Biology Minor
Overview
The minor in Biology curriculum begins with a core of three courses that presents the fundamentals of the life sciences, both in concept and methodology. After completing the core, students take three upper division courses with at least one course from two of the three major areas of biology (Groups A, B, and C). This distribution strategy insures that all students have broad exposure to an extensive range of topics including cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, plant biology, evolution, physiology, ecology, environmental biology, and animal behavior.
* Not all Learning Goals and Outcomes may be met by the minor since students have a choice of their upper-level courses.
Goal 1: Students will gain a fundamental understanding of cell structure and function, the organization of biological systems, and the evolution of biological diversity.
Outcome 1.1 Students will understand basic mechanisms of evolutionary change and the diversity of life.
Outcome 1.2 Students will understand basic concepts of molecular, classical, and population genetics, and basic biochemical processes in living organisms.
Outcome 1.3 Students will understand basic concepts of how organisms interact with their abiotic and biotic environment.
Goal 2. Students will develop basic skills in experimental design and the presentation of scientific information.
Outcome 2.1 Students will gain basic skills in data reduction, analysis, presentation, and the operation of basic laboratory equipment.
Outcome 2.2 Students will be able to develop cogent written and oral presentations of scientific content.
The minor in biology requires completion of the following:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| BIO 102 & 102L | Bio II: Genetics and Bio II: Genetics Lab (second semester, freshman year) | 4 |
| or BIO 151L | Phage Lab | |
| BIO 201 & 201L | Bio III: Organismic Biology and Bio III: Organismic Biol Lab (first semester, sophomore year) | 4 |
| BIO 290 | Career Development Seminar (required for first-semester sophomores) | 0 |
| BIO 390 | Biology Seminar (required each semester for second-semester sophomores, juniors and seniors) | 0 |
| CHM 120 & 120L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
| CHM 125 & 125L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | 4 |
| Take at least two courses from two different groups (A - C) below: 1 | 8 | |
| Group A: Cell Structure and Function | ||
| Advanced Cell Biology | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Molecular&Cellular Biophysics | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Histopathology | ||
| Neurological Disorders | ||
| Group B: Systemic Organization | ||
| Biomechanics | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Plant Physiological Ecology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Systemic Physiology | ||
| Bacterial Pathogenesis | ||
| Group C: Evolution and Diversity of Life | ||
| Aquatic Biology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Comparative Anatomy | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Applied&Environ Microbio | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Fermentation Science | ||
| Environmental Science | ||
| At least 3 additional credits of upper-level Biology courses. These credits can be from any of the courses in group A - C above, as well as in groups D and E, below. Independent Research (BIO 493 or 494) or an internship in biology (BIO 492) can also fulfill this requirement. | 3 | |
| Group D courses 2 | ||
| Hematology | ||
| Basic Concepts & Proc MLS | ||
| Anat&Physiol Nurs/Al Hlth II | ||
| Clinical Microbiology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Group E courses: Non-lab courses | ||
| Introduction to Neuroscience | ||
| Basic Nutrition | ||
| Plant Diversity and Morphology | ||
| Comparative Animal Physiology | ||
| Plant Therapeutics | ||
| Developmental Genetics | ||
| Biochemistry 3 | ||
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Virology | ||
| Molecular Basis Neuro Disorder | ||
| Emrg Bio Threat & Glbl Sustain | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
- 1
BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 201 and CHM 120, CHM 125 are prerequisite for all 300 and 400 level BIO courses.
- 2
One semester of BIO 493 or BIO 494 (Independent Research) and/or BIO 492 (Biology Internship) may count as one Group D biology elective.
- 3
CHM 215/CHM 215L is a prerequisite or co-requisite for BIO 404