Biology Department Major
Required for a major:
Plan I (non-teaching): Minimum of 28 credits in biology, including Principles of Biology (Bio 151 and 152); 20 hours in biology numbered above 200 to include 12 hours in biology lab courses and four hours in a biology course numbered 300-368; Chemistry 151 and 152, or Chem 201; and any two courses (four hours each) from the list below. No courses numbered 185 may be used to fulfill the major. No more than 4 hours from biology courses above 370 can be applied toward the major.
Chemistry: |
202 or higher |
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|---|---|---|
| Physics: | 151 or higher |
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| Math: | 130 or higher | |
Computer Science |
125 or higher |
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| Environmental Studies: | 134, 140 or 320 |
Plan II (teaching) Same as the major requirements in Plan 1 except that the 20 hours in biology numbered above 200 must include one course from each of the three categories listed below. You should contact the education department for secondary education minor requirements.
Affiliated programs are available in forestry and environmental management, clinical laboratory science, cytotechnology, and nuclear medicine technology. These programs are also described in brochures available from the biology department and the admissions office and on the department home page. Transfer students must complete at least four biology courses (16 credits ) at Luther. See education department for secondary education minor requirements.
Required for a minor: A minimum of 20 hours in biology, including 151 and 152, and 12 hours in biology courses numbered above 200.)
Click here for a list of courses offered by the Biology Department
Career planning and opportunities for biology majors
The biology department offers courses that introduce students to field and laboratory techniques, experimental design and statistical analysis. Students can chose from this array of courses to develop knowledge and skills that will prepare them for graduate programs (M.S., Ph.D.) in fields as diverse as conservation biology, forestry, virology, cell biology or physiology. The major is also strong preparation for employment in biology-related positions , such as teaching and work in conservation, nature centers, government agencies, pharmaceutical research and sales, and basic and applied research.
Biology is a common choice of major for students planning to enter health-related professions, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, podiatry and veterinary medicine. These careers require further education in professional schools and typically have course requirements for admission in addition to those required for the biology major. Students should consult with their advisors to ensure completion of appropriate courses.
Students can also prepare for laboratory technology careers in clinical lab science, nuclear medicine technology or cytotechnology. For these programs students can complete the necessary Luther coursework in three years, after which they move to an affiliated hospital to spend their fourth year in clinical preparatory courses. Upon completion of the clinical year, students receive their degree from Luther and take board exams to become certified.
Biology faculty serve as academic advisors and work closely with students on their curricular choices – including social sciences and humanities along with natural sciences – to prepare the student for his/her career choice. Because there is significant overlap in the preparation for any of these options, students enjoy considerable flexibility in their curricular choices. Students are encouraged to seek advice early and often from faculty whose teaching and research expertise align with their own interests.
Revised June 2009