Biology, Minor

Location(s): On Campus

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New technologies and ideas have contributed to making the biological sciences one of the most explosive areas of modern intellectual pursuit. The study of biology is rich in history and our modern understanding of the living world is predicated on centuries of observations, analysis, debate, and reassessment and reinterpretation of previous discoveries. The biology program challenges students to explore the living world and to use the study of biology as a means to develop their full cognitive potential. The program embraces the philosophy that to understand science, a student must participate actively in the scientific process. Understanding and engaging in the scientific method within the context of the life sciences prepares students to succeed in graduate study in an area of specialization, pursue additional education in professional schools, engage in a technical career, or work as a science educator. Students may choose courses best suited to meet their professional goals within the larger structure of a curriculum designed to insure breadth of experience.

Minor Requirements: Biology.

The biology minor consists of a minimum of six courses within the discipline, for a total of 22 semester hours. These six courses will include BIO 110 , BIO 112 , and BIO 203 , plus any three regularly-offered 200-300 level courses.

Resources for Non-Majors.

Principles of Biology I (BIO 110 ) and Human Biology (BIO 103 ) are designed to fulfill the General Education learning outcomes for exploring how the natural world functions. Research Methods (BIO 203 ) is designed to fulfill the General Education learning outcomes for the Speaking Competency. Principles of Biology I (in addition to Principles of Biology II) also provides the necessary background for advancement to additional coursework within the biology major, biology minor, environmental science minor, and neuroscience minor programs. Human Biology (BIO 103 ) does not directly fulfill any course requirements of the biology major or minor. Non-majors can elect to take additional coursework in biology within the prerequisite structure. Prerequisites can, in some cases, be waived with the consent of the instructor and program director. Students contemplating a career in Allied Health (e.g., Nursing, Physician’s Assistant, Medical Technologist, Physical Therapist) should complete both BIO 210 and BIO 211 in order to meet professional school requirements for a two-semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology.