2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Biological Sciences, BA


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 Outcomes

Graduates with 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.

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.

For More Information

College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center

106 Oelman Hall

937-775-3180

cosm-advisors@wright.edu

Biological Sciences, BA Program Requirements:


Note: For graduation, a minimum GPA 2.0 is required in all courses with a BIO prefix.

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

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 14.5 Hours


III. Departmental Requirements and Electives: 30 Hours


Select 30 credits from approved 3000- and 4000- level courses. Among those selected:

  • At least two courses must include a lab component.
  • At least 18 credits must have a BIO or MLB prefix.  (Up to 5 credit hours of Independent Study can be used.  Independent Study is to be arranged by the student and the professor and can include BIO 4880  - Indpendent Reading, BIO 4900  - Internship, BIO 4990  - Research, BIO 4950  - Honors Research. Up to 8 hours of Honors Research can be used. Up to 3 hours of BIO 3990  - Undergrad Teaching Assistant can be used.  3.0 required for BIO 3990.)
  • At most 12 credits may have a prefix of ANT, BMB, EES, PPH, CHM, MI, MTH, NEU, STT, PHY, PSY.
  • Maximum of 10 cr hrs of online courses
  • Maximum of 5 cr hrs of MLB course
  • Must include 1 of the following capstone or department approved courses:  BIO 4020, 4920, 4240, 4460, 4730, 4800, 4110, 3920 (Honors only).

IV. Related Requirements (non-departmental): 27 Hours


V. General Elective: 5.5 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.