CHOOSE THE BEST BIOLOGY MAJOR FOR YOU

[Pages:2]BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

CHOOSE THE BEST BIOLOGY MAJOR FOR YOU

BIOLOGY IS THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESSFUL CAREERS IN THE LIFE SCIENCES AND THE BIOMEDICAL FIELD

The Department of Biological Sciences offers several undergraduate degrees, including a B.A. in biology, a B.S. in biology and a B.S. in biomedical sciences. Our diverse courses and research opportunities prepare students for graduate programs, laboratory research,

professional degrees in the biomedical sciences, nursing, and teaching.

The biology B.A. and B.S. programs have a core curriculum designed to provide a solid science

foundation and options for elective courses in the emerging areas of biology. Our newest degree, the B.S.

in biomedical sciences, is a selective program geared specifically for students who are interested in pursuing

an advanced degree in the biomedical fields.

Which program is the right fit for you?

Strength in math

Strength in chemistry

Desire for a traditional liberal arts education

Desire for more elective courses

Desire for a more planned curriculum

Interest in a pre-professional career

Interest in human health

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES BS

BIOLOGY BS

BIOLOGY BA

Interest in a

research career

Interest in ecology or Plant Biology

MAJORS

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Compared to the B.S. degree programs, the B.A. degree requires fewer math and science courses, with more available general education elective courses. Thus, there is more flexibility in the choice of courses from either biology or other disciplines. This design is ideal for students desiring a liberal arts degree with strong training in the biological sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The B.S. degree requires additional math, chemistry, biology and biology laboratory courses beyond the requirements of the B.A. degree. This degree also requires two additional biology elective courses. Overall, the B.S. degree gives students a more profound understanding of modern science and is designed for students preparing for a career in science, including research or health and medicine.

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

This major is an intensive, structured program that integrates core disciplines including basic sciences, math, psychology, ethics and social sciences. This comprehensive foundation uniquely prepares students for medical, professional or graduate degrees in the biomedical sciences. Students can be admitted to the program after completing Biology I and General Chemistry I with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Pre-professional Training

Students can receive training for pre-professional programs through any of the degree programs. The flexibility of the B.A. and B.S. in biology allows students to choose courses most appropriate for their goals while fulfilling their degree requirements. The B.S. in biomedical sciences is more structured than the biology majors and is designed for motivated students seeking a career in human health and medicine.

Q and A:

Is a biology major a good choice if I want to be pre-med?

Absolutely. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, both the majority of applicants and those accepted to medical school have a biological sciences undergraduate major. Biology gives students the science-based foundation needed to be successful in a medical career.

I haven't taken much chemistry or math in high school; which major should I choose?

You will want to consider the biology B.S. or B.A. degree. The biomedical sciences path is best suited for students entering at the level of Calculus I and General Chemistry I.

I am committed to applying to medical school and am looking for a program that will set me apart. Do you have a good fit for me?

Yes, the biomedical sciences B.S. program is a rigorous curriculum especially designed to prepare students for modern biomedical sciences.

I am interested in doing independent research. Is this possible with any biology major?

Yes, students can register for independent research with faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, regardless of which biology major program is chosen.

As a transfer student, can I easily pursue a degree in biology?

Yes. The biology B.A. and B.S. programs have flexibility in fulfilling degree requirements, making it easy to apply transfer credits toward the degree. For the biomedical sciences B.S., consult an adviser for transfer options.

Biology Core Courses

COURSE REQUIREMENT COMPARISON FOR BIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMS

BIOLOGY BA Biology I and II Biochemistry I or Fundamentals of Biochemistry Genetics Evolutionary Biology Cell/Molecular Biology (1 course)

BIOLOGY BS Biology I and II Biochemistry I

Genetics Evolutionary Biology Cell/Molecular Biology (1 course)

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES BS

Biology I

Biochemistry I and Biochemistry of Metabolism and Disease*

Human Genetics*

Principles of Evolutionary Medicine*

Biomedical Core (all of following required): Biology of the Cell, Human Anatomy, Human Microbiology, Immunology, Integrative Pharmacology*

Physiology (1 course)

Human Physiology

Systems Biology (1 course)

Systems Biology (1 course)

No System Biology courses required

Laboratory Requirement

Biology Laboratory and 3 Labs at 3000-level or above

Biology Laboratory and 4 Labs at 3000-level or above

Human Anatomy Lab Human Microbiology Lab* Physiology Lab Scientific Inquiry Lab*

Program Electives Capstone Chemistry

At least 1 4000-level BIO lecture course

Scientific Inquiry and Communication

At least 2 4000-level BIO lecture course

10 credits: Biology, select upper level Human Sciences, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and Writing

Scientific Inquiry and Communication Integrative Biomedicine and disease*

CO-REQUIREMENTS

General Chemistry I and II with Lab General Chemistry I and II with Lab General Chemistry I and II with Lab

Organic Chemistry I

Organic Chemistry I and II with Lab Organic Chemistry I and II with Lab

Physics

2 semesters Physics and Lab

2 semesters Physics and Lab

2 semesters Calculus-based Physics and Lab

Mathematics

Pre-calculus, Statistical Methods for Biology

Pre-Calculus I, Statistical Methods Calculus, Statistical Methods for Biology for Biology

Philosophy

Introduction to Ethics or Bioethics, or Laws, Values and Healthcare

Psychology/ Sociology

Introduction in Psychology or Introduction to Sociology

TOTAL CREDITS

* BMS specific course

124

128

132

BIOLOGY ADVISING CAN HELP YOU SUCCEED

Success pursuing a biology major at Oakland University requires preparation and clear expectations of the degree course you have chosen. Choosing a major is essential for access to faculty advising and should be an early step in your college career. The biology faculty advising team (oakland.edu/biology/advising) can answer questions related to deciding your biology major, degree requirements and biology career paths. This pre-planning reduces questions and concerns and helps you avoid common scheduling mistakes.

Dodge Hall, Room 375 | 118 Library Drive | Rochester, Michigan 48039-4479 | (248) 370-3550 | oakland.edu/biology

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