Minor in Biology

Coursework for the minor in Biology consists of two foundational courses in introductory biology followed by a highly flexible range of options in one or more specific fields, such as cell and molecular biology, neurobiology and behavior, or ecology and evolution. Students may choose to obtain greater breadth of understanding in biology, or focus on one area of particular interest. The minor serves as an excellent complement to related sciences, such as chemistry, earth & environment, physics, psychological & brain sciences, and human physiology, providing a different perspective that enhances a student’s appreciation and understanding of the material encountered in their chosen major.

The minor in Biology is an excellent stepping-stone to further education in the life sciences, which in turn may lay the groundwork for future participation in various health-related professions and other pursuits.

Requirements

A minor in Biology consists of five courses. At least three of these courses must be taken in the BU Biology Department (or be crosslisted with BI courses in CAS).

Students must receive a grade of C or higher in all five courses taken toward the minor.

Course titles and full descriptions are located in the Courses portion of this Bulletin. Unless otherwise noted, all required courses are 4 credit hours.

Required Courses

• CAS BI 107 (or CGS NS 201)
• CAS BI 108 (or BI 116)
• Three Biology electives*

Notes:

*Electives can be any 4-credit courses offered by the Biology Department, including CAS BB 522 and excluding Non-Majors Courses (see below). Many of our CAS BI 2-credit courses can be taken in combination to fulfill one elective.

Students may use advanced credit (e.g., AP credit) to satisfy the BI 107 and/or BI 108 requirement as long as at least three of the courses used for the minor are taken in the BU Biology Department.

Electives can include eligible courses under the Optional Programs section of the Biology major Bulletin page.

• Up to two of the three minor electives may be Nondepartmental Courses as long as at least three of the courses used for the minor are taken in the BU Biology Department.
• Up to one 4-credit semester of Undergraduate Research in Biology may be used as an elective.

Other departments’ courses, including those in some study and courses taken in study abroad programs, may fulfill electives by petition as long as at least three of the courses used for the minor are taken in the BU Biology Department.

Up to two courses may be shared between a major and a minor or between two minors (a minimum of 12 credits must be unique to the Biology minor).

Non-Majors Courses

Please note the following courses cannot be used toward the minor:

• CAS BI 105
• CAS BI 114
• CAS BI 119
• CAS BI 194
• CAS BI 196
• CAS BI 210
• CAS BI 211