Ecology

Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. The option consists of fundamental courses in biology and related sciences, mid-level study in genetics, evolution, and statistics, and an array of upper-division electives that emphasize fieldwork, data analysis, and writing. Many students collaborate with faculty in their research or conduct independent research projects. Career titles available with this option include ecologist, naturalist, wildlife biologist, natural resource manager, first biologist, marine biologist, conservational training or graduate school.

Emphasis Common Core (choose 38 credits)

BIOL 105 General Biology I (4)
BIOL 106 General Biology II (4)
BIOL 211 Genetics (4)
CHEM 201 General Chemistry I (5)
ENG 271W Technical Writing (4)
BIOL 215 General Ecology (4)
BIOL 301 Evolution (2)
BIOL 408 Vertebrate Ecology (4)
BIOL 443 Plant Ecology (4)
HLTH 475 Biostatistics (3)

Chemistry Requirement (choose 5 credits)

CHEM 111 Chemistry of Life Processes (5)
CHEM 202 General Chemistry II (5)

Emphasis Required General Education Courses

Physics
PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I (4)
Math (choose 3-4 credits)
MATH 113 Trigonometry (3)
MATH 115 Precalculus Mathematics (4)

Emphasis Restricted Electives: Physiology Requirement (COMPLETE ONE GROUP)

Animal Group

BIOL 330 Animal Physiology (4)
BIOL 316 Animal Diversity (3)
BIOL 431 Comparative Animal Physiology (3)

Microbiology Group

Microbial Physiology
BIOL 270 Microbiology (4)
BIOL 476 Microbial Physiology and Genetics (5)

Plant Group

Plant Physiology
BIOL 217 Plant Science (4)
BIOL 441 Plant Physiology (4)

Emphasis Unrestricted Electives

Choose courses to total 40 credits in biology. Courses other than those listed are allowed with consent of your advisor. A limit of 4 total credits is allowed from BIOL 492, BIOL 497, and BIOL 499 combined.

BIOL 320 Cell Biology (4)
BIOL 404 Wetlands (4)
BIOL 405 Fisheries Biology (3)
BIOL 409 Advanced Field Ecology (4)
BIOL 410 Global Change Biology (3)
BIOL 412 Soil Ecology (4)
BIOL 431Comparative Animal Physiology (3)
BIOL 432 Lake Ecology (4)
BIOL 436 Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL 441 Plant Physiology (4)
BIOL 442 Flora of Minnesota (4)
BIOL 460 Introduction to Toxicology (3)
BIOL 472 Microbial Ecology and Bioremediation (4)
BIOL 479 Molecular Biology (4)
BIOL 492 Honors Research (1-3)
BIOL 497 Internship I (1-12)
BIOL 499 Individual Study (1-4)