Biological Sciences (Biomedical Studies)

What Is Biological Sciences (Biomedical Studies) ?

This concentration within the biology major is an opportunity for students to explore in greater detail the areas of biology that are most relevant to careers in professional biomedical areas, such as medicine, dental, nursing and other allied health fields. It should provide an excellent preparation for the standardized tests which are required for admission to these professional schools, as well as a background that should prepare students well for the advanced coursework in these professional programs. Students are able to focus their upper level elective courses in areas such as human and comparative anatomy and physiology, medical botany, microbiology, cellular physiology, genetics and related topics.

Biology is the scientific study of life and life processes. Biologists study the organization of life, from the structures of molecules to the balance of ecosystems. Biology majors learn to observe critically the details of all life; they analyze data and apply biological knowledge learned in the classroom to draw conclusions about their observations. 

Biologists are able to make significant contributions to maintaining the health and well-being of the human population, as well as preserving and protecting the environment. They develop a knowledge base and scientific way of thinking that will enable them to make informed personal health and public policy decisions.

Success Factors

Students who have an interest in the living world around them, how the body works, the causes of diseases, etc., will often find a biology major very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Since many science courses involve laboratories, students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy the biology major. Visual learners will especially appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Career Possibilities

Graduates with a B.S. in biology with a concentration in biomedical studies have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study in biology, where an M.S. or Ph.D. degree can lead to careers in teaching and research. Students interested in applying to medical, dental, veterinary or other professional schools will find this concentration to be particularly appropriate. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include the following (most of which require additional postgraduate training):

• Chiropractor
• Community health educator
• Dentist
• Genetic counselor
• Geneticist / medical geneticist 
• Imaging technologist
• Medical lab technologist
• Medical researcher 
• Nurse / nurse practitioner
• Occupational health specialist
• Optometrist
• Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical representative
• Pharmacologist
• Physician
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapist
• Podiatrist

Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's website.

Major Details

The study of biology includes several subdisciplines, and the major offers students the flexibility to create their own course of study within this range of possibilities. Majors begin by establishing a broad base in the discipline, taking a three-quarter sequence in introductory biology (lecture/lab), followed by three quarters of sophomore biology (lecture/lab): genetics (fall quarter), cell structure and function (winter quarter) and ecology (spring quarter). During the final two years, biology majors must complete a minimum of six upper-level electives in biology, of which at least two must include a laboratory component.

The Department of Biological Sciences in UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is now offering students the option of graduating with a concentration in a specific area of biology. The concentrations offered are biology of plants, biology of animals, cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, and biomedical studies. To graduate with one of these concentrations, a student must complete the declaration of major form and then select six upper level courses and the capstone from lists of appropriate courses within the concentration. At graduation, the transcript will indicate the field of concentration along with the B.S. in biology. Students are not required to choose a concentration; they can choose their biology major electives to match their interests (whether focused or varied) and thus earn a general degree in biological sciences.

Biology majors take a year of calculus and one quarter of statistics; freshman-level biology, chemistry and physics (all with lab); organic chemistry with lab; and sophomore-level genetics, cell biology and ecology (all with lab). To earn the concentration within cell/molecular biology, students choose six upper level biology elective courses (including two with a laboratory/field component) from the list of courses approved for this concentration. These upper level courses include: Physiology of Animals, Neurobiology, Microbiology (L), Physiology of Prokaryotes, Developmental Biology, Introduction to Molecular Biology, Eukaryotic Genetics (L), Virology, Advanced Cell Biology, Immunology, Immune Defense and Disease, Biology of Cancer, Molecular Microbiology, Sensory Physiology and Undergraduate Research (L). Students also complete a capstone project within the concentration.

McMicken College's flexible degree requirements allow for and highly encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Students who have completed the Biomedical concentration have also completed a second major or minor in a wide variety of programs including:

• Asian Studies
• Chemistry
• Communication
• French
• History
• International Affairs
• Latin American studies
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a large part of the biology undergraduate major. Students are strongly encouraged to conduct research and take unique courses such as this field course held at the Cincinnati Center for Field Studies at Miami Whitewater Forest. Watch the YouTube Video.

Minor Details

Students working toward an undergraduate degree at UC can earn a minor, while non-degree students (e.g., graduate students, non-matriculated students) can earn a certificate. The requirements are the same for both. See the undergraduate student advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences to create a plan to meet the requirements outlined below.

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Foundations of Applied Calculus (or substitution, or waiver)	MATH 224 (QR)	3
Applied Calculus I & II	MATH 226-227 (QR) [1]	6
Biology Lecture and Lab	BIOL 101/111-102/112-103/113	15
First Year Chemistry Lecture and Lab	CHEM 101/111-102/112-103/113	15
Sophomore Biology	BIOL 302, 301, 303 [2]	12
Upper-level biology course	see course list  [3]	3-5
Upper-level biology course with lab	see course list  [3]	3-5
Total		54-61

1. Mathematics: Also accepted:
   1. Elementary Probability & Statistics (STAT 147, 148, 149), 9 credits
   2. Calculus I & II (MATH 251 & 252/256), 10 credits
2. 15BIOL101/111-102/112-103/113 with a GPA of 2.0 or better and 15CHEM101/111-102/112-103/113 with a GPA of 2.0 or better must be completed before taking 15BIOL302, 301 and 303.
3. The choice of these upper-level biology courses should be discussed with the courses' instructors to prevent possible problems with a lack of the prerequisites such as organic chemistry or physics.

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.Biology Major Requirements Checklist

College Requirements Checklist

Note: After entering the A&S College, biology majors must take all required courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology from the College of Arts and Sciences unless prior permission is obtained. See details below. [1]

First Year	Course Number	Credits
*English Composition	ENGL 101, 102	6
Foundations of Applied Calculus (or substitution, or waiver)	MATH 224 (QR)	0-3
Applied Calculus I & II	MATH 226, 227 (QR) [2]	6
Biology Lecture and Lab	BIOL 101/111, 102/112, 103-113	15
First Year Chemistry Lecture and Lab	CHEM 101/111, 102/112, 103/113	15
Introduction to Statistics (if not taking 224)	STAT 241 [3]	0-4
Total for first year		45-46

Second Year	Course Number	Credits
*Intermediate Composition	ENGL 289	3
Introduction to Statistics (if not already completed)	STAT 241 [3]	0-4
Sophomore Biology	BIOL 302, 301, 303 [4]	12
Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab	CHEM 201/211, 202/212, 203/213 [5]	16
*Humanities (HU)	see offerings	3
*Social Sciences (SS)	see offerings	3
*Literature (LT)	see offerings	3
Free electives (recommended to count in a minor or other program)	see options	1-4
Total for second year		45

Third & Fourth Years	Course Number	Credits
Two Upper Level Biology Major Elective Courses with Lab	see course list [6]	Minimum 6
Four Upper Level Biology Major Elective Courses	see course list [6]	Minimum 12
College Physics	PHYS 101/111, 102/112, 103/113 [7]	15
Biology Capstone (added to a certain biology course)	BIOL 686 [8]	1
*Foreign Language	see checklist	15-18
*Social Sciences (SS)	see offerings	6
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	9
*Humanities, Literature, or Fine Arts (HU, LT, or FA)	see offerings	3
*Social & Ethical Issues (if not already taken, SE)	see offerings	3
Free electives (recommended to count in a minor or other program)	see options	17-20
Total for third & fourth years		90
Total overall		Minimum 180

*Needed to fulfill A&S college requirements.

[1] Note: After entering McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, biology majors must take all required courses in mathematics, chemistry and biology within A&S unless prior permission is obtained. To obtain permission, students must see the biology department academic advisor and submit a formal, written petition to the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs Committee, which will consider the request. Petition forms are available in the departmental office, 614 Rieveschl Hall.

[2] Mathematics: A major in biological sciences must take either (a) or (b):
     (a) Applied Calculus I & II, MATH 226 & 227 (6 credits)
     (b) Calculus I & II, MATH 251 & 252/256 (10 credits)

[3] Introduction to Statistics, STAT 241: Required for students beginning in 09A. Students can request that other statistics courses be considered as a substitution on their degree audit. Contact the Biology major advisor to request a substitution.

[4] BIOL 101/111-102/112-103/113 with a GPA of 2.0 or better in lectures and CHEM 101/111-102/112-103/113 with a GPA of 2.0 or better in lectures must be completed before taking BIOL 301, 302 and 303.

[5] Organic Chemistry: Sequence should be taken at the same time (or before) BIOL 301, 302 and 303.

[6] Upper Level Biology Major Electives: Students must complete a minimum of six (6) upper level biology elective courses, of which two (2) must include a laboratory experience. These courses must be selected from the list of Upper Level Biology Elective Courses specific to the biomedical concentration (see list below) and must be at least three (3) credits each. One laboratory experience may be fulfilled by completing three (3) credits of Undergraduate Research in a single quarter and presenting the work at an approved research forum. Click for more details. Students who complete this concentration may choose to replace BIOL 303 "Ecology" with a seventh upper level biology elective course chosen from the Biomedical Studies Concentration electives list. Please consult a biology major advisor before choosing this option.

[7] Physics: A major in biological sciences usually completes the physics requirements by taking (a) or (b). Students are advised to complete their physics requirements in the third or fourth year:
     (a) College Physics with lab PHYS 101-102-103, 111-12-13 (15 credits) recommended for most students
     (b) General Physics with lab PHYS 201-202-203, 211-12-13 (15 credits)

[8] Capstone: The Department of Biological Sciences has a number of options for fulfilling the capstone requirement of the general education program. These may be taken late in the junior year or in the senior year. The options include several courses which have been designated "capstone courses." These are generally courses which require synthesis of material from a number of different fields of biology. With the permission of the instructor, the student may designate the course to fulfill the capstone requirement.

A paper or presentation beyond the regular requirements of the course may be required. Other options include summer fieldwork at a biology field station, research in a biology lab, either in the biology department or another part of the university, or work as an assistant teaching assistant (ATA) in one of the undergraduate laboratories. In each of these cases, there is a written component and a presentation required to complete the capstone experience. More details about capstone options are available on the biology website. Click for a Checklist of Biology Major Requirements.

Biomedical Concentration Electives

• 15BIOL520 Invertebrate Zoology (L)
• 15BIOL540 Neurobiology
• 15BIOL551 & 552 Microbiology and Lab (Lab optional)
• 15BIOL565 Medical Botany
• 15BIOL569 Human Genetics
• 15BIOL571 Animal Physiology
• 15BIOL573 Developmental Biology
• 15BIOL574 Sensory Physiology
• 15BIOL597 Molecular Microbiology
• 15BIOL599 Eukaryotic Genetics (L)
• 15BIOL600 or 601 or 602 or 603 Undergraduate Research (L)
• 15BIOL639 Virology
• 15BIOL642 Advanced Cell Biology
• 15BIOL647 Vertebrate Zoology (L)
• 15BIOL652 Behavioral Genetics
• 15BIOL656 Biology of Cancer
• 15BIOL679 Comparative Endocrinology
• 15BIOL683 Medical Parasitology
• 15BIOL693 Physiology and Biomechanics (L)
• 15BIOL694 Human and Comparative Anatomy (L)
• 15BIOL695 Immunology
• 15BIOL697 Immune Defense and Disease
• L = fulfills one lab course requirement

Special Opportunities

Students in McMicken College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Faculty within the Department of Biological Sciences are actively engaged in research in a variety of areas. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in this research and can earn academic credit that can be applied toward their upper-level biology course requirements. Outstanding undergraduates (with a GPA of at least 3.3 overall) may apply for admission to the honors program in biology as early as the spring quarter of their sophomore year.

Teaching laboratories within the department are well-equipped and devoted to undergraduate education. Faculty are involved and dedicated to employing new teaching methods and technology that enrich students’ educational experiences. 

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA.

Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following state of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social science (2 units)
• Foreign language (2 units)*
• Additional college-prep subjects (3 units)

*McMicken College of Arts and Sciences does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants who have received an associate degree from an accredited college or university and whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student may qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree student in one of UC’s other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English Composition or its equivalent and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

A&S students must meet the college residency requirement of 45.0 hours which begins immediately upon matriculation in the college and consists of courses taught by McMicken College of Arts and Sciences.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 180 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 180.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 45 credits after matriculating into the college. These minimum 45 credits must be taught within A&S, and also must be completed after gaining admission to the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to McMicken College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).