BA Degree in Biology {22-23}

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 Curriculum.

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 ( 15-16 credits )

BIOL 111/BIOL 111L Cell Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 115/BIOL 115L Organismal Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 341/BIOL 341L Genetics with Lab (4)

Select one course from this list:
BIOL 345/BIOL 345L Principles of Ecology with Lab (4)
BIOL 236 Foundations of Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 350/BIOL 350L Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 348 Evolutionary Biology (3)

Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
Any of the following: BIOL 348 - Evolutionary Biology (3) BIOL 360 - Cellular & Molecular Physiology (4) BIOL 365 - Developmental Biology (4) BIOL 372 - Aquatic Biology (4) BIOL 406 - DNA as Destiny (3) BIOL 423 - Advanced Gross Anatomy (4) BIOL 430 - Immunobiology (4) BIOL 478 - Research Design (3)

Related Requirements

Math (3-5 credits) MATH 127 or above.

Chemistry (8 credits)
CHEM 150/CHEM 150L General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 210/CHEM 210L General Chemistry II (4)
*CHEM 275 can be taken in place of either CHEM 150L or CHEM 210L

Physics (8 credits)
PHYS 160 Physics I with Algebra & Lab (4) and PHYS 161 Physics II with Algebra & Lab (4) OR
PHYS 200 Physics I with Calculus & Lab (4) and PHYS 201 Physics II with Calculus & Lab (4)

Restricted Electives ( 22 credits )

22 credits of Electives required. At least 12 credits must be at the 300-level or above. One credit maximum from BIOL 494

BIOL 100 Issues in Human Biology (3)
BIOL 104 Human Biology (3)
BIOL 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4)
BIOL 126 Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (4)
BIOL 190 Topics in Biology (1-4)
BIOL 236 Foundations of Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 248 Introduction to Public Health (3)
BIOL 275 Biostatistics (4)
BIOL 290 Topics in Biology (1-4)
BIOL 300 Biology of Women (3)
BIOL 305/BIOL 305L General Botany with Lab (4)
BIOL 311 Neurobiology (4)
BIOL 321/BIOL 321L Invertebrate Zoology with Lab (3)
BIOL 322/BIOL 322L Vertebrate Zoology with Lab (4)
BIOL 323/BIOL 323L Human Anatomy with Lab (4)
BIOL 326/BIOL 326L Minnesota Plant Identification with Lab (4)
BIOL 335 Tropical Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 345/BIOL 345L Principles of Ecology with Lab (4)
BIOL 346 An Ecological Perspective (3)
BIOL 347/BIOL 347L Plant Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 348 Evolutionary Biology (3)
BIOL 349/BIOL 349L Human Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 350/BIOL 350L Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 360/BIOL 360L Cellular and Molecular Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 365/BIOL 365L Developmental Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 370 Exploring Biology (3)
BIOL 372 Aquatic Biology (4)
BIOL 385 Molecular Biology (3) and BIOL 385L Molecular Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 390 Topics in Biology (1-4)
BIOL 402 Principles of Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL 406 DNA as Destiny: Genetics and Society (3)
BIOL 423/BIOL 423L Advanced Gross Anatomy with Lab (4)
BIOL 430/BIOL 430L Immunobiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 438 Medical Microbiology (3)
BIOL 440 Middle School/Secondary Science Teaching Methods (3)
BIOL 455 Wildlife Ecology (4)
BIOL 469 Internship (1-12)
BIOL 470 Undergraduate Laboratory Teaching (1)
BIOL 478 Research Design (3)
BIOL 490 Topics in Biology (1-4)
BIOL 494 Undergraduate Research in Biology (1)