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Biology Programs at Ohio State Biology Major Course Requirements

The biology major provides a structured program that includes the major areas of importance to modern biology, as well as an in-depth concentration of study in one of the six departments in the College of Biological Sciences.

The requirements listed here are for individuals seeking a Bachelor of Science degree. A Bachelor of Arts degree is also available. That program follows the same requirements, except for Math 152, which is not required.

Part A. Required Prerequisites or Supplements to the Major

(Do not count toward the 45 hour major)
  • Biology 113 or H115, 114 or H116
  • Mathematics 148, 150, 151, 152 or 161
  • Chemistry 121 or H201, 122 or H202, 123 or H203
  • Chemistry 251, 252, 254 or 245, 255 or 246
  • Physics 111 or 131, 112 or 132, 113 or 133

Part B. Core Requirements

Choose one course from each of the five groups below.

  1. Molecular (choose one):
    • Biochemistry 511, or 613 and 614
  2. Genetic (choose one):
    • Microbiology 581
    • Molecular Genetics 500, or 605 and 606
  3. Cellular (choose one):
    • EEOB 415 or 630
    • Microbiology 509, or 520 and 521
    • Molecular Genetics 602 or 607
    • Plant Biology 648
  4. Organismal (choose one):
    • EEOB 410, or 405.01 and 405.02
    • Entomology 500 or 611F
    • Microbiology 661
    • Plant Biology 436, or 630 and 631
  5. Ecology/Evolution (choose one):
    • EEOB 370 or 400 or 413.01 or 413.03
    • Entomology H444 or 641
    • Microbiology 664 or 665
    • Molecular Genetics 640

Part C. Electives within the Major

  • At least three additional courses at the 300 level or above from one biological science department.
  • At least two of the three courses must be lecture-based courses.
  • When courses are taken as a sequence to satisfy a Core requirement (part B), all but one of the courses in the sequence may also be used to satisfy the three additional courses requirement.
  • Independent study is strongly recommended (693 or H783), with up to five credit hours counting towards the 45 hour major.

Requirements – Parts B and C together

  • A minimum grade of "C–" in each course and a 2.0 overall GPA in the major.
  • At least three courses must have a laboratory.
  • Total: 45 or more hours at the 300 level or above.
  • COURSES IN THE MAJOR MUST BE APPROVED BY YOUR BIOLOGY ADVISER.

For more information about the biology major, contact:

Advisors

For an appointment, please call (614) 292-1704.

Honors Advisors