2023-2024

Biology, Minor

Department of Biological Sciences

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This minor is a natural companion to careers in chemistry, psychology, environmental studies, genetics, science education, or perhaps even computer science and engineering. Students in other fields, including marketing, government, politics, or law, will find that biology coursework encourages critical thinking and observation skills as well as providing rich content.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA 2.0

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to communicate scientific information in written and oral form.
  • Students will be able to understand the basic paradigm of scientific inquiry as it relates to biological problems.
  • Students will be able to describe fundamental principles of biology e.g., the theory of evolution, the central dogma, diversity of life, and inheritance. 
  • Students will develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary role of biological science as applied to their major field.

Minor Requirements

    • Select additional biology courses which may include up to 3 units of BIO 300 (repeated with different topics) (5-8 units).

      Please note that you may not use BIO 100, BIO 100L, BIO 310, or any BIO recitation (R) courses toward this minor.

      At least 6 units must be taken at NAU.

  • Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.