Academic Catalog

2024-2025

Biological Sciences

Holly Gaff, Chair
Brian Olechnowski, Chief Departmental Advisor
Clayton Wright, Undergraduate Program Director

Department website: https://www.odu.edu/biological-sciences/academics

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree with the following majors: Biology, Biology One Health, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Pre-Health, Marine Biology, and Secondary Biology Education (6-12).  Biology majors have the opportunity to take many courses across the wide range of biology.  The Biology major provides students with a good foundation in biology.  Biology One Health studies the interaction between humans, animals, and the environment. Marine Biology is the study of marine organisms and their environment. Secondary Biology Education prepares students to teach science in high school. The Biomedical Sciences major is more focused and is for students who want to focus on medical microbiology and immunology.  The Biomedical Sciences major is a good choice for students planning careers in biomedical research, biotech and health professions. Biomedical Sciences Pre-Health prepares students who want to go to a professional school such as medical or dental school.

Some majors choose a minor in Conservation Leadership. This is an interdisciplinary minor that focuses on species conservation and sustainability issues.

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement credit is awarded to students who earn qualifying scores on AP and IB subject examinations.  See the equivalency charts here: https://www.odu.edu/academics/academic-records/score-analysis/ap-ib. Official score reports should be sent to the Office of Admissions prior to registration for evaluation.