Minor & Concentrations
The Biology minor at Wilmington College in Ohio offers students the opportunity to explore the fascinating field of biology and gain a foundational understanding of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. The Biology minor is designed to complement a variety of majors and provides a valuable addition to students' academic and career pursuits.
Concentrations in Biology include:
- Environmental Science
- Health Science
- Life Science
- Biotechnology (Transfer Only)
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS/ETC.
Nursing Articulation through Mount Carmel College of Nursing Partnership
GRADUATE PATHWAYS
Medical Sciences (Pre-Professional areas of study)
Pre-Veterinarian Science
Biology Minor
The Biology Minor is available for students who wish to major in another field of study but who also would like to explore the field of biology in depth and have those explorations recognized on their official record.
Curriculum
Note: The most up-to-date curriculum is available via the current catalog.
A total of 24 hours with grades of “C-” or better in all courses is required.
Courses other than those offered only as pass/no pass may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis for this minor.
Additional Requirements: Proficiency exam during freshman and senior year.
REQUIRED COURSES
BI230 Biological Sciences I (4)
BI231 Biological Sciences II (4)
MT131 Introduction to Statistics (4)
Select 12 hours from the following.
BI330 Animal Diversity (4)
BI333 Plant Biology (4)
BI336 Evolution (4)
BI338 Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BI340 Animal Physiology (4)
BI343 Microbiology and Immunology (4)
BI344 Disease Ecology (4)
BI346 Genetics (4)
BI347 Animal Behavior (4)
BI349 Parasitology (4)
BI350/350G Advanced Topics in Biology* (4)
BI434 Biochemistry II: Molecular Biology (4)
ES330/330G Topics in Field Biology (2-4)
ES332G Ecology and Conservation Biology (4)
*repeatable when topics vary
Biotechnology
This concentration is for qualified transfer students with an A.S. degree in either Biotechnology or Bioscience Technology from partner regional institutions. Program details will vary based on which biotechnology program the student has completed. The student must consult with the Office of Academic Records or the Office of Academic Affairs for further information and precise graduation requirements.
A total of 54 hours with grades of “C-” or better in all courses is required. Courses other than those offered only as pass/no pass may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis for this major.
Environmental Science
Professionals in the relatively new field of Environmental Science study the ways in which humans interact with and affect the living and non-living components of the Earth. It’s a growing profession with a bright future for those interested in working in everything from sustainability and pollution to conservation and resource management.
As a student in the program, you will take the core biology curriculum along with specialty courses offered in environmental science. Its problem-based exercises are designed for students working collaboratively and thinking critically.
Your knowledge base obtained in the classroom is complemented by the hands-on learning opportunities found in laboratory and field experiences, including an excursion to Costa Rica.
All environmental science majors engage in a semester-long research experience, a rare opportunity on the undergraduate level. This, along with other practical learning experiences, is especially impressive when you apply for graduate and professional school or enter the job market. You will also have opportunities to present your research at scholarly forums and attend scientific meetings, as well as publish in scientific literature.
In addition to the highly qualified biology faculty members, the primary professor in environmental science holds a Ph.D., has published extensively with students and has work experience in the government, private industry and non-profit sectors.
Curriculum
Note: The most up-to-date curriculum is available via the current catalog.
A total of 53 hours with grades of “C-” or better in all courses is required.
Courses other than those offered only as pass/no pass may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis for this major.
Additional Requirements: Proficiency exam during freshman and senior year.
COMMON CORE (BIOLOGY)
BI130 First Year Seminar in Biology (1)
BI230 Biological Sciences I (4)
BI231 Biological Sciences II (4)
BI493 Research Experience (4)
CH230 Principles of Chemistry I (4)
CH231 Principles of Chemistry II (4)
MT131 Introduction to Statistics (4)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORE
ES332 Ecology and Conservation Biology (4)
ELECTIVES
Select 8 hours from the following.
BI330 Animal Diversity (4)
BI333 Plant Biology (4)
ES330/330G Topics in Field Biology** (4)
ES350/350G Advanced Topics in Ecology** (4)
Select 16 hours from the following.
BI330 Animal Diversity** (4)
BI333 Plant Biology** (4)
BI336 Evolution (4)
BI338 Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BI340 Animal Physiology (4)
BI343 Microbiology and Immunology (4)
BI344 Disease Ecology (4)
BI347 Animal Behavior (4)
BI349 Parasitology (4)
BI434 Biochemistry II: Molecular Biology (4)
BI494 Research Practicum (2-4)
ES330/330G Topics in Field Biology** (4)
ES350/350G Advanced Topics in Ecology** (4)
** Repeatable when topics vary; may be taken if not chosen above
Health Science
The Health Science Concentration within the biology major is intended to meet the needs of students who aspire to careers in allied health professions. Examples of these professions are physical therapy, physician assistant, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, and others.
The innovative design of the curriculum allows the student to tailor a program of study to meet the prerequisites for admission to the professional program of their choice while, at the same time, receiving a rigorous, broad-based education in biology.
The curriculum assumes that the student will complete four years of education at Wilmington College, receive a bachelor’s degree and then move on to a master’s or doctoral level program in the professional field of choice (such as our Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program). The unique flexibility of the concentration allows it to be adapted to the wide variety of prerequisites required by the different professional programs.
For examples of the types of programs that the Health Sciences Concentration was designed to integrate with, explore the links at the bottom of this page. As you can see, the Health Sciences Concentration can be your gateway into some of the finest allied health programs in the state of Ohio.
Students with an interest in nursing should also explore Wilmington’s cooperative program with Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
Curriculum
Note: The most up-to-date curriculum is available via the current catalog.
A total of 53 hours with grades of “C-” or better in all courses is required.
Courses other than those offered only as pass/no pass may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis for this major.
Additional Requirements: Proficiency exam during freshman and senior year.
COMMON CORE (BIOLOGY)
BI130 First Year Seminar in Biology (1)
BI230 Biological Sciences I (4
BI231 Biological Sciences II (4)
BI493 Research Experience (4)
CH230 Principles of Chemistry I (4)
CH231 Principles of Chemistry II (4)
MT131 Introduction to Statistics (4)
HEALTH SCIENCE CORE 28
HS344 Human Anatomy (4)
HS345 Human Physiology (4)
ELECTIVES
BI336 Evolution (4)
BI343 Microbiology and Immunology (4)
BI344 Disease Ecology (4)
BI346 Genetics (4)
BI347 Animal Behavior (4)
BI349 Parasitology (4)
BI431 Biochemistry I: Principles of Biochem (4)
BI434 Biochemistry II: Molecular Biology (4)
BI494 Research Practicum (2-4)
CH330 Organic Chemistry (4)
HS350/350G Advanced Topics in Health Science* (4)
*Repeatable when topics vary
Post Graduate Programs
Physician Assistant
Ohio University Physician Assistant Program
The University of Toledo
Kettering College of Medical Arts
Pharmacy
The Ohio State University
Physical Therapy
Ohio University
The University of Cincinnati
The University of Dayton
Cleveland State University
Post-Baccalaureate Nursing
Case Western Reserve University
The Ohio State University
Xavier University
Life Science
The Life Science Concentration could be called the “traditional” Biology major. It is recommended for students who aspire to become professional biologists, physicians, veterinarians or dentists. This concentration includes the two-semester Freshman Biology sequence, the two-semester research requirement, upper division course work of the student’s choice, and appropriate coursework in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Students who complete the Life Sciences Concentration can put their bachelor’s degrees to work straight away as technicians or research associates in academic or industrial settings. Life Science students are also ideally prepared for admission into graduate programs in Biology where they can pursue advanced degrees, particularly the Ph.D. degree, and eventually become professional scientists in charge of research programs, or college or university professors.
The Life Science Concentration is the recommended curriculum for Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dentistry because admission committees at these schools are looking for the course mix and level of rigor that goes with this curriculum. We recommend our Health Science Concentration for students who hope to become Physician Assistants, Physical Therapists or practitioners in other Allied Health fields.
Curriculum
Note: The most up-to-date curriculum is available via the current catalog.
A total of 53 hours with grades of “C-” or better in all courses is required.
Courses other than those offered only as pass/no pass may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis for this major.
Additional Requirements: Proficiency exam during freshman and senior year.
COMMON CORE (BIOLOGY)
BI130 First Year Seminar in Biology (1)
BI230 Biological Sciences I (4
BI231 Biological Sciences II (4)
BI493 Research Experience (4)
CH230 Principles of Chemistry I (4)
CH231 Principles of Chemistry II (4)
MT131 Introduction to Statistics (4)
LIFE SCIENCE CORE
BI330 Animal Diversity (4)
BI333 Plant Biology (4)
BI336 Evolution (4)
BI338 Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BI340 Animal Physiology (4)
BI343 Microbiology and Immunology (4)
BI344 Disease Ecology (4)
BI346 Genetics (4)
BI347 Animal Behavior (4)
BI349 Parasitology (4)
BI350/350G Advanced Topics in Biology (4)
BI431 Biochemistry I: Principles of Biochem (4)
BI434 Biochemistry II: Molecular Biology (4)
BI494 Research Practicum (2-4)
ES332 Ecology and Conservation Biology (4)
ES330/330G Topics in Field Biology (4)
Preparing for a Career in Nursing
Wilmington College and Mount Carmel College of Nursing have developed a joint program for students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and become registered nurses. In this program, students complete a set of courses at Wilmington College’s campus and then are evaluated for transfer to Mount Carmel.
Admission of up to eight qualified Wilmington students per year into Mount Carmel’s Advanced Placement Program is guaranteed. Students take basic science and general education courses at Wilmington College. After transferring to Mount Carmel, students complete the more applied requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum and graduate from Mount Carmel. To qualify for transfer to Mount Carmel, students must receive no grade lower than “C” in any required course and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Mount Carmel’s Advanced Placement Program begins in May and lasts five semesters. Visit Mount Carmel for full details on the Mount Carmel portion of the program.
In addition to the required courses, students enrolling in the program are expected to take a course in mathematics and Wilmington College’s First Year Experience Seminar. Taking these two courses will allow students who change their minds and decide to stay at Wilmington to move more easily into another major.
ACCELERATED NURSING TRAINING PROGRAM
Another route from Wilmington College to a nursing career is to complete a Wilmington College degree and then progress to an Accelerated Nursing Training Program. These programs accept students who have Bachelor’s degrees in areas other than nursing and train them to be nurses. Some of these programs award a second Bachelor’s degree to their graduates, others award Master’s degrees. The Health Sciences Concentration would provide ideal preparation for an accelerated nursing program.
Example Programs:
Mount Carmel’s Second Bachelor’s Program
Xavier University’s MIDAS Program
NURSING CURRICULUM
A total of 56 hours with grades of “C” or better is required in all courses with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
BI131G-NS Human Nutrition (4)
BI230 Biological Sciences I (4)
BI231 Biological Sciences II (4)
BI343 Microbiology and Immunology (4)
EN101 Writing II (4)
GL125 First Year Seminar (4)
HS344 Human Anatomy (4)
HS345 Human Physiology (4)
PY130 Introduction to Psychology (4)
PY231 Developmental Psychology (4)
RP330G-HU Comparative Religions (4)
SY130 Introduction to Sociology (4)
Select one of the following:
EC334 Business Statistics 1 (4)
MT131 Introduction to Statistics (4)
Select one of the following:
BI352 Bioethics (4)
RP239 Values and Ethics (4)