About This Program
The B.S. 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 you can tailor your program to fit personal interests or career aspirations.
In the Ecology, Evolution and Environment (EEE) sub-plan, you can study the origin and maintenance of biodiversity and the interrelationship of organisms with each other and their physical environment. It prepares you for a wide range of careers including teaching, working on environmental problems for government agencies and industries, and for research positions at universities and other institutions. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate school or professional programs including medicine and veterinary medicine. You can choose electives in the ecology, evolution and behavior, and diversity and taxonomy categories. These courses include inquiry-based activities that explore the ecology, evolution and behavior of the diversity of life from microbes to moose.
The Cell Molecular Biology (CMB) sub-plan prepares you for graduate school and careers in cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, physiology, immunology, biotechnology, molecular biology and microbiology. It is also designed to prepare you for application to professional schools including medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.
The Medical Laboratory Sciences sub-plan is implemented in coordination with a Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program on the UMN Twin Cities campus. By completing the Biology B.S. with the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) sub-plan, you are able to complete the MLS Certificate in less time compared to completing the entire MLS Certificate after receiving your undergraduate degree.
Program Highlights
- The Department of Biology features state-of-the-art labs for conducting research
- The Department of Biology interacts with other academic departments and many other agencies, such as The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), Minnesota Sea Grant, Minnesota Department of National Resources (DNR) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laboratory in Duluth
- The degree involves faculty from multiple departments in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and the UMN Medical School
- The sub plans differentiate the major emphases in the study and practice of biology, and the choice of upper division electives gives you the flexibility to further focus your degree program
Research & Experiential Learning
- You can get involved in research as early as your freshman year, working one-on-one with faculty members and graduate students
- The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers you a unique experience collaborating with a faculty mentor on research, scholarly, or creative projects
- The Biology Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology (BURST) fellowship program is designed to give qualified UMD Biology majors the opportunity to take part in an in-depth summer research project
Student Internships
- Great Lakes Aquarium
- UMN Twin Cities
- City of Duluth, Parks & Recreation
- Minnesota Zoo
- National Science Foundation Research
- State of MN, Dept of Natural Resources
- UMD, Natural Resources Research Institute
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth
- St. Luke’s
- Greensboro Science Center
- State of MN, Pollution Control Agency
- Stepping Stones for Living
Potential Careers
- Pharmacy Technician
- Clinical laboratory technologist
- Seed processing plant technician
- Aeromedical evacuation technician
- Research associate
- Mushroom farmer
- Zookeeper
- Sales support specialist
- Biological Sciences
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Physician assistant studies
Scholarships
In addition to SCSE scholarships, department scholarships include: A. Jane Berry Warren, Karim Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Ernest and Tyyne Niemu, T.O. Odlaug, Ed and Alma Turcotte, Mowbray, Jon McCabe, UMD Peterson Memorial, and Solidarity Through Science.
Get Involved
- Biology Club
- Entomology Club
- Pre-Dentistry Club
- Pre-Medicine Club (Pre-Med Club)
- Pre Optometry Club
- Pre-OT Club
- Pre-Pharmacy Club
- Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre PT)
- Pre-Physician Assistant Club (Pre-PA Club)
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.