Biology (BA, BS)

Biology, Ohio State's largest major, is part of the Center for Life Sciences Education.

Biology is the science that studies the processes fundamental to all forms of life. Biology strives to answer questions such as: How do biochemical processes control a cell’s behavior? How do organisms grow and reproduce? How do pollutants threaten certain life forms? How can human life be sustained and lengthened by medical advances? 

The biology major is designed to expose students to a broad base of biological knowledge, to provide depth of experience in advanced topics, and to develop competence in scientific disciplines that are supportive of the life sciences (mathematics, physics, and chemistry). The biology major is a stepping stone from which students may go into research, various health professions, teaching, business, or service in government or independent agencies. 

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Academic Advisors

Schedule an Appointment with the Center for Life Sciences

To schedule an appointment with your Biology advisor go to On Course or call 614-292-1704 to schedule an appointment with any Biology advisor. This appointment scheduling system is linked to your name.# and also displays notes from your past advising meetings. If your advisor is not available when you are, we will be happy to schedule you with whoever is free.

For more information visit the CLSE website

Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

If you are not currently a Biology major, and would like to become one, call (614) 292-1704 to set up an appointment.

Melissa Basford

basford.18@osu.edu
ALL Biology majors who are in the Biological Sciences Scholars Program

Amy Selby

selby.31@osu.edu
Last name A – Do

Jimmy Chiucchi

chiucchi.1@osu.edu
Last name K – Md

Kate Mollohan

mollohan.4@osu.edu
Last name Me – Schm

Peggy Strow

strow.1@osu.edu
Last name Schn – Z

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Park, biology, talks about the wide range of classes in biology and the resources at Ohio State.

Jennifer Park, biology

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Many biology students go on to careers in medicine or some other health profession. While a major in the biological sciences is not a requirement for medical school (or other professional schools in the health sciences), it has many advantages, with its exposure to the basic principles of life’s processes and the theoretical underpinnings of sophisticated medical procedures.

Center for Life Sciences Education Website

Biology students often choose careers as research scientists or college professors, for which students must first obtain a PhD. In the private sector, a master’s degree may be sufficient for a research or product-development position. Some biology majors, particularly those with research experience, find research assistant positions directly after obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

courses you might take:

BIOLOGY 3401: Integrated Biology

A case studies approach is used to gain a better understanding of biological concepts and principles.

MICRO 4000: Basic and Practical Microbiology

Provides an understanding of microorganisms and their interaction with the human experience.

MOLGEN 4500: General Genetics

The principles of genetics, including molecular genetics, transmission genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, developmental and non-chromosomal genetics, recombinant DNA and genomics and the genetics and evolution of populations.

BIOCHEM 4511: Introduction to Biological Chemistry

An introductory course in biochemistry dealing with the molecular basis of structure, metabolism, genetic replication, transcription, and translation in plants, animals and microorganisms.

EEOB 2520 Human Physiology: Human Physiology

A survey of the human nervous system, sense organs, muscle function, circulation, respiration, digestion, metabolism, kidney function and reproduction.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Undergraduate Research

Biology students conduct original research with guidance from top scientists in a variety of different departments and colleges. Students have the opportunity to present their research findings at the annual Denman and Natural and Mathematical Sciences Research Forums, and to complete and defend a research thesis.

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Stone Laboratory

Stone Laboratory is the oldest freshwater biological field station in the United States and the center of Ohio State University’s teaching and research on Lake Erie. Stone Lab offers college-credit hands-on science courses and undergraduate research opportunities each summer.

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Biological Roots in England

The Biological Roots in England program offers an opportunity for students to learn about the history of science in a cross-cultural setting, involving on-campus study and travel to sites of special interest in England.

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HELIX/Tri-Beta

HELIX/Tri-Beta is an honorary and professional society for students of the biological sciences. Its activities are designed to stimulate interest, scholarly attainment, and investigation in the biological sciences, and to promote the dissemination of information and new interpretations among students of the life sciences.

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DNA Fingerprinting Workshop

This is a one credit service learning course in which undergraduates mentor high school students in molecular biology and forensic science workshops.

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ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

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