biology students working with plants on und coulee

Biology (B.S.)

Explore the science of living things through well-rounded coursework and hands-on research.

A degree in Biology from UND gives you the foundational knowledge and skills to thrive in any career. Our flexible options allow you to customize your major in anything from wildlife to pre-health.

Program Snapshot
Program type:
Major
Format:
On-campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120 (major), 20 (minor)

Why Study Biology at UND?

The biological sciences will play an increasingly important role in coming years, as society grapples with global issues such as overpopulation and climate change. With a Biology major from UND, you'll gain:

  • An understanding of modern research techniques
  • Critical-thinking skills
  • A strong understanding of essential biological concepts
  • Quantitative reasoning ability
  • Broad exposure to all levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems

Customize Your Biology Major

  1. The B.S. with Major in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology prepares students for careers in state, private and federal fisheries and wildlife or conservation organizations. 
  2. The B.S. with Major in Biology (General Option) allows students to customize the program of study to their own needs including allowing for semesters with internships or study abroad.
  3. The B.S. with Major in Molecular and Integrative Biology with the Basic Life Science provides a strong foundation for students planning to continue their studies in medical science, graduate or professional programs. 
  4. The B.S. with Major in Molecular and Integrative Biology with the Enhanced Applied Life Science is for students interested in pursuing technical positions or further training in applied health science and biotechnology. 
  5. The B.S. with Major in Biology (Professional Health Sciences Emphasis, Pre-Health) is designed for students interested in medicine or allied medical fields.

Compare Four Year Plans

Biology Highlights

  • Build strong research and communication skills by participating in interactive classes and graduate and faculty research projects.

  • Engage in independent studies under direct faculty supervision.

  • Work in state-of-the-art facilities including three greenhouses, animal rooms for terrestrial and aquatic organisms, tissue culture facilities, a biology core molecular facility and three field stations.

  • Participate in internships or experiential learning supported by local and national programs such as the McNair and REFUNDU programs, the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) and the National Institutes of Health Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (NIH-SURF).

  • You'll have the opportunity to tailor your coursework to your primary areas of research, whether it's conservation biology, grassland ecology, or study of animals and their parasites.

Biology Careers

 
61K
Median annual salary for conservation scientists*
11%
Anticipated job growth for environmental scientists**

 

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wildlife Biologists

**U.S. Bureau of Labors Statistics: Environmental Scientists

 

UND Biology graduates have built rewarding careers in a wide range of industries, including:

  • Biotechnology
  • Conservation biology/ecology
  • Education (secondary and higher education)
  • Health sciences
  • Medical laboratory research
  • Medicine
  • Natural resource management
  • Scientific research
  • Secondary school teaching
  • Veterinary medicine

UND Biology Alumni

Biology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • University of Minnesota
  • Altru Health System
  • Northland Community & Technical College
  • Sanford Health
  • Abbott Laboratories

Biology Course Options

 

BIOL 341. Cell Biology. 3 Credits.

Description of processes common to life at the cellular level including: biochemical and structural organization, membrane function, motility, signal transduction, growth, division and genetic regulation of the cell. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 122. S.

BIOL 312. Evolution. 3 Credits.

A study of the processes that have led from the origin of life to the diverse patterns and forms of life observable today. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. S.

BIOL 364. Parasitology. 2 Credits.

Classification, structure, functions, and life-cycles of parasites having importance to human, wildlife and veterinary health. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L. F, odd years.

BIOL 410. Molecular Biology Techniques. 4 Credits.

Applications of DNA and RNA analysis and recombinant DNA technologies, emphasizing practical experience in the laboratory. This class will meet twice a week for 50 minutes in the classroom, and students will be expected to work approximately 4-6 hours a week in the lab during open lab times. Counts as an upper-division laboratory course. Prerequisite: BIOL 315 is recommended. F,S.

BIOL 332. General Ecology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to ecology. Covers the relationship of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems to their biotic and abiotic environments. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 336. Systematic Botany. 4 Credits.

Morphology, evolution, and classification of vascular plants with emphasis on the flora of the Great Plains. Counts as an upper-division laboratory course. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or permission of instructor. F, even years.

  

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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