Undergraduate Research

Students can participate in undergraduate research as soon as students feel ready to engage in a lab or clinical setting, most typically during their second or third year. Research may be animal or plant related, molecular or organismal, lab or field based, on or off campus, scientific or clinical. Exposure is the key ingredient; students can use this exposure and experience to build their resume, follow career paths, or apply to graduate/professional school. Participation in the Biological Sciences Scholars program will help to build connections with faculty and peers that can lead to these research experiences.

Community Service

Contributing to the community at large is a goal of the Biological Sciences Scholars Program. Each year, students become involved in a variety of community organizations in order to learn more about themselves, engage with others, and to give back to the world around them. Past community service events have included Adopt-a-Family, animal adoption events with the Franklin County Dog Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, garden clean ups, Autism Speaks, and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank to name a few. Our students also regularly become involved volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Ohio State Medical Center, and Relay for Life on their own.

Program Events

Biological Sciences Scholars have participated in a variety of events. Some highlights include:

• Guest Speakers - Study Abroad Panels, Undergraduate Research Office
• Trips: Columbus Zoo, Stone Lab, Newport Aquarium, The Wilds, The Bureau of Crime Investigation, COSI, Cleveland Clinic
• Weekend Destinations: Washington DC, Stone Lab
• Career related events: Tour of Medical School’s Clinical Skills Lab, Professional School Admissions panels, faculty dinners, Arts and Sciences Career Services, Tour of Research Labs
• Peer Mentoring
• Social Events: Bowling, Cookouts, Study Breaks, Game Nights, OSU Sporting Events, Intramural Sports

Benefits/FAQ

Why should I apply to become a Biological Sciences Scholar?
The Scholars Programs make a large place like Ohio State seem much smaller. You belong to a group that becomes very tightly knit as soon as you begin your freshmen year and many Scholars choose to remain life-long friends. This camaraderie provides students with the incentive to achieve academically and to be motivated and assist others within the group.

Do I have to live in Scholars housing?

Yes. You do have to live in Scholars Housing during your first year on campus unless you are commuting from home. One of the great benefits of this program is the fact that you are living with others with similar interests and courses, making an environment more conducive for students to study together. Many Biological Sciences Scholars choose to continue to live in Barrett House in their sophomore and junior years as well.

Do I have to be a Biological Sciences major to be a Biological Sciences Scholar?
No. While the majority of our students come from one of the majors in Biological Sciences (Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Zoology, etc), we do have students from a variety of other majors as well, including Business, Allied Medicine, Chemistry, English, Psychology, Animal Science, Physics, and Engineering (to name a few). You just have to be passionate about the sciences!

What are the advantages to participating in the Biological Sciences Scholars Program?
For those interested in careers in health care, research, or other science areas, your experiences both in and out of the classroom are critical for your success. Our program enhances your experiences at Ohio State through collaboration, awareness, and a variety of opportunities in a supportive environment. In addition, all Scholars students receive college-level priority scheduling which allows them to register at the top of their rank (class at Ohio State).

Do I receive priority scheduling as a Scholar?
Yes, all Scholars students receive college-level priority scheduling which allows them to register at the top of their rank (class at Ohio State).

Does being a Biological Sciences Scholar require a large time commitment?
Not at all, you are required to attend weekly meetings and participate in all Scholars activities (about 3 per quarter). These meetings and other events will not have a negative impact on your college career. In addition, you are required to complete a minimum of 5 service hours per quarter and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Will I have much contact with the Program Coordinator?
The Program Coordinator schedules weekly office hours in Barrett House, coordinates the weekly group meetings and participates in many all-Scholars activities. The Program Coordinator also serves as an academic advisor for Biology students supporting them with their major classes.