The undergraduate curriculum is based on a two-semester foundations course and core courses that provide a well-rounded introduction to the major concentrations of biology. concentration allows a student to focus on a particular area within biology. Many of our students tailor their undergraduate degrees for entry into professional and graduate schools. The department has an excellent program in secondary science education for those desiring to teach, an outstanding pre-health track for students interested in the medical professions, and the combination of academic and research opportunities necessary to best prepare students for research-based graduate studies.
Program Highlights
Utilizing the rich natural and human resources of South Hampton Roads including diverse ecological communities and a major biomedical and research complex, faculty are committed educators.
Department facilities include the striking new Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, electron microscopes, state-of-the-art DNA facilities, and comprehensive analytical and field instruments.
We own the 320 acre Blackwater Ecologic Preserve, part of the Zuni Pine Barrens State Natural Area and our students have access to a rich array of state and federal preserves including the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Barrier Islands, Chesapeake Bay, and Back Bay.
Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Biologists
$84,060
Median Salary
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
$80,200
Median Salary
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,010
Median Salary
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Biology at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Biology should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
An introductory biology course for nonbiology majors. This course concentrates on plants and animals at the organismal…
BIOL 106N
Biology for Nonscience Majors II
An introductory biology course for nonbiology majors. This course concentrates on plants and animals at the organismal level by examining major biological concepts involving diversity, ecology, behavior, and evolution. This course would be beneficial to those students who are pursuing elementary education degrees because it teaches biological topics included in the Virginia Standards of Learning. Cannot be substituted for BIOL 121N and BIOL 122N or for BIOL 123N and BIOL 124N.
An introductory, non-sequential course for nonbiology majors focusing on the most serious environmental problems our…
BIOL 112N
Environment and Man
An introductory, non-sequential course for nonbiology majors focusing on the most serious environmental problems our society is facing today and how these problems can be solved. The course concentrates on the science behind natural resources and resource management, toxicology, environmental policies and ethics, and sustainable living. Cannot be substituted for BIOL 121N or BIOL 123N. BIOL 112N and BIOL 113N satisfy four credits of the University's Nature of Science general education requirement. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 113N.
Laboratory activities and experiments that enhance understanding of the scientific method and environmental sciences…
BIOL 113N
Environment and Man Laboratory
Laboratory activities and experiments that enhance understanding of the scientific method and environmental sciences through a hands-on approach that cannot be provided in the lecture classroom setting. This course cannot be substituted for BIOL 122N or BIOL 124N. BIOL 112N + BIOL 113N satisfy four credits of the University's Nature of Science general education requirement. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 112N.
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit$250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit$408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
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