B.A. Degree in Biology {18-19}
B.A. Degree in Biology
Description
This degree gives students a broad foundation in the biological sciences without emphasis toward any of the areas of specialty represented by the more career-oriented B.S. degrees in Biology. This open configuration allows flexibility in designing a degree path that does not align well with any of the B.S. degrees. To receive the B.A. Degree in Biology, the student must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree, which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core (42 credits).
Student Learning Outcomes
- Understand fundamental biological concepts at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem levels.
- Recognize evolution by natural selection as a unifying theme across biological disciplines.
- Demonstrate competence in lab and field skills and application of discipline-specific skills professional skills.
- Apply critical thinking skills and quantitative tools to evaluate biological information.
- Practice effective oral and written communication of scientific ideas in the manner of professional biologists.
- Acquire and refine research skills starting in introductory and advanced courses.
- Have the opportunity to participate in faculty-mentored independent research.
- Acquire multicultural and ethical perspectives in the advancement and application of science in society.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 23 credits )
Students must take the lecture and lab together for Organismal Biology and Cell Biology.
BIOL 111 Cell Biology (4)
BIOL 115 Organismal Biology (4)
BIOL 341 Genetics (4)
BIOL 345 Principles of Ecology (4)
BIOL 348 Evolutionary Biology (3)
BIOL 350 Microbiology (4)
Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
Any of the following:
BIOL 348 - Evolutionary Biology
BIOL 365 - Developmental Biology
BIOL 372 - Aquatic Biology
BIOL 430 - Immunobiology
BIOL 478 - Research Design
Related Requirements
( 16 credits )
Students must complete at least six credits in mathematics at the level of MATH 127 or above. Students must complete General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II and their corresponding labs. Students may choose from College Physics I and II OR General Physics I and II.
CHEM 150 General Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 150L General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
CHEM 210 General Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 210L General Chemistry II Lab (1)
PHYS 160 College Physics I with Lab (4) and
PHYS 161 College Physics II with Lab (4) or
PHYS 200 General Physics I with Lab (4) and
PHYS 201 General Physics II with Lab (4)
Restricted Electives
Students must take one course from the Physiology area (Biology 347, 349, or 360); one course from the Zoology area (Biology 321, 322, 372, 402, or 455); one course from the Cellular and Molecular area (Biology 365, 385, 385L, 430, or 438); and one course from the Botany area (Biology 305, 325 or 326). Students who enroll in BIOL 385L must also enroll in BIOL 385.
BIOL 305 General Botany (4)
BIOL 321 Invertebrate Zoology (3)
BIOL 322 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
BIOL 326 Minnesota Plant Identification (4)
BIOL 347 Plant Physiology (4)
BIOL 349 Human Physiology (4)
BIOL 360 Cellular and Molecular Physiology (4)
BIOL 365 Developmental Biology (4)
BIOL 372 Aquatic Biology (4)
BIOL 385 Molecular Biology (3)
BIOL 385L Molecular Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 402 Principles of Animal Behavior (3)
BIOL 430 Immunobiology (3)
BIOL 438 Medical Microbiology (3)
BIOL 455 Wildlife Ecology (4)