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Duluth Campus

Biology B.A.

Biology
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2015
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 65 to 72
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Biology has long been recognized as basic to environment, agriculture, and medicine. Because the topics studied by biologists range from subcellular particles to global environmental concerns, and because of the variety of living organisms and the various ways of studying them, many specialties have developed. The B.A. program is committed to the advancement of knowledge through scholarly research and other creative activities.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Introductory Requirement (1 cr)
Transfer students with 24 or more credits and current students who change from a B.S. degree or change colleges may request to be waived from this requirement. New first-year students with 24 or more PSEO credits may request to be waived from this requirement.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1. A minor or second major from another area of study outside the Department of Biology with the exception of the Natural History Minor.
Biology Core Courses (26 cr)
BIOL 1011 - General Biology I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (5.0 cr)
BIOL 1012 - General Biology II [SUSTAIN] (5.0 cr)
BIOL 3100 - Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
BIOL 2201 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
BIOL 2801 - General Ecology (3.0 cr)
BIOL 3987 - Communication in Biology (2.0 cr)
BIOL 3401 - Evolution (3.0 cr)
BIOL 2102 - Cell Biology Laboratory (2.0 cr)
or BIOL 2202 - Genetics Laboratory (2.0 cr)
or BIOL 2802 - Ecology Laboratory (2.0 cr)
Chemistry (10 - 14 cr)
CHEM 1113 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (5.0 cr)
CHEM 1114 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry II (5.0 cr)
or take the following courses:
CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (4.0 cr)
CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (1.0 cr)
CHEM 1155 - General Chemistry II (4.0 cr)
CHEM 1156 - General Chemistry Lab II (1.0 cr)
CHEM 2541 - Organic Chemistry I (3.0 cr)
CHEM 2543 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1.0 cr)
Math (7-10 cr)
Choose math from Option A or B.
Option A
MATH 1250 - Precalculus Analysis [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (4.0 cr)
STAT 1411 - Introduction to Statistics [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
or STAT 2411 - Statistical Methods [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
or Option B
MATH 1290 - Calculus for the Natural Sciences [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or MATH 1296 - Calculus I [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or MATH 1596 {Inactive} [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
MATH 1297 - Calculus II [LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or MATH 1597 {Inactive} [LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or STAT 1411 - Introduction to Statistics [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
or STAT 2411 - Statistical Methods [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
or STAT 3611 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4.0 cr)
Biology Electives 2xxx-5xxx (18 cr)
BIOL 2xxx or above must include a minimum of two lab courses or courses with a lab component. Two of the following may be used: BMS 5545, BMS 5601, BMS 5602. A maximum of two credits of BIOL 3993; a maximum of 4 credits of BIOL 3994 and a maximum of 1 credit of BIOL 3996 may be applied to the Biology BA degree.
Advanced Writing Requirement (3 cr)
WRIT 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science (3.0 cr)
 
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
BIOL 1011 - General Biology I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: BIOL 1011/BIOL 1013
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental concepts of biology, including chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energy transformations, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, molecular biology, DNA technology, development, origin of life, and evolution. (4 hrs lect, 2.5 hrs lab) prereq: 1 yr high school Chem or 1 semester college Chem, Math ACT 21 or higher or MATH 1005 or higher; credit will not be granted if already received for BIOL 1013
BIOL 1012 - General Biology II (SUSTAIN)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental concepts of biology, including classification and diversity of life, anatomy, physiology, and development of prokaryotes, protistans, fungi, animals, and plants; behavior; population, community, and ecosystem ecology. (4 hrs lect, 2.5 hrs lab) prereq: A grade of C- or better in 1011
BIOL 3100 - Cell Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics include membranes and membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton, signal transduction, cell cycle regulation and experimental methods used in cell studies. Examples will come from all phyla of life. (3 hrs lect) pre-req: A grade of C- or better in BIOL 1011 or 1013, 2201, CHEM 1152 or 1162 or 1155 and 1156 or 1175 and 1176; may be taken without lab BIOL 2102; credit will not be granted if already received for BIOL 2101
BIOL 2201 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Basic principles of Mendelian inheritance, molecular genetics, chromosomal aberrations, and population genetics. (3 hrs lect) prereq: A grade of C- or better in both 1011 and 1012, CHEM 1114 or CHEM 1155 or CHEM 1175, pre or co req; may be taken without lab BIOL 2202
BIOL 2801 - General Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Relationships between life and environment for individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems; surveys of environmental factors and biomes. May be taken without lab 2802. (3 hrs lect) prereq: A grade of C- or better in both 1011 and 1012; may be taken without lab BIOL 2802
BIOL 3987 - Communication in Biology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Develop professional oral communication skills through the attendance and evaluation of biological science public seminars, the construction and presentation of a professional public seminar, and the introduction of a student seminar speaker. prereq: Minimum 90 credits, Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology major; credit will not be granted if already received for 3997 AND 3998
BIOL 3401 - Evolution
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Origin, history, opposition, and evidence supporting evolutionary ideas. Basic concepts: origin of life, phylogeny, biological history, mechanisms of evolutionary change, population genetics, speciation, tempo of evolution, macroevolution, extinction, biogeography, evolution of social systems, altruism. (3 hours lecture) prereq: A grade of C- or better in all of the following Biology courses 1011, 1012, 2201 or IBS Grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for 3802, 4801 or 4802
BIOL 2102 - Cell Biology Laboratory
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Writing intensive course using contemporary cell biology research techniques, hypothesis testing and communication of results. prereq: A grade of C- or better in both 1011 and 1012 or 1013, concurrent registration is allowed for 3100 or 2110
BIOL 2202 - Genetics Laboratory
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Writing intensive course that uses an array of experimental approaches to gain understanding of the principles of genetics. prereq: A grade of C- or better in 1011, 1012 and 2201 (concurrent registration is allowed for 2201)
BIOL 2802 - Ecology Laboratory
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Writing-intensive course that introduces sampling, data analysis and interpretation, hypothesis testing, ethical considerations in scientific practice. Includes field studies (4 hrs lab) prereq: A grade of C- or better in 1011, 1012 and 2801, concurrent enrollment is allowed in 2801.
CHEM 1113 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Chemical principles and their applications: atomic and molecular structure, solutions, acids, bases, salts, equilibria. prereq: ACT of 21 or higher or MATH 1005; for students terminating study of chem with no more than 10 cr; credit will not be granted if already received for 1151, 1153/1154, 1161, 1173/74 or 2172
CHEM 1114 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Chemical principles and their applications: physical and chemical properties of organic compounds, organic chemistry of living systems; carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and metabolic pathways. prereq: 1113
CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1173/CHEM 1153/CHEM 1161
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamental principles of chemistry exemplified by study of elements, compounds, and their reactions. Covers fundamental concepts of the atom, molecule, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, gas laws, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, and other selected topics. The companion laboratory, CHEM 1154, should be taken concurrently. The combination of CHEM 1153 and CHEM 1154 meets the lab component of NAT SCI, LE CAT 4. prereq: One year high school chem, Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of least C- in Math 1005, Credit will not be granted if already received for 1151 or 1161 or 1173. Fall semester, SCSE majors only.
CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1174/CHEM 1154
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating the fundamental principles of chemistry. Covers fundamental concepts of the atom and molecule, stoichiometry, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermochemistry, characteristic properties of anions, gas laws and spectrophotometry. This laboratory accompanies lecture CHEM 1153. The combination of CHEM 1153 and CHEM 1154 meets liberal education category 4 requirements. prereq: Previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1153 or 1173; credit will not be granted if already received for CHEM 1151, 1161 or 1174.
CHEM 1155 - General Chemistry II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1175/CHEM 1155/CHEM 1162
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamental principles of chemistry exemplified by study of elements, compounds, and their reactions. Covers intermolecular forces, properties of liquids, solids and solution, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and other selected topics. Solid knowledge of college algebra and General Chemistry I is required. The companion laboratory course CHEM 1156 should be taken concurrently. prereq: 1151 or 1153 or 1161 or 1173; credit will not be granted if already received for 1152, 1162 or 1175.
CHEM 1156 - General Chemistry Lab II
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1176/CHEM 1156
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamental principles of chemistry exemplified by laboratory study of elements, compounds, and their reactions. Covers titration, intermolecular forces, colligative properties, kinetics, chemical equilibria, and qualitative analysis. This laboratory accompanies lecture CHEM 1155. prereq: 1151 or 1161 or 1154 or 1174, concurrent or previous enrollment in CHEM 1155; credit will not be granted if already received for Chem 1152, 1162 or 1176.
CHEM 2541 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Structure and bonding, stereochemistry, functional group reactions. prereq: 1152 or 1162 or 1155 and 1156 or 1175 and 1176; credit will not be granted if already received for 2521
CHEM 2543 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Laboratory companion to CHEM 2541. Structure and bonding, stereochemistry, functional group reactions. prereq: 1152 or 1162 or 1155 and 1156 or 1175 and 1176, must be taken after or concurrently with CHEM 2541; credit will not be granted if already received for 2521, CHE 3231, ENGR 2110
MATH 1250 - Precalculus Analysis (LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course introduces the concepts of analytical geometry, relations, functions, and graphs. It includes exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions as well as conic sections, sequences and series, and systems of linear equations. prereq: Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1005 or department consent
STAT 1411 - Introduction to Statistics (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Statistical ideas involved in gathering, describing, and analyzing observational and experimental data. Experimental design, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, probabilistic models, sampling, and statistical inference. prereq: Math ACT 21 or higher or a grade of at least C- in MATH 0103 or department approval
STAT 2411 - Statistical Methods (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, elementary probability, sampling distributions, estimations, confidence intervals, one-sample and two-sample t-test. prereq: Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1005 or higher or department approval
MATH 1290 - Calculus for the Natural Sciences (LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math1290/1296/1596
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Differential and integral calculus needed for modeling in earth and life sciences. Computational software. Not intended for students in mathematics, engineering, or physical sciences. prereq: Math ACT 27 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1250 or department consent
MATH 1296 - Calculus I (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math1290/1296/1596
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
First part of a standard introduction to calculus of functions of a single variable. Limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, and their applications. prereq: Math ACT 27 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1250 or department consent
MATH 1297 - Calculus II (LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1597/1297
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Second part of a standard introduction to calculus. Vectors, applications of integrals, transcendental functions, series, and multivariable functions and partial derivatives. prereq: A grade of at least C- in 1290 or 1296 or 1596
STAT 1411 - Introduction to Statistics (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Statistical ideas involved in gathering, describing, and analyzing observational and experimental data. Experimental design, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, probabilistic models, sampling, and statistical inference. prereq: Math ACT 21 or higher or a grade of at least C- in MATH 0103 or department approval
STAT 2411 - Statistical Methods (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, elementary probability, sampling distributions, estimations, confidence intervals, one-sample and two-sample t-test. prereq: Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1005 or higher or department approval
STAT 3611 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic probability, including combinatorial methods, random variables, mathematical expectation. Binomial, normal, and other standard distributions. Moment-generating functions. Basic statistics, including descriptive statistics and sampling distributions. Estimation and statistical hypothesis testing. prereq: A grade of at least C- in Math 1290 or Math 1296
WRIT 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of mathematics and life and physical sciences. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. prereq: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress