Biology B.S.
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Swenson College of Science & Engineering (DCSE)201 - Bachelor of Science
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 two sub-plans: Cell and Molecular Biology or Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment. Each sub-plan allows students to focus their degree programs with upper-division courses from across the range of biological study and practice.
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 two sub-plans: Cell and Molecular Biology or Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment. Each sub-plan allows students to focus their degree programs with upper-division courses from across the range of biological study and practice.
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 2026