Biological Sciences Scholars engage in community activities centered around science and research. The living learning component involved in the Scholars program allows students to interact on both academic and social levels to support their success at Ohio State.
In the Biological Sciences Scholars Program, students:
- Explore research opportunities across campus
- Prepare for career opportunities and/or graduate programs through mentoring, advising, and community activities
- Interact with faculty and staff through research talks and Eat and Explore events
- Discover and participate in service opportunities in the Columbus area
Academics
Biological Sciences Scholars have the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, and community leaders inside and outside of the classroom. The programs offered compliment what students are learning in the classroom and offer personal connection that to each other and the community around them.
Seminar Course
All first year Biological Sciences Scholars will enroll in a one credit seminar course in their first semester. Through this course, they will begin to get to know the community and lay the foundation for future experiences through workshops on resume building, community service, current events, and how to start to prepare for opportunities in careers, graduate and health professional school, and research. Scholars will explore science opportunities both at Ohio State and for future career paths, develop an understanding of what they need to do to prepare for research, and connect with resources that will help support their success in the sciences.
Events and Activities
The Biological Sciences Scholars participate in a variety of activities focused on the biological sciences and research.
Signature Events
- Professional Development Series that includes several workshops on graduate and professional school preparation.
- Alumni and professional talks that cover career options in the biological sciences and panels of graduates in similar professional schools and careers
- Research Lab Visits and Talks to give students the opportunity to learn about the advancements happening at Ohio State, explore lab environments, and understand expectations of undergraduates in research labs while interacting with faculty.
- Site visits to interesting campus and community science related facilities.
- Annual day trip to a science related attraction in Ohio
- End of the year dinner to celebrate our seniors and student leaders
Community
Beyond undergraduate research and themed events in the biological sciences, Scholars join a community of peers led by their peers to foster a sense of belonging.
Community Meetings
- Upperclassmen on similar paths to help support younger students through advice sharing sessions, our mentor program, and as Seminar Assistants
- Social events that give students the opportunity to take a break from studying and interact with other Scholars. Examples of past community building events include craft nights, sporting events, game nights, holiday/ seasonal themed events, and wellness activities.
- Current event discussions surrounding issues in science, research, and health care.
- End of the semester study sessions to support students as they approach finals.
Service
Students participate in regular service throughout the Columbus. We have long term connections with a food pantry, community center, nursing home, and other outreach organizations to support their events and initiatives in the Columbus community.
Residential Requirement
First-year Biological Sciences Scholars students live together in Barrett House.
The residential community is an important element of the Scholars experience, and is required for all students with the exception of commuter students. Space in the prescribed residence hall is subject to availability, and while Scholars are given housing priority, space is not guaranteed and students may be placed in other accommodations due to program demand if necessary.
All Scholars
While each of the 16 Scholars Programs builds experiences for students around its unique theme, students benefit from shared Scholars experiences. All Scholars Programs:
- Are open to students of any major.
- Feature a first-year residential community.
- Have a first-year seminar course.
- Are led by an experienced full-time professional Program Manager.
- Are academically-driven communities with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 to participate.
- Have a student leadership council, offering leadership opportunities, community programming, and service projects.