Biotechnology - B.S.

Our Biotechnology program offers a thorough education on the principles and techniques of biotechnology, equipping you with the necessary skills for a diverse array of careers in academia, government and industry. With access to cutting-edge research facilities, experienced faculty and real-world opportunities, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to make an impact in this exciting field. 

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Program Information for Biotechnology - B.S.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary program that provides a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and chemistry, practical training in the various biotechnologies and a solid understanding of their application in industry and biomedicine. The science of biotechnology extends across many areas of biology and chemistry and provides cutting-edge technology tools for modern biology and biomedical research. The curriculum includes a research experience at Kent State and/or an internship at a biotechnology company.

Biotechnology graduates have employment opportunities in biomedical research and in the rapidly growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Admissions for Biotechnology - B.S.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge and information to complex issues in biotechnology.
  2. Use problem-solving and data-gathering skills to comprehend issues in biotechnology.
  3. Develop inductive reasoning and technical communications skills in the context of working in a complex group environment.
  4. Analyze scientific papers and expand skills for listening to and critiquing scientific seminars based on the literature or current research.
  5. Effectively communicate scientific information.
  6. Develop collaborative working relationships with research mentors and laboratory members.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 10120BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 30140CELL BIOLOGY 4
BSCI 30156ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
BSCI 30171GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY 4
BSCI 40158MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 3
BTEC 10210INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 3
BTEC 40191SEMINAR: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 1
BTEC 40192INTERNSHIP IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (ELR) 6-12
or BTEC 40196 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (ELR)
BTEC 40210CASE STUDIES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (WIC) 13
BTEC 40220BIOINFORMATICS 3
BUS 10123EXPLORING BUSINESS 3
CHEM 10060GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10061GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10062GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
CHEM 10063GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
CHEM 20481BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I 4
CHEM 30284INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY 4
CHEM 40251ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (WIC) (min grade C) 12
CHEM 40262BIOCHEMISTRY: METABOLISM AND GENE EXPRESSION 3
MATH 12002ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
MATH 30011BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS 3
PHIL 30015MEDICINE AND MORALITY 3
PHY 13001GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS) 4
PHY 13021GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB) 1
Major Electives, choose from the following:9
BSCI 30518
VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
BSCI 40143
EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY
BSCI 40159
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY (ELR) (WIC) 1
BSCI 40174
IMMUNOLOGY
BSCI 40463
MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
CHEM 30105
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY I
CHEM 30107
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (WIC) 1
CHEM 30301
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
CHEM 30475
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
CHEM 40109
BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CHEM 40365
BIOLOGICAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHEM 40567
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES
PSYC 41363
BIOPSYCHOLOGY
Any Upper-Division course (30000 or 40000 level) approved by program director
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
CS 10051COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (KMCR) 4
PHIL 21001INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM) 3
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)8
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)6
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
General Elective (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)1
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.S.

  • Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 8 credit hours of foreign language.1 
  • The following programs are exempt from this requirement: The Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology and the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science.2
  • Minimum Elementary I and II of the same language
1

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University; or (3) demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 8 credit hours and two courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

2
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science exemption exists under another college policy (Three-Plus-One Programs). The Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology exemption is due to its extensive collaboration with and contribution from the Information Technology program in the College of Applied and Technical Studies, which does not have a foreign language requirement.
 
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
!BSCI 10120 BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10060 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
!CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
MATH 12002 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
 Credit Hours15
Semester Two
BSCI 30140 CELL BIOLOGY 4
BTEC 10210 INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 3
CHEM 10061 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
BSCI 30171 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY 4
CHEM 20481 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I 4
PHIL 21001 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM) 3
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
BSCI 30156 ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
CS 10051 COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (KMCR) 4
PHY 13001 GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS) 4
PHY 13021 GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB) 1
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
BUS 10123 EXPLORING BUSINESS 3
MATH 30011 BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS 3
PHIL 30015 MEDICINE AND MORALITY 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 1
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
BSCI 40158 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 3
CHEM 30284 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY 4
Major Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Third Summer Term
BTEC 40192
or BTEC 40196
 INTERNSHIP IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (ELR)
or INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (ELR)
2-6
 Credit Hours2
Semester Seven
BTEC 40191 SEMINAR: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 1
BTEC 40210 CASE STUDIES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (WIC) 3
BTEC 40220 BIOINFORMATICS 3
Major Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours13
Semester Eight
BTEC 40192
or BTEC 40196
 INTERNSHIP IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (ELR)
or INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (ELR)
4-6
CHEM 40251 ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (WIC) 2
CHEM 40262 BIOCHEMISTRY: METABOLISM AND GENE EXPRESSION 3
Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours12
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Biotechnology - B.S.

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Biological technicians

4.9%

about as fast as the average

87,500

number of jobs

$46,340

potential earnings

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

6.1%

faster than the average

138,300

number of jobs

$91,510

potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

2.2%

slower than the average

44,700

number of jobs

$85,290

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Biology - B.S.

Our Biology B.S. program provides you with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of biology, as well as advanced knowledge in specialized areas of the discipline. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and experienced faculty, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of biology. 

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Program Information for Biology - B.S.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is for students who are interested in pursuing an in-depth specialization as a biologist or wish to pursue a medical or healthcare career.

The Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration is the study of biological processes within and between individual cells, allowing for a better understanding of biological principles in normal and diseased states. The focus of this program includes concepts related to the genetic basis of life, regulation of gene expression and cellular functions.
  • The Organismal Biology concentration allows students to examine organisms in their natural environment and address fundamental principles of survival and adaptation in discrete micro-environments and entire ecosystems. While basic concepts of biological and chemical functions are covered, the focus of this concentration is comprehensive aspects of the whole organism.
  • The Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry concentration prepares students for careers in medicine and healthcare. The curriculum provides the courses necessary for admission to advanced degree programs in healthcare and biomedical science professions.

Admissions for Biology - B.S.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand the fundamental biological principles.
  2. Acquire the fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
  3. Conduct proper experimental design, analyze biological data and communicate research results.
  4. Know and appreciate the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 10120BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 30156ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
BSCI 40163EVOLUTION 3
BSCI 40600WRITING IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (WIC) 11
CHEM 10062GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
CHEM 10063GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
CHEM 20481BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I 3-4
or CHEM 30481 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
MATH 12002ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)8
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)10
Concentrations
Choose from the following:61
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Organismal Biology
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Molecular and Cellular Biology Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 30140CELL BIOLOGY 4
BSCI 40158MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 3
BSCI 40224QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY 3-5
or MATH 12003 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II
or MATH 30011 BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
CHEM 20482BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II 11-3
or CHEM 30475 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
or CHEM 30482 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
Biology Elective, choose from the following: 2,31-6
BSCI 30105
CAREER PATHWAYS IN BIOLOGY
BSCI 40192
INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (ELR)
BSCI 40196
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION (ELR)
BSCI 40199
SENIOR HONORS THESIS (ELR)
Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives, choose from the following: 225-30
CHEM 20482
BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II 1
or CHEM 30482
 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
CHEM 30475
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
CHEM 30476
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
PHY 13001
& PHY 13021
GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB)
or PHY 23101
 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB)
PHY 13002
& PHY 13022
GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II (KBS)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY II (KBS) (KLAB)
or PHY 23102
 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB)
Any Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division course (30000 or 40000 level) 3
General Chemistry Electives, choose from the following: 48
CHEM 10058
& CHEM 10059
GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES II 1
CHEM 10060
& CHEM 10061
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS)
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS)
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Additional2
General Elective3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:61
1

CHEM 20482 may be substituted with CHEM 30284 with faculty advisor approval.

2

Students should select their electives in consultation with a faculty advisor. A total of 31 credit hours combined are required to fulfill the Biology Elective and Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives.

3

A maximum 6 credit hours of any combination of BSCI 30105, BSCI 40192, BSCI 40196 and BSCI 40199 may be applied toward the major (with no more than 4 credit hours S/U graded). Enrollment in these courses must be determined with a faculty advisor.

4

Students who plan to attend a professional or graduate program are strongly encouraged to take CHEM 10060 and CHEM 10061.

Organismal Biology Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 40224QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY 3-5
or MATH 12003 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II
or MATH 30011 BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
CHEM 20482BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II 11-3
or CHEM 30475 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
or CHEM 30482 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
Biology Elective, choose from the following: 2,31-6
BSCI 30105
CAREER PATHWAYS IN BIOLOGY
BSCI 40192
INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (ELR)
BSCI 40196
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION (ELR)
BSCI 40199
SENIOR HONORS THESIS (ELR)
Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives, choose from the following: 224-29
CHEM 20482
BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II 1
or CHEM 30482
 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
CHEM 30475
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
CHEM 30476
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
PHY 13001
& PHY 13021
GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB)
or PHY 23101
 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB)
PHY 13002
& PHY 13022
GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II (KBS)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY II (KBS) (KLAB)
or PHY 23102
 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB)
Any Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division course (30000 or 40000 level) 3
General Chemistry Electives, choose from the following: 48
CHEM 10058
& CHEM 10059
GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES II
CHEM 10060
& CHEM 10061
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS)
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS)
Organismal Core Electives, choose from the following:7-8
BSCI 30171
GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
BSCI 30270
GENERAL PLANT BIOLOGY
BSCI 30275
LOCAL FLORA (ELR)
BSCI 30360
GENERAL ECOLOGY
BSCI 30560
INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
BSCI 30580
ENTOMOLOGY
BSCI 40272
PLANT ANATOMY
BSCI 40430
ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
BSCI 40556
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Additional2
General Electives4
Minimum Total Credit Hours:61
1

CHEM 20482 may be substituted with CHEM 30284 with faculty advisor approval.

2

Students should select their electives in consultation with a faculty advisor. A total of 30 credit hours combined are required to fulfill the Biology Elective and Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives.

3

A maximum 6 credit hours of any combination of BSCI 30105, BSCI 40192, BSCI 40196 and BSCI 40199 may be applied toward the major (with no more than 4 credit hours S/U graded). Enrollment in these courses must be determined with a faculty advisor.

4

Students who plan to attend a professional or graduate program are strongly encouraged to take CHEM 10060 and CHEM 10061.

Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 30105CAREER PATHWAYS IN BIOLOGY 1
BSCI 30130HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY 3
or BSCI 40430 ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
BSCI 30140CELL BIOLOGY 4
BSCI 30171GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY 4
CHEM 10060GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
CHEM 10061GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
CHEM 20482BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II 12-3
or CHEM 30482 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
CHEM 30284INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY 4
or CHEM 40245 BIOCHEMICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICINE
CHEM 30475ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR) 1
CHEM 30476ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II 1
MATH 12003ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II 3-5
or MATH 30011 BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
PSYC 11762GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
SOC 12050INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 214
Physics Electives, choose from the following:10
PHY 13001
& PHY 13002
& PHY 13021
& PHY 13022
GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I (KBS)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II (KBS)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (KBS) (KLAB)
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY II (KBS) (KLAB)
PHY 23101
& PHY 23102
GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB)
and GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:61
1

Students must stay within a single organic chemistry series. CHEM 20482 is required if CHEM 20481 is selected in the major core; CHEM 30482 is required if CHEM 30481 is selected in the major core.

2

Students should select their upper-division biological sciences electives in consultation with a faculty advisor. The following courses are not required, but highly recommended for this major: BSCI 30518, BSCI 40174, BSCI 40517. In addition, students may take the following (maximum 6 credit hours total, maximum 4 credit hours S/U graded) for biological sciences electives, but are not required to do so: BSCI 40192, BSCI 40196, BSCI 40199.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

The following Biological Sciences (BSCI) courses may NOT be used in the elective category for majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences:

BSCI 10001HUMAN BIOLOGY (KBS) 3
BSCI 10002LIFE ON PLANET EARTH (KBS) 3
BSCI 10003LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IN BIOLOGY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
BSCI 10005SMALL ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS 4
BSCI 11010FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 11020FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 16001HORTICULTURAL BOTANY 3
BSCI 20019BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 4
BSCI 20021BASIC MICROBIOLOGY 3
BSCI 20022BASIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 1
BSCI 21010ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 21020ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II 4
BSCI 26002ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEST MANAGEMENT 3
BSCI 26003PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION I 3
BSCI 26004PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION II 3
BSCI 30050HUMAN GENETICS 3
BSCI 40020BIOLOGY OF AGING 3

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.S.

  • Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 8 credit hours of foreign language.1 
  • The following programs are exempt from this requirement: The Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology and the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science.2
  • Minimum Elementary I and II of the same language
1

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University; or (3) demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 8 credit hours and two courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

2
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science exemption exists under another college policy (Three-Plus-One Programs). The Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology exemption is due to its extensive collaboration with and contribution from the Information Technology program in the College of Applied and Technical Studies, which does not have a foreign language requirement.
Roadmap

Roadmap

On This Page

Roadmaps

Molecular and Cellular Biology Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
!BSCI 10110 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
!General Chemistry Elective 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
!BSCI 10120 BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
!General Chemistry Elective 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
!BSCI 30140 CELL BIOLOGY 4
!CHEM 20481
or CHEM 30481
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
3-4
CHEM 20482
or CHEM 30475
or CHEM 30482
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
0-3
!MATH 12002 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
!Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
!BSCI 30156 ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
BSCI 40224
or MATH 12003
or MATH 30011
 QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY
or ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II
or BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
3-5
CHEM 20482
or CHEM 30475
or CHEM 30482
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
0-3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 2
 Credit Hours14
Semester Five
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 9
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
BSCI 40158 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 3
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 8
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
BSCI 40163 EVOLUTION 3
BSCI 40600 WRITING IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (WIC) 1
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 8
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Elective 3
General Electives 10
 Credit Hours13
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Organismal Biology Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
!BSCI 10110 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
!General Chemistry Elective 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
!BSCI 10120 BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
!General Chemistry Elective 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
!CHEM 20481
or CHEM 30481
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
3-4
CHEM 20482
or CHEM 30475
or CHEM 30482
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
0-3
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 4
Organismal Core Electives 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
!BSCI 30156 ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
CHEM 20482
or CHEM 30475
or CHEM 30482
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR)
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
0-3
!MATH 12002 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 2
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 9
Organismal Core Elective 3-4
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
BSCI 40224
or MATH 12003
or MATH 30011
 QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY
or ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II
or BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
3-5
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 7
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours14
Semester Seven
BSCI 40163 EVOLUTION 3
BSCI 40600 WRITING IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (WIC) 1
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Electives 7
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Eight
Biology Elective and/or Biology, Chemistry, Physics Elective 3
General Electives 11
 Credit Hours14
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
!BSCI 10110 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10060 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS) 4
!CHEM 10062 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
!BSCI 10120 BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
!CHEM 10061 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS) 4
!CHEM 10063 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
SOC 12050 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
!BSCI 30140 CELL BIOLOGY 4
CHEM 20481
or CHEM 30481
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
3-4
CHEM 30475 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I (ELR) 1
!MATH 12002 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
!BSCI 30105 CAREER PATHWAYS IN BIOLOGY 1
!BSCI 30156 ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
BSCI 40600 WRITING IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (WIC) 1
CHEM 20482
or CHEM 30482
 BASIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
or ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
2-3
CHEM 30476 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II 1
MATH 12003
or MATH 30011
 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II
or BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
3-5
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Five
!BSCI 30130
or BSCI 40430
 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
or ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
3
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 4
Physics Electives 5
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
!BSCI 30171 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY 4
CHEM 30284
or CHEM 40245
 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
or BIOCHEMICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICINE
4
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Physics Electives 5
 Credit Hours16
Semester Seven
BSCI 40163 EVOLUTION 3
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Foreign Language 4
General Electives 4
 Credit Hours14
Semester Eight
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 4
Foreign Language 4
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours14
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Biology - B.S.

Biological science teachers, postsecondary

9.3%

much faster than the average

64,700

number of jobs

$85,600

potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

2.2%

slower than the average

44,700

number of jobs

$85,290

potential earnings

Biological technicians

4.9%

about as fast as the average

87,500

number of jobs

$46,340

potential earnings

Life scientists, all other

4.6%

about as fast as the average

7,000

number of jobs

$82,000

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Black Identity Unveiled: Victoria Talks

Join us for an enlightening Black History Month event, “Black Identity Unveiled: Victoria Talks," featuring the dynamic speaker, Victoria Alexander. With a passion for raising critical consciousness, Victoria is dedicated to guiding students on a transformative journey of self-discovery, community building, and social change. This event will be held in the Kiva on Monday, Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

The School of Theatre and Dance Presents Rent, Feb. 16-25
College of the Arts

ren

Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance is continuing its 2023-2024 season with "Rent" running February 16 through 25 in E. Turner Stump Theatre, located in the Center for Performing Arts.  Set in the East Village of New York City in the early 1990s, "Rent" is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, "Rent" has become a pop cultural phenomenon, with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Based loosely on Puccini's "La Boheme," Jonathan Lars...

Spring 2024 Faculty Development Series announced

The Graduate College, in collaboration with the Division of People, Culture and Belonging, and the Center for Teaching and Learning, is proud to share our virtual Spring 2024 Faculty Development Series on Caring for Self, Caring for Others. This semester features two workshops: Caring for Graduate Students Through Mentoring on Feb. 6, and Caring for Self while Juggling Faculty Life on Apr. 16. 

Register for MLK & Me: Living a Life of Love and Peace During Conflict

Join colleagues, students and the community for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 1 in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. The event features a conversation over lunch that centers on Dr. King's guiding principles of living a life of love and peace during times of conflict. This event is free, but a ticket is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my students need a specific amount of hours?

While we do need to keep an eye on hours in general, especially in their last semester, we always stress to the students that they should be focusing on experiences to help prepare them after graduation and not on clockhours.  There’s so much to be learned, like scheduling or billing, that doesn’t involve clockhours at all.  Likewise, if a student obtains the 375 hours they need for ASHA certification, they are still expected to continue the learning process and work their established schedule until the end of the semester.

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