Department of Biological Sciences

Department Website

The Department of Biological Sciences offers several undergraduate programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and the Bachelor of Science degrees in biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, and bioengineering. These undergraduate programs prepare students for graduate study in the life sciences in areas ranging from cell and molecular biology to ecology and environmental sciences; professional careers in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, or veterinary medicine; laboratory work and research in industries concerned with biological materials; nursing or other allied health areas; or teaching science in high school. For information on graduate study within the department, see the Oakland University Graduate Catalog.

The department’s academic programs benefit from a diversified selection of courses and research opportunities in biochemistry, bioinformatics, botany, cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, microbiology, morphology, physiology, immunology and zoology. Students select courses that suit their goals and interests. Students may apply to participate in the research laboratories of individual faculty members for which they may receive course credit (BIO 4995). Many such students appear as co-authors on scientific publications as a result of the work in which they participated. Such opportunities are of particular value to students preparing for graduate study or research positions. High school students intending to major in biological sciences should refer to the Admissions section of the catalog for specific preparation requirements.  All prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C or higher.

Pre-Medical Studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine Concentration

The concentration in pre-medical studies is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry or veterinary medicine. The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology provides students with all the requirements for a concentration in pre-medical studies. Students in the Bachelor of Arts degree program will need to complete two semesters of organic chemistry and laboratory in addition to their other science requirements. Please follow link for more details: Pre-Medical Studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine Concentration  

Requirements for Departmental Honors in Biology and Biomedical Sciences

Departmental honors may be granted to students who have been nominated by a faculty member on the basis of high academic achievement and excellence in either independent research or teaching assistance.

The specific requirements are:

1. 3.20 grade point average (GPA) minimum overall and 3.50 GPA minimum in BIO courses,
2. excellence in one of the following two service roles:
   1. assisting in teaching a laboratory course(s) either for pay or credit
   2. performing independent laboratory study or serving as a laboratory research assistant.

 Programs

• Biology, B.S.  
• Biology, B.A.  
• Biology - Detroit Mercy Law School, Michigan State University Law School, and Wayne State University Law School 3+3 Programs  
• Biomedical Sciences, B.S.  
• Biochemistry, B.S.  
• Bioengineering, B.S.  
• Biology Minor  
• Urban Agriculture and Agroecology Minor  

Courses

• BIO 4995 - Independent Research
• BIO 4997 - Apprentice College Teaching