Biology B.S.
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Program description
The BS in biology offers preparation for graduate school and a sound basis for professional training in biological and health sciences. Biology is a broad field, and students can tailor their programs to fit personal interests or career aspirations.
Students select one of three sub-plans: Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment; and Medical Laboratory Sciences. Each sub-plan allows students to focus their degree programs with upper-division courses from across the range of biological study and practice. The Medical Laboratory Sciences sub-plan is implemented in coordination with a Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program on the UMTC campus. Students who complete the Biology BS with the Medical Laboratory sciences sub-plan are able to complete the MLS Certificate in less time compared to completing the entire MLS Certificate after receiving their undergraduate degree.
The Department of Biology encourages students to develop as active scholars and to participate in undergraduate research. The degree involves faculty from multiple departments in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, and our students and faculty regularly collaborate with researchers in the UM Medical School and Pharmacy School.
Departmental Honors Requirements: To be eligible, students will earn a 3.5 GPA in the courses required for a Biology BA or
BS (excluding other courses outside the major) and participate in three of the high-
impact practices listed (link). These practices are positively associated with student learning and retention and can be life changing (Kuh, 2008). Each of the activities below requires learning outside of the classroom and meaningful interactions with faculty, career mentors or other students. Students will need to complete a high-impact practice from at least three of the following categories: Biology Related Service-Learning, Learning Community, Research with Faculty, Internship or Work Experience, Study Abroad, Professional
Presentation, Student teaching experience, and/or Internship or Work Experience. For
additional information and to apply please visit: https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-
and-programs/biology-department/scholarships-awards
Students select one of three sub-plans: Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment; and Medical Laboratory Sciences. Each sub-plan allows students to focus their degree programs with upper-division courses from across the range of biological study and practice. The Medical Laboratory Sciences sub-plan is implemented in coordination with a Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program on the UMTC campus. Students who complete the Biology BS with the Medical Laboratory sciences sub-plan are able to complete the MLS Certificate in less time compared to completing the entire MLS Certificate after receiving their undergraduate degree.
The Department of Biology encourages students to develop as active scholars and to participate in undergraduate research. The degree involves faculty from multiple departments in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, and our students and faculty regularly collaborate with researchers in the UM Medical School and Pharmacy School.
Departmental Honors Requirements: To be eligible, students will earn a 3.5 GPA in the courses required for a Biology BA or
BS (excluding other courses outside the major) and participate in three of the high-
impact practices listed (link). These practices are positively associated with student learning and retention and can be life changing (Kuh, 2008). Each of the activities below requires learning outside of the classroom and meaningful interactions with faculty, career mentors or other students. Students will need to complete a high-impact practice from at least three of the following categories: Biology Related Service-Learning, Learning Community, Research with Faculty, Internship or Work Experience, Study Abroad, Professional
Presentation, Student teaching experience, and/or Internship or Work Experience. For
additional information and to apply please visit: https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-
and-programs/biology-department/scholarships-awards
Program last updated
Fall 2025