Students may earn credit toward graduation by taking an EM Test at the University’s Testing Center. If you are a current Ohio State undergraduate and interested in testing out of select course(s) in Biology, you will need permission from the CLSE prior to scheduling your exam. To receive an exam referral, you must meet these criteria:
- You must have completed a comparable college-level biology course which includes both lecture and lab components.
- You must have completed any prerequisites for the course.
- You cannot have already earned a mark for the course, including grades of W or R for audit.
How to I request to take an EM Exam in Biology?
From your buckeyemail address, email Adam Andrews in the CLSE with a request to take a specific exam. Adam will verify your eligibility to take the exam, which may require you to provide a course syllabus from a previously institution. If approved, you will need to schedule your exam through the Testing Center to be taken within the next 90 days.
All EM Tests are taken in the Ohio State University Testing Center in the Student Academic Services Building (585 Student Academic Services Building, 281 West Lane Ave | (614) 292-2241).
Which courses are available for EM Testing?
Biology 1101
Basic principles of biology; topics include the nature of science, organismal diversity, evolution, ecology, genetics, reproduction, and cellular structure and function. Not open to students with credit for 1113 or 1113H. Credit for this course will not count toward the minimum number of hours required for graduation if a student completes 1113 and 1114, or 1113H and 1114H.
The 2 hour exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions covering addressing the course outcomes, including the laboratory experience.
Biology 1102
Exploration of human biology; topics include structure and physiological function, reproduction and development, genetics and disease, ecology, and evolution. Credit for this course will not count toward the minimum number of hours required for graduation if a student completes 1113 and 1114, or 1113H and 1114H.
The 2 hour exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions covering addressing the course outcomes.
Biology 1113
Exploration of biology and biological principles; evolution and the origin of life, cellular structure and function, bioenergetics, and genetics. Not open to students with credit for Biology 1113xx.
The 2 hour exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions covering addressing the course outcomes, including the laboratory experience. Credit posts as Biology 1113.01.
Biology 1114
Exploration of biology and biological principles; evolution and speciation, diversity in structure, function, behavior, and ecology among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Not open to students with credit for 1114xx.
The 2 hour exam will consist of 78 multiple choice questions covering addressing the course outcomes. Credit posts as Biology 1114.01.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a passing score?
For all Biology EM exams, you must score a 70% to earn EM credit.
If I don’t score a 70%, can I retake the exam?
Only one attempt is permitted for each course exam. You would be permitted to take a the exam for a different course if you meet the eligibility criteria and receive permission.
How do I best study for the exam?
The exams are written to align to specific course outcomes, making those the best study guide. Your review may be supplemented by any commonly available textbook.
Is there a book I can study from?
The EM exams are not written based on any specific textbooks, so any generally available textbook appropriate for the course level can be used as a study tool.
For Biology 1101, common texts include:
- Essentials of the Living World (7th Edition) by Johnson and Bergh
- Biology Now (4th Edition) by Houtman, et al
- Concepts of Biology, OpenStax
For Biology 1102, common texts include:
- Biology of Humans by Goodenough
- Human Biology: Concepts and Connections by Johnson
For Biology 1113 & 1114, common texts include:
- Biological Science by Freeman
- Campbell Biology by Urry, et al.
- Biology 2e, OpenStax
Can I use any resources or calculators on the exam?
No resources or electronics are permitted to be used during the exam.
Is there a cost to take the exam?
The Testing Center charges $65 to administer each EM Test, paid during the registration process.
I receive accommodations for my exams through SLDS. Can I get those accommodations applied to an EM exam?
Absolutely. Students with disabilities should contact the Ohio State Office of Student Life Disability Services, (614) 292-3307, to make alternate arrangements for taking the EM Tests.