Biological Sciences Minor
Contact
Dr. Steven Travis
Director, School of Biological Sciences
stravis@une.edu
Dr. Kristin Burkholder
Assistant Director, School of Biological Sciences
kburkholder@une.edu
Mission
At the heart of our mission lies a dedication to nurturing a vibrant learning environment where students are active participants and collaborators. We believe in the transformative power of experiential learning, in guiding students through hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice, and in preparing them to navigate real-world challenges with confidence and insight. We strive to create welcoming spaces where every voice is heard and valued. Grounded in academic rigor and scientific integrity, we equip students with the tools and knowledge to critically engage with complex biological concepts and global issues. As stewards of both knowledge and the environment, we inspire a sense of responsibility, and encourage innovation for a healthier planet.
Our Core Values
Student Centeredness: Every decision we make is predicated by the question, “What is best for our students?”
Community and Belonging: We celebrate the many backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences within our community. By promoting a culture of belonging and mutual respect, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute.
Experiential Learning: Students learn best by doing. We value hands-on experiences and reflection so students can connect theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Information Literacy: We strive to instill students with knowledge and skills needed to develop a data-driven understanding of biological processes and their global implications.
Academic Rigor: We embrace uncompromising standards of academic rigor and strive for excellence in all facets of teaching and research.
Scientific Integrity: We adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards when teaching, conducting, and reporting research.
Environmental Stewards: We promote environmental stewardship by fostering an understanding of biological systems and their susceptibility to human impacts, and by recognizing our shared responsibility for planetary health.
Collaboration: Scientific progress thrives when minds come together. We strive to create a collaborative environment where students and instructors come together to engage in teamwork through shared learning experiences and joint research projects.
Program Description
A Biological Sciences minor requires six biology courses, including the Introductory Biology series. Regardless of their major, students who wish to fulfill a Biological Sciences minor must select four additional courses beyond those required for their major. No biology courses can satisfy both the major and minor requirements except for the introductory 100-level courses.
Transfer Credit
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Admissions
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Financial Information
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more tuition and fee information, please consult this catalog’s Financial Information section.
Curricular Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Required Courses | ||
| BIO 104 & 104L | General Biology and General Biology Lab | 4 |
| or BIO 105 & 105L | Biology I: Ecology/Evolution and Bio I: Ecology/Evolution Lab | |
| BIO 106 & 106L | Biology II: Cellular/Molecular and Bio II:Cellular/Molecular Lab | 4 |
| BIO 214 & 214L | Genetics and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| One additional course with BIO designation | 3 | |
| One Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area course | 3-4 | |
| One Organismal Biology Area course | 3-4 | |
| Topic Area Courses | ||
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Area | ||
| Conservation Genetics | ||
| Human Evolution | ||
| Disease Ecology | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Ecology and Ecology Lab | ||
| Animal Behavior and Behavioral Ecology and Animal Behav/Behav Ecology Lab | ||
Organismal Biology Area | ||
| Parasitology and Parasitology Lab | ||
| Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
| Environmental Microbiology and Environmental Microbiology Lab | ||
| Winter Natural History and Winter Natural History Lab | ||
| Medicinal Plant Biology | ||
| Mammalogy and Mammalogy Lab | ||
| Virology | ||
| Herpetology and Herpetology Lab | ||
| Ornithology and Ornithology Lab | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology and Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ||
| Biology of Fishes and Biology of Fishes Lab | ||
| Total Hours | 21-23 | |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
BIO 290 Biological Topics may fulfill biology area requirements depending on the subject matter and advisor permission.