Minor in Biology

student looking through magnifying glass

For students who wish to combine biology studies with other disciplines, the minor provides a flexible option.

Starting with two foundational courses in cellular and molecular biology and laboratory basics, students fill out the remaining required credits with electives to suit their academic or career path. Elective classes delve into a variety of topics, from evolution and plant diversity to parasitology and animal behavior

Declare a Biology Minor

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 20 credits, including 8 credits in prerequisite courses and 12 credits in elective courses.
Prerequisites
BISC 1111Introductory Biology: Cells and Molecules
BISC 1112Introductory Biology: The Biology of Organisms
Electives
12 credits in biological sciences (BISC) courses taken at the 2000 to 4000 levels and/or from the following approved non-BISC courses:
BIOC 3261Introductory Medical Biochemistry
BIOC 3262Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOC 3263Special Topics in Biochemistry
BIOC 3564Lipid Biotechnology
CHEM 3165Biochemistry I
CHEM 3166WBiochemistry II
CHEM 3262Biochemistry Laboratory
CHEM 3564Lipid Biotechnology
GEOL 2151Introduction to Paleontology

 *Honors Program students and those who have been invited to join the Scholars in Quantitative and Natural Sciences (SQNS) Program take BISC 1120 instead of BISC 1125 for the lab component.

Minor in Sustainability

For students eager to learn about sustainable, science-based solutions to environmental problems, the minor in sustainability is a popular choice. Overseen by the Provost and involving several departments across the university (including biology, social justice, law, business and geography), this minor pairs classroom instruction with community-based learning and research. Minors must complete 18 credits from one of three tracks, with Track A offering the deepest focus on biological sciences.