Biology Major
   
     Biology is an exciting area of science! It includes many specialty areas at both the organismal (zoology, botany) and cellular level (microbiology, molecular biology) as well as subdisciplines to encompass both (ecology). As a major area of study, biology serves the dual role of preparing students for careers in science and provides a strong scientific component for a quality liberal arts education.

     Many of us are inherently interested in biology because the science often includes references to humans. This helps motivate us to learn biological terms and concepts and encourages application of knowledge as one seeks to relate to the foundational concepts encountered in biology courses.

     Should I major in biology? If you are interested in a science-related career that requires a background in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, then biology is a good choice for you. There are hundreds of thousands of career options open to a person with a degree in biology, many of which require further education beyond the bachelor of science degree offered by St. Norbert College. See the links below for some of the possibilities.

     What are the requirements for a biology major? At St. Norbert College you have two choices within the major, a concentration in general biology or in the biomedical sciences. The General Biology Concentration is designed primarily for students who plan to 1) pursue graduate studies in biology, 2) teach biology at the secondary level of education, or 3) pursue a career which requires a bachelor’s degree. The Biomedical Sciences Concentration is designed to fully prepare students interested in pursuing health-related careers such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and others.

     When do I need to decide what my major will be? Ideally, you should make a decision about your major by the end of sophomore year as it greatly affects course choices and career/professional school preparation.

Links to Many Specific Career Descriptions
College View - What Can I Do with a Biology Major?
Biomedical Sciences Concentration
   
      Designed for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or some type of health-related profession including: medical practice, dental practice, physicians assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and veterinary medicine.
   
Required Core
BL 120 General Biology I CH 105-107 General Chemistry I & II
BL 121 General Biology II CH 220-222 Organic Chemistry I & II
BL 244 Genetics CH 211 Quantitative Analysis
  CH 350 Biochemistry
   
Six courses from the following
BL 220 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy BL 360 Medical Microbiology
BL 371 Cellular Physiology BL 365 Immunology
BL 372 Systemic Physiology BL 368 Parasitology
BL 320 Human Anatomy and Histology BL 381 Vertebrate Embryology
BL 350 Microbiology BL 382 Vertebrate Reproduction
  BL 495 Independent Study
   
Other courses that are highly recommended
MT 131  Calculus 121-122 or 111-112  Physics
DS 224  Statistics  
   
Paradigm
Year 1 Fall
Year 1 Spring
Year 2 Fall
Year 2 Spring
BL 120
BL 121
BL 220
BL 244 Genetics
CH 105
CH 107
CH 220
CH 222
Gen Ed. (En 150)
MT 131
CH 211
DS 224 Statistics or General Education
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed.
Year 3 Fall
Year 3 Spring
Year 4 Fall
Year 4 Spring
BL 371
BL 372
BL 350
BL 320
PY 121/111
PY 122/112
CH 350
Elective
BL Elective
BL Elective
Gen Ed
Gen Ed
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed
Elective
Elective
   
Organismal Biology Concentration
   
      Designed primarily for students who plan to 1) pursue graduate studies in biology, 2) teach biology at the secondary level of education, or 3) pursue a career which requires a bachelor’s degree.
   
Required Core
BL 120 General Biology I CH 105-107 General Chemistry I & II
BL 121 General Biology II CH 216 or 220 Organic Chemistry
BL 244 Genetics BL 228 Ecology
BL 201 Botany  
   
Five electives in biology at the level of 150 or above.
   
Other courses that are highly recommended
MT 131  Calculus 121-122 or 111-112  Physics
DS 224  Statistics Computer Sciences Course
   
Paradigm
Year 1 Fall
Year 1 Spring
Year 2 Fall
Year 2 Spring
BL 120
BL 121
BL 201 or
BL 228 Botany
or Ecology
BL 244
CH 105
CH 107
CH 220
CH 222
MT 131 or
MT 115
DS 224 Statistics or General Education
BL 220 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or
other upper level biology course
DS 224 Statistics or General Education
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed.
Gen Ed.
       
Year 3 Fall
Year 3 Spring
Year 4 Fall
Year 4 Spring
BL 228 Ecology or
BL 201 Botany
BL Upper division
BL Upper division
BL Upper division
BL Upper division
General Education
or Elective
BL Upper division
BL Upper division
PY 121 or
PY 112 Physics I
PY 122 or
PY 113 Physics II
Gen Ed
Gen Ed
Gen Ed.
Elective
Elective

Biology Minor Academic Minor (6 courses):
BL 120-121 General Biology I & II, plus four electives numbered 150 or above.
Teaching Minor (6 courses):
BL 120-121 General Biology, Environmental science course (ES 300 fulfills the conservation requirement for the State Department of Public Institution) and three electives numbered 200 or above.