Department of Biological Sciences

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.

CareerAccordion Open

Careers

What Can I Do with a Minor in Biology?
The biological sciences encompass numerous cutting-edge disciplines; each offering a multitude of exciting career paths. You can supplement your major with a Biology minor, which will help you prepare for graduate study, admission to medical, dental, or veterinary school, or for other professional training.

You will also receive plenty of personal attention from faculty--in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science. Our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs. Whatever path you take after graduation, you will be ready to succeed.

RequirementsAccordion Closed

University Requirements

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 to 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.

OverviewAccordion Closed

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion18
Major GPA2.0

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to communicate scientific information effectively in written and oral forms (including using standard practices in scientific writing), addressing basic biological concepts encompassing a range of sub-disciplines within the field of biology.
  • Students will be able to apply the scientific method as a demonstration that they understand the basic paradigm of scientific inquiry as it relates to general biological problems.
  • Students will be able to describe fundamental principles of biology e.g., central dogma, diversity of life, inheritance.
  • Students will understand that evolution is the central principle uniting the field of biology, and apply the theory of evolution to explain diverse biological phenomena spanning molecular to organismal biology.
  • Students will be able to access and interrogate the primary scientific literature in the biological sciences.
  • Students will be able to synthesize material from across a biological sub-discipline and apply this to advanced-level course material (i.e., a Capstone experience); specifically, students will draw from their learning experiences in the fields of ecology, evolution, behavior, physiology, systematics, etc as related to the topic of their capstone course.
  • Students will develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary role of science as applied to human and environmental challenges across both local and global scales.

DetailsAccordion Closed

Details

Minor Requirements

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
     

AvailabilityAccordion Closed

Your degree is available at these campuses:

Campus Availability

Contact Biological Sciences

Email:
biology​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-2381
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Course Offerings students working with instructor on tissue processing
Biological Sciences
Location
Room 227 Building 21
Biological Sciences
617 S Beaver
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 5640
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
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