs in public health and environmental sciences. A field internship program, operated in cooperation with participating environmental health agencies or industries, gives students an opportunity to gain practical work experience. Students should consult with their advisor when planning their program to ensure that it meets their needs and interests.

Degree Requirements - Environmental Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science Degree

A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in each course used to fulfill the environmental sciences core, required supporting courses in bio-logical sciences, environmental specialty courses, and supporting electives units of this degree.

*In a program such as this, the order in which courses are taken is of extreme importance. The required program should be followed, and all individual course schedules should be planned with an advisor.

 Biological Sciences Education 

Students who wish to teach biology or chemistry in Ohio public high schools can pursue the B.A. or B.S. degree in biological sciences. Upon completion of this undergraduate degree program in the College of Science and Mathematics, students then need to complete the Professional Educators Program (PEP) Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) through Wright State’s College of Education and Human Services. Graduates of the B.A. or B.S. in biological sciences and the M.Ed. Professional Educators Program are then eligible to seek licensure from the Ohio Department of Education in Life Sciences or Life Sciences/Chemistry, depending on the content of the undergraduate curriculum. 

Degree Requirements - Biological Sciences Education 

Bachelor of Science Degree (Life Sciences/Chemistry) 

The Adolescent to Young Adult Life Sciences/Chemistry Licensure Program is based on an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences.

Degree Requirements - Biological Sciences 

Education Bachelor of Science Degree (Life Sciences) 

The Adolescent to Young Adult Life Sciences Licensure Program is based on an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences.

 Degree Requirements - Biological Sciences Education 

Bachelor of Arts Degree (Life Sciences) 

The Adolescent to Young Adult Life Sciences Licensure Program is based on an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences.

Must include the following:

1. Select 15 credits from 300- and 400-level courses in the Department of Biological Sciences (BIO prefix). You may apply up to five credits of independent study courses (BIO 399, 488, 492, 495, 499)
2. Twenty-seven credit hours in academic courses outside the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Engineering and Computer Science (must include ED 211, 223, 301, 303, EDS 333).
3. At least 23 of the elective credit hours in courses at the 200 level or above.

  Biological Sciences Honors Program

An honors program allows qualified students to carry out independent projects under the guidance of faculty sponsors. Students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.4 during the preceding three quarters 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 the departmental office.

 Dual Major Program 

The Department of Biological Sciences participates in the university’s dual major program with the Department of Chemistry. Students should refer to the Department of Biological Sciences office for program requirements.

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