ADVISING HELP: Questions about the Biology Minor? See Biology Minor Requirements and contact BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu to ask questions and to make an appointment with an advisor.
mINOR IN BIOLOGY (21-22 credit hours)
Are you interested in learning about the world around you? The Biology Department at Northeastern Illinois University can give you the tools to ask and answer those pressing questions that interest you. Biology is the study of living organisms (bacteria, protozoans, fungi, algae, plants and animals); our students have the opportunity to learn about these organisms at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological levels.
Why choose the Biology Department at Northeastern Illinois University?
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You will engage directly with faculty in a small classroom or laboratory setting.
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You will practice relevant laboratory techniques, using updated equipment in renovated labs, through our intensive laboratory-based curriculum.
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You can use those lab skills, gained in the classroom, to take on a research project with our faculty in a wide range of specializations.
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You can customize your education to meet your career objectives through our flexible curriculum.
The Biology Minor requires that students take General Biology I (BIO 201), General Biology II (BIO 202), Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250), and three biology elective courses, at least two of which must include a laboratory component. Students may choose electives to fit their particular interests within Biology and to prepare for specific careers of interest.
A maximum of 3 biology courses can be transferred toward the Minor in Biology. Only 2 of those transferred courses can be applied to satisfy the biology electives. At least 9 credits toward the Minor must be completed at NEIU.
Advising resources
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In addition to being assigned a biology advisor, we offer daily walk-in and virtual advising. Gain advice about recommended elective courses appropriate for your particular career goals. Please email BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu to obtain the advising schedule.
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Interested in pursuing professional training in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, or other health-related professions? Students can meet with the Director of Pre-Professional Advising, David Nissim-Sabat (d-nissimsabat@neiu.edu) to receive guidance on recommended courses, graduate-school test preparation, and the application process.
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At the Student Center for Science Engagement, you may gain additional advice about careers, graduate studies, internships, and research opportunities. Visit them in BBH-235 or contact scse@neiu.edu.
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For information about earning a license to teach biology at the high-school level, contact Vanessa King, v-king@neiu.edu, or Katy Smith, k-smith1@neiu.edu, in the Goodwin College of Education.
The Department of Biology values the different lived experiences of our students, faculty, and staff. Diversity of thoughts, opinions, and backgrounds enhances learning, teaching, and discovery in the classroom, laboratory, and community. We work to create a sense of inclusivity through collaborative learning environments that allow students to work together to collect, analyze, and interpret data, as well as promote student interactions and discussions centered around those data.
As biologists, we recognize our responsibility as stewards of the natural environment, caretakers of human health, and innovators in the ethical development and equitable distribution of resources and knowledge. We empower students to relate the biological topics they are learning to pressing societal issues such as health care inequities and the impacts of climate change. By incorporating modern, cutting-edge technologies and research advances into our laboratory classes, we equip students with the tools they need to achieve excellence in their careers.
ADVISING HELP: Questions about the Biology Minor? See Biology Minor Requirements and contact BiologyAdvising@neiu.edu to ask questions and to make an appointment with an advisor.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
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Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
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Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Required courses for the Biology Minor
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-201 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIO-202 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIO-250 | Essential Skills For Biologists | 2 |
| Three elective courses in Biology must also be taken, at least two of which must have a laboratory component | 11-12 | |
| Total Hours | 21-22 | |