Biology Minor
The minor in Biology offers students an opportunity to explore fundamental concepts in the biological sciences, providing a solid foundation for those interested in diverse fields such as healthcare, research, environmental science and more. Through a combination of core courses and additional biology electives, students gain a comprehensive understanding of molecular and cellular biology, organismal diversity and genetics.
Curriculum
- Molecular and Cell Basis of Life (four credit hours) introduces students to the fundamental principles of molecular biology and cellular structure and function.
- Organismal Adaptation and Diversity (four credit hours) explores the diversity of life on Earth, focusing on organismal structure, physiology and ecological adaptations.
- Genetics (four credit hours) delves into the principles of inheritance, gene expression and genetic variation.
Additionally, students complete six additional credit hours of biology elective courses to further explore specialized topics or areas of interest within the field.
To fulfill prerequisites, students must have completed one semester of general Chemistry and one semester of Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics recommended), ensuring a strong foundation in essential scientific principles.
Overall, the minor in Biology provides a comprehensive and flexible pathway for students to supplement their primary area of study with a deeper understanding of biological sciences, preparing them for a variety of career paths and further academic pursuits.
For more information about the curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
Chemistry Minor
The minor in Chemistry offers students the opportunity to delve into the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry, providing a solid foundation for those interested in fields such as healthcare, environmental science, materials science and more. Through a combination of core courses and elective options, students gain a comprehensive understanding of chemical concepts and laboratory techniques.
Curriculum
Students begin with General Chemistry, covering essential topics in chemical principles, atomic structure, chemical reactions and stoichiometry. These courses serve as prerequisites for further coursework in the minor.
For the elective component of the minor, students choose three courses from a selection of upper-level chemistry courses, totaling 11-12 credit hours. These courses offer in-depth exploration of specialized areas within chemistry, such as organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, physical chemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry and biochemistry.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of chemical concepts while allowing flexibility for exploration and specialization based on individual interests and career goals. With a total of 19-20 credit hours required for completion, the minor in Chemistry equips students with valuable knowledge and skills applicable to a variety of scientific and professional fields.
For more information about the curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
Environmental Biology Minor
The Environmental Biology minor provides students with a foundational understanding of how organisms interact with each other and their physical surroundings, as well as the environmental challenges facing society today. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students gain the scientific knowledge and analytical skills needed to evaluate sustainable solutions.
Curriculum
The Environmental Biology minor combines coursework in biology and geology to provide a broad foundation in the study of living organisms and their environments. Electives in biodiversity, ecosystems and research methods allow students to tailor the program to their interests while preparing for graduate studies or careers in education, conservation, research and related fields.
For more information about the curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
Environmental Chemistry Minor
The Environmental Chemistry minor provides students with a foundational understanding of the chemical processes that shape the natural world and influence environmental health. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students develop the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to address environmental challenges.
Curriculum
The Environmental Chemistry minor combines coursework in geology, general chemistry and environmental science to provide a broad foundation in the chemical processes that affect Earth’s air, water and soil. Electives in biology, research methods and ecosystems allow students to tailor the program to their interests while preparing for graduate studies or careers in education, conservation, environmental compliance, research and related fields.
For more information about the curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
Environmental Studies Minor
The Environmental Studies minor is designed for non-science majors who want to better understand the complex relationship between people and the natural world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students examine environmental challenges from multiple perspectives while developing the skills needed to evaluate potential solutions.
Curriculum
The Environmental Studies minor combines coursework in biology, geology, chemistry and philosophy to provide a broad foundation in environmental science, scientific inquiry and ethical decision-making. Electives in history, economics, sociology and political science allow students to tailor the program to their interests while preparing for graduate studies or careers in environmental advocacy, public policy, law and related fields.
For more information about the curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
Geology Minor
The minor in Geology offers students an immersive exploration of Earth's dynamic processes, geological history and natural resources, providing a foundational understanding for those interested in careers related to environmental science, resource management, geotechnical engineering and more. Through a combination of core courses and elective options, students gain insight into the complex interactions shaping our planet and develop practical skills in geological analysis and interpretation.
Curriculum
Students begin with GEOL 101, Physical Geology, which introduces the fundamental principles of geology, including Earth materials, plate tectonics and geological processes. This course serves as a prerequisite for further coursework in the minor.
Building upon this foundation, GEOL 102 explores Earth's geological history and evolution through topics such as stratigraphy, paleontology and geological time scales.
GEOL 311 delves into the study of minerals, focusing on their identification, classification, and formation processes, providing students with a deeper understanding of Earth's mineralogical diversity.
To complete the minor, students select geology electives at the 200-level or above, excluding GEOL 209, totaling eight credit hours. These elective courses offer opportunities for specialization in areas such as structural geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology or petroleum geology, allowing students to tailor their education to align with their specific interests and career goals.
With a total of 20 credit hours required for completion, the minor in Geology equips students with valuable knowledge and skills applicable to a variety of scientific, environmental and engineering fields, preparing them for meaningful contributions to the understanding and stewardship of our planet.
For more information about the curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
