What is biological sciences?
Biology is the study of life, exploring how living organisms from microbes to animals to ecosystems interact with one another and the environment. The biological sciences program builds a foundation in topics like evolution, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, biodiversity and more. Biological sciences students learn foundational skills that can prepare them for careers in industries from healthcare to agriculture to education, or for further education in graduate, medical or veterinary school.
Why study biological sciences at UNH Manchester?
The minor in biological sciences introduces students to the field of biological sciences in a five-course sequence that will provide substantial education and training in scientific concepts, science communication and laboratory skills, as well as the central content areas of biology, including biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, metabolism, physiology, phylogenetics, ecology and evolution. The biological sciences minor is a valuable credential to any major, indicating a substantial additional skillset in the biosciences.
Potential careers
- Biochemist
- Biological Sciences teacher
- Dentist
- Environmental or medical scientist
- Forensic science technician
- Occupational therapist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
- Physician assistant, physician or surgeon
- Veterinarian
Curriculum & Requirements
The minor in biological sciences will introduce students to the field of biological sciences in a five-course sequence that will provide substantial education and training in scientific concepts, science communication, and laboratory skills, as well as the central content areas of biology, including biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, metabolism, physiology, phylogenetics, ecology, and evolution. Students adding the biological sciences minor will be adding a valuable credential to their major indicating a substantial additional skillset in the biosciences.
To ensure a course counts in the minor, it is required that students consult the minor coordinator, Dr. Patricia Halpin, before enrolling in the course.
The minor requires students to complete five courses (20-21 credits, depending on the courses chosen). The minimum acceptable grade in these courses is a C-, and the average grade for these courses must be a C or better.
Courses for non-majors (for example, BMS 507 Human Anatomy and Physiology I/BMS 508 Human Anatomy and Physiology II; BIOT 422 Biotechnology and Society, BSCI 410 Contemporary Health Issues, BSCI 421 Diseases of the 21st Century, BSCI 432 Medical Terminology; BIOL 520 Our Changing Planet) will not count towards the minor.
Students are advised that to take some upper-level courses; BMS 503 General Microbiology/BMS 504 General Microbiology Laboratory and GEN 604 Principles of Genetics are frequently prerequisite courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| Select one of the following | 8 | |
BIOL 411 & BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular and Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | |
BIOL 413 & BIOL 414 | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II | |
| Select one of the following | 4-5 | |
BIOL 541W | Ecology | |
BMS 503 & BMS 504 | General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | |
GEN 604 | Principles of Genetics | |
| Select two courses 1 | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 20-21 | |
- 1
Must be majors-level courses in the biological sciences