Biology (Minor)

Biology (Minor)
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What is biology?

Biology is the study of living organisms, including microbes, plants and animals, and the way in which they interact with one another and their environment. The biology minor will give you an introduction to subjects such as evolution, biodiversity, ecology, and molecular and cellular biology in animals,plants and fungi. Combine your studies with a major such as education, healthcare, news media, business or environmental studies to prepare for jobs in a wide range of competitive fields or further study in graduate, medical or veterinary schools,or work for news reporting and media.

Why study biology at UNH?

Our biology program combines a challenging laboratory curriculum and engaging fieldwork with courses that capture the diversity of nature’s biological systems. UNH’s state-of-the-art facilities and location close to the New Hampshire Seacoast, Lakes Region and White Mountain National Forest provide a wide range of dynamic, hands-on research opportunities. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with faculty in both the classroom and laboratory.

Potential career areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Education (teaching, research and outreach)
  • Environmental conservation
  • Environmental consultation
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Research
  • Science writing, news media or broadcasting
  • State and federal agencies
Contact
Contact
  • Assistant Professor Easton White
    From First-Gen College Student to Accomplished Scientist and Professor
    Easton White is an assistant professor in COLSA’s department of biological sciences, and he runs the Quantitative Marine Ecology Lab.
    Learn More
  • UNH student Diya Anand '21
    Doing Her Part to Keep UNH Community Safe
    Diya Anand is a biology major who plans to apply to medical school. She is from Andover, Mass.
    Learn More
  • UNH alum Alex Nardone '14
    Alumnus Reflects on UNH’s Role in His Success
    Alexander Nardone is heading to the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland following four years in Japan as an assistant language teacher for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program.
    Learn More
  • UNH Thompson Hall
    Dept. Faculty Offer Cheers and Good Wishes
    The Department of Biological Sciences wants to make sure all its 2020 graduates know that the faculty are thinking of them as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to what's next.
    Learn More
  • UNH Professor Bonnie Brown Graduates from LEAD21
    Bonnie Brown, Amy Papineau Graduate from LEAD21
    Bonnie Brown and Amy Papineau were among the 90 professionals from the nation's land-grant system who recently completed the LEAD21 leadership development program.
    Learn More

Curriculum & Requirements

The Biology Minor is designed to give students a broad background in basic biological understanding of life processes, while providing experiences in ecology, evolution, and organismal diversity. Five courses are required for completion of the minor, of which no more than two can overlap with major requirements.

Required Courses
BIOL 411Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular4
BIOL 412Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology4
BIOL 541WEcology4
or ZOOL 690 Evolution
Select two courses in organismal surveys from the below: 1
Animal Survey: Select one course4-5
MEFB 628
Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology
ZOOL 542
Ornithology
ZOOL 710
Sharks and Bony Fishes
NR 712
Mammalogy
Plant or Fungus Survey: Select one course4
Plant Survey Course:
BIOL 566
Systematic Botany
Fungus Survey Course:
BIOL 752
New England Mushrooms: a Field and Lab Exploration
1

One course must focus on animals, and the other on plants or fungi.

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