Biology Department Minors
Biology Minor
PEAKS | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |
Minor Requirments (17-20 credits):
- BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-220 Organismal Biology (4 cr)
- BIO-221 Population and Ecosystem Biology (4 cr)
or
BIO-330 Cell Biology (4 cr) - At least 2 additional biology courses that are at 200-, 300-, or 400-level with at least one being numbered 300 or above
- One college-level math course is required in this minor. Students planning to take BIO-221 Population and Ecosystem Biology should take MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr) since it is a pre-requisite for that course. Students planning to take BIO-330 Cell Biology may take MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr) or MAT-212 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 cr), MAT-149 Pre-Calculus (4 cr), or any higher level math course.
Students who wish to certify to teach biology as a second teaching field must complete 20 credits of biology including this minor. In such a case, this minor should include:
- BIO-221 Population and Ecosystem Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-260 Diversity of Life & Laboratory (2 cr)
- one 300-level plant or animal systematics course (see Biology Department for details.)
Students must also complete the requirements of a first teaching field (major) in another content area that is a state approved College of Idaho program, and the education minor in the Professional PEAK in preparation for the internship year. Please check with the Education Department for specifics.
Student learning outcomes
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving in sciences
- Written communication skills
- Understanding of core biological principles
- Understanding the nature and methodologies of science
Health Professions Studies Minor
PEAKS | Professional Studies & Enhancements |
The Health Professions Studies Minor prepares students for entry into a variety of Health Professions programs. Several tracks are offered; thus, students may choose the track that fits most closely with their professional goals.
Minor Core Requirements (12 credits):
This minor requires the following core of courses in addition to the specific courses listed for each track:
- BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-220 Organismal Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-141 General Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
Minor Tracks:
Although requirements for school admission are similar for most schools, there are some important differences. Thus, the student should check specific requirements for prospective schools.
Pre-Med Track
The track includes 31-36 credits as follows:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory
or
CHE-412 Biochemistry & Laboratory (3-4 cr) - BIO-304 Human Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
BIO-374 Animal Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr) - BIO-330 Cell Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
BIO-316 Genetics (3 cr) - PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - PHY-232 General Physics II & Laboratory
or
PHY 272 Analytical Physics II & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
or
MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr) - Research or internship (2 cr)
Pre-Dental Track
The track includes 31-36 credits as follows:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory
or
CHE-412 Biochemistry & Laboratory (3-4 cr) - Two of the following:
- PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - PHY-232 General Physics II & Laboratory
or
PHY 272 Analytical Physics II & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
or
MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr) - Research or internship (2 cr)
Pre-Veterinary Track
The minor includes 27-30 credits as follows:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-412 Biochemistry (3 cr)
- At least two of the following:
- PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
or
MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr) - Research or internship (2 cr)
Pre-Optometry Track
The track includes 37-40 credits as follows:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory
or
CHE-412 Biochemistry & Laboratory (3-4 cr) - BIO-303 Human Anatomy & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-304 Human Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-360 Microbiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - PHY-232 General Physics II & Laboratory
or
PHY 272 Analytical Physics II & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
- Research or internship (2 cr)
Pre-Physician Assistant Track
The track includes 25 credits as follows:
Pre-Pharmacy Track
The track includes 35-37 credits as follows:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- CHE-412 Biochemistry & Laboratory (3-4 cr)
- BIO-303 Human Anatomy & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-304 Human Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-360 Microbiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
- Research or internship (2 cr)
Pre-Physical Therapy Track
The track consists of 38-40 credits as follows:
- CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-303 Human Anatomy & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-304 Human Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - PHY-232 General Physics II & Laboratory
or
PHY 272 Analytical Physics II & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
- PSY-100 General Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY-204 The Psychology of Child Development (3 cr)
- ATH-101 Cultural Anthropology (3 cr)
or
SOC-100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) - KIN-343 Physiology of Exercise & Laboratory (4 cr)
- Research or internship (2 cr)
Pre-Occupational Therapy Track
The track consists of 30-31 credits as follows:
- BIO-303 Human Anatomy & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-304 Human Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-360 Microbiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- PHY-231 General Physics I & Laboratory (4 cr)
or
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I & Laboratory (5 cr) - MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
- ATH-101 Cultural Anthropology (3 cr)
- PSY-204 The Psychology of Child Development (3 cr)
or
PSY-205 The Psychology of Adolescent Development (3 cr) - PSY-404 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
- Research or internship (2 cr)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will complete pre-requisite courses for graduate/professional program of interest.
- Students will gain research or internship experience in their area of professional interest, further preparing them for a professional program in the field.
- Students will have a grounding in the biological and physical sciences.
Human Biology Minor
PEAKS | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |
The Human Biology minor is designed for students desiring to better understand human biology.
Minor Requirements:
- One Math course (excluding MAT-105 and MAT-221)
- Twelve credits from among the following to include at least two BIO courses, and to include at least one laboratory course:
- BIO-102 Biology of Human Disease & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-104 Introduction to Human Anatomy (3 cr)
- BIO-105 Introduction to Exercise Physiology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-108 Human Genetics (3 cr)
- BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-129 Murder, Medicine, and Magic (3-4 cr)
- BIO-199T.2 Biology of Reproduction
- CHE-124 Forensic Science & Laboratory (3 cr)
- KIN-317 Drug Use and Abuse (3 cr)
- KIN-318 Nutrition (3 cr)
- KIN-319 Mechanical Analysis of Sport (3 cr)
- PSY-330 Introduction to Neuropsychology (3 cr)
Student learning outcomes
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving in sciences
- Written communication skills
- Understanding the biological basis of human wellness and disease
Technical and Analytical Skills in the Natural Sciences Minor
PEAKS | Professional Studies & Enhancements |
The Technical & Analytical Skills minor consists of 20 - 22 credits and a suite of courses that emphasize technical and analytical skills (statistics, computer applications and programming, Geographic Information Systems, Web management. course-specific laboratory techniques) in the Natural Sciences. The minor is designed for all students who plan to enter technical fields or graduate programs in the Natural Sciences. The minor is NOT recommended for students planning to enter professional school (medical, dental, etc.).
Minor Requirements (20-22 credits):
- Two laboratory courses in the Natural Sciences.
- MAT-212 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- Two courses chosen from the following:
- Two courses chosen from the following:
Student Learning Outcomes
- Computer-based skills (software applications and/or computer programming)
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Analytical Reasoning
- Communication skills
- Understanding of the scientific method
Associated Minors
Natural Sciences Minor
PEAKS | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |
The Natural Science Minor provides opportunities for students to sample widely among the natural sciences to gain knowledge of both physical and life sciences. Because much of our understanding of the natural world is framed quantitatively, the study of mathematics is included. In addition to studying how natural science is a way of knowing, students include coursework involving the relationship of science to other forms of knowledge, culture, or society.
Minor Requirements (13 credits):
A total of at least 13 credits to include at least one lab course and the following:
- One (1) of the following courses.
- MAT-111 Contemporary Mathematics (3 cr)
- MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
- MAT-149 Pre-Calculus (4 cr)
or
a higher level math course (excluding MAT-221 / MAT-222 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I & II)
- At least 3 credits in physical sciences, selected from among:
- At least 3 credits in life sciences, selected from among:
- BIO-102 Human Disease & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-104 Introduction to Human Anatomy (3 cr)
- BIO-108 Human Genetics (3 cr)
- BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-129 Murder, Medicine, and Magic (3-4 cr)
- BIO-140 Idaho Natural History & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-199T.1 Life of Birds & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-109 Biology of Reproduction (3-4 cr)
- CHE-124 Forensic Science & Laboratory (3 cr)
- ENV-260 Environmental Science II & Laboratory (4 cr)
- At least one course that emphasizes relationships between science and knowledge, culture, or society:
- ENV-200 Nature and Culture (3 cr)
- ATH-309 Cross Cultural Approaches to the Environment (3 cr)
- REL-251.1 Theology and the Sciences (3 cr)
- PHI-202.3 Bioethics (3 cr)
- PHI-340 Environmental Philosophy (3 cr)
- ENG-299T.9 Visions of Environment (3 cr)
- POE-339 Environmental Policy Analysis (3 cr)
- POE-389 Ecological Economics (3 cr)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Quantitative and Qualitative Problem Solving
- Written Communication
- Sharpen student understanding of the methodology and limits of science
- Increase student scientific literacy in both the physical and life sciences
- Apply scientific knowledge in the broader context of the liberal arts