Dec 08, 2024  
Spring 2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Spring 2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, Specialization in Pre-Health, B.S.


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Health care professional schools at the graduate level typically require a greater depth of understanding in the natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics) than is required as a minimum for the Bachelor of Science in Biology. The Pre-Health Biology specialization is designed to provide students having interest in pursuing careers in dentistry, medicine, optometry, and/or pharmacy with a template to ensure appropriate preparation for successful application to those graduate programs.

The Pre-Health Biology specialization builds on the framework of a major in Biology to require a full year each of organic chemistry and physics, a semester of biochemistry, and individual courses in microbiology, economics, psychology, sociology, and/or statistics, as required by the graduate program of choice. Students choosing this specialization will be encouraged, but not absolutely required, to participate in undergraduate research to gain a stronger understanding of how the frontiers of knowledge in the various health related areas are broadened and deepened. The additional courses and experience included in the specialization will help the students to focus on progression to graduate study in health fields.

Learning Outcomes

In addition to the learning outcomes for the major in Biology, upon completion of the Pre-Health Biology Specialization, undergraduates will:

  • Demonstrate the level of knowledge in organic chemistry and physics that is expected of candidates for graduate study in health professions programs.
  • Illustrate the knowledge of requirements of undergraduate applicants to specific health care graduate schools.
  • Demonstrate the understanding of how preparation in the natural and social sciences relates to becoming a well prepared, well respected health care professional.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present biomedically relevant information in both oral and written form to both health related and other audiences.  

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements


Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120 - Seminar in Research Writing                                   

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC and QL)


World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Quantitative Literacy

    ________    ________ EITHER MATH 1310  OR MATH 1340  & MATH 1350  

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Major Requirements (7-48 Hrs.) Minor Required


Biology Electives (10 Hrs.)


To reach the total of ten (10) hours of Biology at the 4000-Level, select from list below.

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Recommended but not requiredBIOL 3130 - Microbiology  is required by many medical programs, so should be taken if it’s a prerequisite for the schools you will be applying to. 

Additional Requirements and Minor required.

Additional Requirements (32-33 Hrs.)


Minor Requirements


A “Science” minor is offered to students in place of a conventional minor. Consult your Faculty Advisor. Biology courses used in the Biology Core, the Pre-Health Biology Specialization or Biology Electives many not count towards the science minor. A conventional minor may also be chosen (usually 20 hours). 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

For Graduation You Will Need:


  1. 122 credit hours minimum.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  4. 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.

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