Minor Requirements
The minor in biology is an option for students who are not majoring in the subject but who wish to enhance their biological background in conjunction with other academic interests. The minor offers students the opportunity to explore one or more aspects of biology or to sample broadly from across the departmental curriculum. A minor in the subject also may help prepare students for postgraduate careers in areas related to the life sciences, including environmental consulting, scientific publishing, environmental law, nutrition, science teaching, and allied health fields. In order to declare a minor in biology and to plan a course of study, a student should meet with the chair of the biology department.
The minor in biology consists of 5 courses in the biological sciences (including at least 4 with labs). These 5 courses include (a) BIOL 182L and 183L and (b) 3 departmental electives (at least 2 with labs). Eligible departmental electives include all 200-, 300-, and 400-level biology courses. In addition, students may apply 1 course from the following list toward a biology minor:
- NESC 201. Principles of Neuroscience
- NESC 210. Neuroendocrinology
- NESC 432. Nutrition and Brain Health
One of the following courses may be used as an elective toward the minor if taken before beginning the introductory sequence of BIOL 182 and 183:
- BIOL 120. Genes, Clones, and Biotechnology
- BIOL 124. Genes and Human Disease
- BIOL 141. Global Perspectives on Biodiversity and Conservation
Two semesters of BIOL 425. Research in Biology (Laboratory) may serve as one lab course. Only one of the five biology courses can be a transfer, study away, or consortium course credit except in circumstances approved by the department. No course with a grade less than C- may be counted toward the minor. As of December 2021, only BIOL 182 and BIOL 183 can be counted towards the minor in biology while also counting toward a different major.
