Biology, Minor
This minor is a natural companion to careers in chemistry, psychology, environmental studies, genetics, science education, or perhaps even computer science and engineering. Students in other fields, including marketing, government, politics, or law, will find that biology coursework encourages critical thinking and observation skills as well as providing rich content.
Requirements Accordion Open
A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.
To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 18 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to communicate scientific information in written and oral form.
- Students will be able to understand the basic paradigm of scientific inquiry as it relates to biological problems.
- Students will be able to describe fundamental principles of biology e.g., the theory of evolution, the central dogma, diversity of life, and inheritance.
- Students will develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary role of biological science as applied to their major field.
Details Accordion Closed
Minor Requirements
Take the following 18 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
At least 6 units must be taken at NAU.- BIO 181, BIO 181L, BIO 182, BIO 182L (8 units)
- Select from the following (2 - 5 units):
- BIO 477 (3 units)
- BIO 478 (3 units)
- BIO 479 (3 units)
- BIO 517 (3 units)
- BIO 570 (3 units)
- BIO 221 (4 units)
- BIO 222 (4 units)
- BIO 369 (4 units)
- BIO 401C (4 units)
- BIO 415 (4 units)
- BIO 424 (4 units)
- BIO 573 (4 units)
- BIO 221, BIO 222, BIO 369, BIO 401C, BIO 415, BIO 424, BIO 573 (4 units)
- BIO 349L, BIO 374, BIO 411, BIO 426C, BIO 431, BIO 477, BIO 478, BIO 479, BIO 517, BIO 570 (3 units)
- BIO 571 (2 - 3 units)
- Additional Biology Courses (5 - 8 units)
- Select additional biology courses which may include up to 3 units of BIO 300 (repeated with different topics).
Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
- Biology, BS
- Biomedical Science, BS
- Exercise Physiology, BS
- Microbiology, BS
- Secondary Education - Biology, BSEd
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.