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Biological Sciences ,Minor

Biological Sciences, Minor

Academic programs / Undergraduate minors and certificates / Biological Sciences

Ecology, Environment, History of Science, Organisms, Research, cells, life sciences

Are you captivated by the variety and wonder of life around us? Are you curious about how organisms grow, interact and affect each other? Dive in and build a strong foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will complement your major area of study and help launch your career.
Description ▲

The minor program in biological sciences offers students a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to their interests.

Students explore the study of all living things and examine basic organization of life, how organisms evolve, the role of organisms in the natural environment, how hereditary information is transferred, and the development of biotechnology.

At a glance ▲

Curriculum ▲
View curriculum archives
Requirement Minimum Grade Credit Hours
The minor in biological sciences requires a minimum of 24 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper division. At least six of the upper-division credit hours must be from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Core Minor Requirements
BIO 181: General Biology I (SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 4
BIO 182: General Biology II (SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 4
BIO 340: General Genetics or MBB 347: Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins
4 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 4
BIO 345: Evolution or MIC 220: Biology of Microorganisms AND MIC 206: Microbiology Laboratory (SCIT)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
Electives
Upper Division BIO Elective or Upper Division MBB Elective or Upper Division MIC Elective
9 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 9
A maximum of three credits of undergraduate research or internship (BIO 484 or MBB 484 or MIC 484 OR BIO 495 or MBB 495 or MIC 495) will be allowed in the minor.
Notes
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment requirements ▲

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BS in biological sciences (all concentrations); BS in microbiology (all concentrations); BS in molecular biosciences and biotechnology; BS in medical studies; BS in neuroscience; BS in nutrition; BS in public health

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit after the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major or the minor program. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor.
Attend online▲
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities▲

A minor in biological sciences enables students to develop additional competencies that complement the knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors. Graduates with this minor are prepared with critical thinking and valuable problem-solving skills, and the introduction to the processes of research and scientific discovery they receive in the program help them as they pursue a variety of careers, such as biologist, biological technician, medical and clinical laboratory technologist, zoologist, geneticist and educator.
Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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