Biological Sciences (Minor)
The minor in biological sciences requires a minimum of 18 credits of study in the biological sciences. To enter the Biological Sciences sequence, students must have completed the two-semester sequence of Introductory Biology (BIOS 10171/BIOS 11173 and BIOS 10172/BIOS 11174).
Additional Coursework
Students must take at least one course in two of the four core Biological Science disciplines: Genetics, Evolution, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Ecology & Environment. In addition, they must take one BIOS elective at the 30000 or 40000 level. Completion of two courses provides the student an opportunity to begin focusing within the breadth of biology and prepares them for 3/4000-level biology electives relevant to their interests. Alternatively, students with a broad interest in biology may complete an additional core course to satisfy the upper-level elective requirement. This flexibility encourages students to develop a curriculum suited to their interests and career goals. Students are also required to enroll in one additional credit of laboratory course. A combination of upper-division biological science laboratory courses and seminars can be considered for a replacement of up to three credits of the required additional coursework with departmental pre-approval.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core I: Genetics | ||
| Classical and Molecular Genetics | ||
| Fundamentals of Genetics | ||
| Core II: Evolution | ||
| Evolution | ||
| The History of Life | ||
| Core III: Cell Biology & Physiology | ||
| Molecular Cellular Biology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Neuroscience and Behavior | ||
| Cellular Neurobiology: Stem Cell to Disease | ||
| Vertebrate (Human) Physiology | ||
| Core IV: Ecology & Environment | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Aquatic Ecology | ||
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Laboratory Courses | ||
| Classical and Molecular Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Fundamental Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Practical Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Cell Biology Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Microbiology Lab | ||
| Arthropods and Human Disease Lab | ||
| Aquatic Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Medical and Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory | ||
| Mammalogy Laboratory | ||
Program Restrictions
- Following the College of Science policy, at least 50% of the courses for the minor must be unique (not double counted at the major, college, or university level).
- All courses for the minor must be taken at Notre Dame or through a Notre Dame-approved study abroad program.
- Students must also maintain a 2.50 minimum GPA in their minor courses.
- The following majors will be unable to take the minor in Biological Sciences: all majors in the College of Sciences, Neuroscience and Behavior and Arts and Letters Pre-Health majors in the College of Arts and Letters.