About This Program
Biology has long been recognized as basic to environment, agriculture, and medicine. Because the topics studied by biologists range from sub-cellular 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 provides majors with the necessary background to pursue careers in the diverse areas of life science, including health care professions, and the many careers that provide the interface between science and society.
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology is designed to provide the breadth and depth of knowledge required for entering human health care professions including nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant and the diverse array of health care technician programs. The core courses in biology, chemistry, and math provide a strong foundation for more specialized upper division coursework. You will complete your degree with upper division electives from the life, physical, social sciences, and humanities to focus your degree towards your goals.
The Life Sciences sub-plan is for students whose educational and career objectives can best be met by integrating a strong biology background with courses from multiple departments in order to complete a second major or minor outside the Swenson College of Science and Engineering.
The Biodiversity, Conservation, and Sustainability sub-plan is designed for students interested in research, policy, or advocacy focused on global issues such as climate change and environmental protection.
The Medical Laboratory Sciences sub-plan is implemented in coordination with a Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program on the UMTC campus. If you complete the Biology B.A. 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 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
- 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
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
- City of Rochester, Police Department
- UW-Madison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
- State of MN, Dept of Health
- Lake Superior Zoo
- Great Lakes Aquarium
- State of MN, Dept of Natural Resources
- US Dept of Agriculture, Soils Lab
- UMD, Land Lab
- UMD, Large Lakes Observatory
- UMD MN Sea Grant
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.