Biology Minor

Laura Lorentzen, Ph.D.

Location: C-124, George Hennings Research Science Building, Main Campus

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

This 15-credit minor is available to students of all majors. After completing an introductory course that introduces students to the fundamentals of biology, such as the chemistry of life, cell structure, genetics, mechanisms of evolution and evolutionary history of biological diversity, plant and animal form and function, and ecology, students choose additional courses based on their biological emphasis to a total of 15 credits. This minor, in conjunction with the student's major, prepares students for entry into graduate or professional school programs, as well as technical or research careers with government or industry.

The Biology Minor is designed to meet the needs and goals of a wide range of students, including those with science majors (other than Biology) and those from business, liberal arts, and other fields. The GE required course, MATH1054 (Pre-Calculus) is a prerequisite for students to have a solid math foundation in understanding biological principles. Students will get hands-on training in scientific methods, the processes that lead to organismal diversity and adaptation, the biology of individual organisms, biological mechanisms at the molecular, genomic, and cellular levels, and other areas of interest, depending on the courses they choose. This minor gives students a wide range of options to choose courses that fit best with their interests and academic goals.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to acquire knowledge of fundamental principles (diversity of living organisms/biological fundamentals/evolutionary biology), acquire the laboratory and field skills necessary to collect and interpret data related to biological questions, develop the ability to apply biological principles to understand current issues, understand the basic paradigm of scientific inquiry as it relates to biological problems, and develop an awareness for the interdisciplinarity of biological science as it relates to their major field of study.

Minor Requirements

Students are required to complete MATH 1054, GE course, before choosing the Minor in Biology.

Required Courses 8

BIO 1300	GENERAL BIOLOGY I	4
BIO 1400	GENERAL BIOLOGY II: EVOLUTION, BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY	4

Electives 7

Seven (7) credits: Biology courses including at least 4 credits at the 3000-4000 level, selected with the approval of a departmental advisor.

Total Credit Hours: 15