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Biology BA

College of Sciences / Natural Sciences
Undergraduate major / Bachelor of Arts

About The Program

Female faculty and student in anatomy lab

Biology, the study of life, ranges from studying the simplest cells to the most complex ecosystems. Bachelor of Arts in Biology undergraduates study biology to develop an understanding of their own lives and an appreciation for their connection to the natural world. The biology major at Metro State provides students with scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, research experience, and intellectual training in analytical and quantitative reasoning.

A BA in biology degree helps open the door to a wide range of fields including health care, food science, public health, biotechnology, conservation, and natural resource management. Potential job titles for graduates include Food or Environmental Scientist, Biochemist, Biological Technician, Health Services Manager, and Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. If graduating students decide not to immediately pursue a career with their BA in biology degree, they may choose to continue on to professional and graduate programs in health care, research, and education.

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology offers students a comprehensive introduction to the biological sciences followed by advanced study in at least one area of individual interest. The program emphasizes the development of transferable liberal arts skills and includes the flexibility for students to pursue their own academic interests, studying on campus in Saint Paul, online, or in a hybrid capacity as part of their bachelor’s degree curriculum.

Metro State University offers small class sizes, an in-person, challenging and relevant lab curriculum, a beautiful modern facility, and opportunities for hands-on experience with instrumentation used in contemporary industries. Our faculty are experts in their fields and ready to work with you to achieve your goals. Metro State students can conduct research in specialized research labs on campus.

Student outcomes

Students graduating with a BA in biology degree will be able to:

  • Read, analyze, present and interpret quantitative data. This includes the ability to:
    • Read and interpret graphs
    • Choose the graph type appropriate for a given data set
    • Construct a graph from quantitative data
    • Evaluate the results of a statistical test presented in terms of sample size and p-value
  • Demonstrate competence in Cell and Molecular Biology. This includes the ability to:
    • Describe in detail the structure of DNA and the process of gene expression
    • Explain and apply the principles of genetic inheritance, mutation and DNA repair
    • Apply knowledge of cell structure to cell function
  • Demonstrate competence in Ecology and Evolution. This includes the ability to:
    • Apply the principles of Hardy-Weinberg analysis to population genetics data
    • Apply the principles of exponential growth to population data
    • Calculate and interpret species richness and an index of biodiversity from ecological community data
  • Demonstrate competence in Organismal and Physiological Biology. This includes the ability to:
    • Apply the principle of structure-function to organismal traits
    • Apply knowledge of how physiological systems can change in both short- and long-term situations, including homeostatic and pathological situations
    • Read and interpret a phylogenetic diagram
    • Create a phylogenetic diagram given a set of character data

Related Minors

Ready to Join Us?

Metro State, established in 1971, has achieved acclaim for being an innovative urban university that specializes in serving post-traditional students with diverse backgrounds. Pursuing undergraduate coursework at Metro State is for daring dreamers and doers who are determined to pursue continuing education. If that sounds like your mantra and you want to start Metro State’s BA in Biology degree program, we will support you in achieving your educational goals.

Advance Your Education

How to enroll

Current students: Declare this program

Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

Future students: Apply now

Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Biology BA now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

Get started on your Biology BA

More ways to earn your degree: Metropolitan State offers the flexibility you need to finish your degree. Through programs at our partner institutions, you can find a path to getting your Biology BA that works best for you.

About your enrollment options

Program eligibility requirements

Students expressing interest in the Biology Bachelor of Arts (BA) major when they apply for admission to the university will be assigned an academic advisor in the Natural Sciences Department and will be given premajor status.

To be eligible for acceptance to the Biology BA major, students must submit a College of Sciences Undergraduate Program Declaration Form when the following is completed:

  • Prerequisite and Premajor Foundation courses of BIOL 111 General Biology I, BIOL 112 General Biology II, CHEM 111 General Chemistry I, CHEM 112 General Chemistry II

All prerequisite and required courses must be completed with grades of C- or above. Transfer coursework equivalency is determined by the Natural Sciences Department.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the overall graduation requirements, the Bachelor of Arts Biology major requires each student complete 57 credits in the major, including 25 upper division major credits. All prerequisite and required courses must be completed with grades of C- or above. Transfer coursework equivalency is determined by the Natural Sciences Department. Each foundation science course must include at least one credit of professionally supervised laboratory experience with standard undergraduate laboratory equipment and materials. Lower-division (100- and 200-level) courses cannot be used to fulfill core or elective requirements of the major.

Major Requirements

+ Prerequisites (0 to 8 credits)

Completion of college algebra or math assessment placement above college algebra is required prior to taking premajor foundation courses. These prerequisites fulfill math GELS requirements.

Choose one

This course develops the fundamental concepts of algebra with an emphasis on the classification and analysis of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Applications to the natural and social sciences are given throughout. It aims to provide insights into the nature and utility of mathematics, and helps students develop mathematical reasoning skills.

Full course description for College Algebra

This course is designed to prepare students for calculus. Topics include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; the algebra of functions; multiple function representations; and an introduction to analytic geometry.

Full course description for Precalculus

+ Premajor Foundation (16 credits)

The first semester of the comprehensive first year course in biology. Covers the biochemistry and inner workings of cells, energy metabolism, genetics, cellular physiology, population genetics and evolutionary pattern and process. Laboratory topics include use of the microscope, biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, and evolution. Intended for students who are pursuing, or considering, the major in biology or life sciences teaching.

Full course description for General Biology I

The second semester of the comprehensive first year course in biology. Covers the evolution and diversity of life, plant biology, animal biology and ecology. Lab activities include use of the microscope, examination of organisms, and experiments in plant physiology and ecology; may include animal dissection. Intended for biology and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for General Biology II

The first semester of the comprehensive first year course in chemistry. Covers measurement, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, atomic structure, bonding, molecular structure, molecular visualization, and problem solving. Lab includes basic laboratory techniques, instrumentation, methodology, chemical analysis, and laboratory notebook procedures. The labs are also designed to engage students in critical thinking and concept building and are directly coordinated with the lecture part of the course. Intended for students who are pursuing, or considering, the biology or life sciences teaching major and/or chemistry minor, and qualified students seeking a general education science course with lab.

Full course description for General Chemistry I

The second semester of the comprehensive algebra-based first year course in chemistry. Covers acid/base theory, chemical equilibria, nuclear and electrochemistry, redox reactions, terminology, functional groups, reactivity of organic compounds and an introduction to biochemistry. Includes lab. Intended for students pursuing the biology or life sciences teaching major and/or chemistry minor.

Full course description for General Chemistry II

+ Core (27 credits)
Lower Division Core (12 credits)

This course provides a thorough major's level introduction to genetics and heredity. It will cover the fundamentals of genetic information, its transmission from parents to offspring [heredity], its phenotypic and molecular expression in cells and organisms, replication and repair of genetic material within a cell, and its population impacts. Also included are the modern techniques of genetics including: gene mapping, cloning, genome manipulation and mutation. Knowledge of species' genomes, their genes, their inheritance, and how genes impact individuals and/or populations has rapidly become an integral part of almost every aspect of biology. From public health to ecology - genetics touches all.

Full course description for Principles of Genetics

Calculus or Statistics Requirement

Choose one

This course provides an overview of the differential calculus for single and multivariable functions and an introduction to the integral calculus and differential equations, with an emphasis on applications to the natural and physical sciences. Particular topics covered in the course include limits, ordinary and partial derivatives, applications of derivatives, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, applications of definite integrals, models involving differential equations, Eulers method, equilibrium solutions.

Full course description for Applied Calculus

This course covers the basic principles and methods of statistics. It emphasizes techniques and applications in real-world problem solving and decision making. Topics include frequency distributions, measures of location and variation, probability, sampling, design of experiments, sampling distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.

Full course description for Statistics I

Physics requirement

One physics course or set of courses: either PHYS 110 Introduction to Physics or both PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 Calculus Based Physics I and II.

This is an introductory course in physics covering one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, forces, solids, fluids, heat, temperature, electricity, magnetism, waves and light. This course is focused on topics that are important in the environmental and life sciences, the development of quantitative problem-solving skills, and practical applications. Includes lab. This course meets the Physics course requirement of the Biology BA, Environmental Science BS, and Life Sciences Teaching BS programs, and the General Education Goal 3 Science requirement.

Full course description for Introduction to Physics

This is the first course of a two semester sequence covering the fundamental concepts of physics. This course covers Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, rotational motion, gravity, equilibrium and elasticity, periodic motion, fluid mechanics, temperature, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics. Laboratories emphasize application of physics concepts and quantitative problem solving skills. Intended for science majors and general education students with strong mathematical background.

Full course description for Calculus Based Physics I

This is the second course of a two semester sequence covering the fundamental concepts of physics. This course covers oscillatory motion, waves, superposition and interference of waves, diffraction, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, light, mirrors and lenses. Laboratories emphasize application of physics concepts and quantitative problem solving skills. Intended for science majors.

Full course description for Calculus Based Physics II

Upper Division Core (15 credits)

Select one course with lab in each of the three core categories

Cell and Molecular (5 credits)

Choose one (BIOL 307 and CHEM 325 with CHEM 327 are considered equivalent courses. Students will only be allowed to choose one of the offerings.)

This course covers life in terms of molecules, cells, tissues, and organs, integrating these levels of complexity and focusing on the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of biological function. Topics include membrane structure and function, trafficking of molecules, the endomembrane system signal transduction pathways, extracellular matrix, and the cell cytoskeleton. Laboratory includes descriptive histology of animal tissues. Intended for biology and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for Cell Biology

This course covers molecular biology, the study of genetic expression at the molecular level-including transcription, translation, and DNA replication emphasizing structure and function, and focusing on how molecular lab techniques elucidate the genetic mechanisms of the cell. Lab includes recombinant DNA, gel electrophoresis, PCR and sterile technique. Intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Molecular Biology

This course covers the structure of biologically important compounds (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and enzymes) and their transformations during metabolism. Topics include: enzyme kinematics, chemical reactions (acid/base, reduction/oxidation, hydrolysis, etc.), protein synthesis and regulation, use and interpretation of biochemical information, and problem-solving in biochemistry. Lab includes biochemical methods and techniques and develops skills with laboratory instruments, data collection, and scientific writing. Intended for biology and biochem majors and chemistry minors.

Full course description for Biochemistry

This course is the first of two-semester biochemistry lecture sequence and part of three lecture-lab biochemistry series. The series broadly cover the study of chemical processes in living organisms. In this course, the emphasis is on the structure and function of biomoleculesparticularly proteins and nucleic acid. Topics covered include structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides and nucleic acids; biosignaling pathways and signal transduction; biological membranes and the mechanism of protein transporters; acid-base chemistry and how it applies to enzyme mechanism; and, enzyme kinetics and coenzyme structure and function.

Full course description for Biochemistry I: Biomolecule Structure and Function

This lab course exposes students to modern techniques in biochemistry. The course is part of a year-long biochemistry series that broadly cover the study of chemical processes in living organisms. Biochemical techniques covered include bench chemistry techniques, chromatography techniques, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protein purification and characterization, protein assay techniques, and spectrophotometry. Students also carry out semester-end research project in which they apply the techniques they learned in the first part of the semester.

Full course description for Biochemistry Laboratory

Ecology and Evolutionary (5 credits)

Choose one

This course covers the science of ecology, focusing on population and community ecology, the investigation of patterns in the distribution and abundance of organisms and the processes responsible. The content and methods of modern ecological research are emphasized. Students read ecological research papers and do field investigations, experiments and computer modeling. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for Ecology

This course covers the science of evolutionary biology, including population genetics, microevolution, speciation, phylogenetics and macroevolution. The content and methods of modern research in evolutionary biology are emphasized; student read primary source scientific literature. Lab activities include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for Evolution

This course covers the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic habitats with an emphasis on the ecology of lakes in Minnesota. The content and methods of modern limnological research are emphasized. Labs focus on field and lab investigation of water bodies in the metropolitan area. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Limnology

This course covers the science of animal behavioral ecology. The content and methods of modern ecological research are emphasized. Students read research papers in the field of animal behavior and conduct field investigations, experiments and computer modeling. Many of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Behavioral Ecology

This course covers ecosystem theory, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and related global environmental topics including acid rain, greenhouse effect, climate change and mercury pollution. The content and methods of modern ecosystems research are emphasized. Lab activities may include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for biology, environmental science, and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Ecosystem and Global Ecology

Physiology and Organismal (5 credits)

Choose one

This course covers plant physiology across the range of organisms studied by botanists, including plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, including the structural and biochemical features that are characteristic of the different taxonomic groups and how these features affect the distribution and abundance of the organisms. The content and methods of current research in plant physiology are emphasized. Lab activities include laboratory and field investigations. Intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Plant Physiology

The biology of invertebrate animals, particularly insects and other terrestrial arthropods: their macroevolutionary history, taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Topics may include their identification and roles as pollinators, herbivores, predators and disease vectors in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems. The course includes an integrated laboratory with field and laboratory activity. Course intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Invertebrate Biology

This course covers the taxonomy, structure, function and ecology of microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protista. Additional topics include microbial pathogenesis, the response of the mammalian immune system to microbial infection, microbial metabolic diversity and microbial biotechnology. Labs include use of microscope, survey of types of microbes, isolation of microbes from the environment, identification of microbes, staining of bacteria, action of antibiotics and disinfectants, counting of bacteria in food and water and use of microbes in food and beverage production. Intended for Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or Life Science Teaching majors.

Full course description for Advanced Microbiology

+ Capstone and electives (14 credits)

An additional 14 credits of upper-division Biology courses chosen from core courses above, the elective courses below, and other approved 300, 400, or 500 level Biology courses (see advisor for details). Research and internship cannot exceed five credits toward the elective requirement. No more than 4 credits of 200 level biology coursework may be counted towards this requirement. Each student must take at least 3-credits of 400 or 500 level coursework.

Detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Includes the following topics: introduction to anatomy and physiology, tissues, integument system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine system. Intended for students in nursing and other allied health sciences; does not count towards Biology major requirements; is not a general education science course. Formerly HBIO 201.

Full course description for Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Includes the following topics: cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, nonspecific defense and immunity, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance, and reproductive system. Intended for students in nursing and other allied health sciences; does not count towards Biology major requirements; is not a general education science course. Formerly HBIO 202.

Full course description for Human Anatomy and Physiology II

The study of microorganisms covering the basic principles of growth, metabolism, and genetics; the relationships between microbes and humans in health care; microbes that cause disease and their control; pathogenicity, epidemiology, and immunology; and related topics such as microscopy, aseptic technique, and diagnostic testing. Intended for students in nursing and other allied health sciences; does not count towards Biology major requirements; is not a general education science course. Intended for students in nursing and other allied health sciences; does not count towards Biology major requirements; is not a general education science course. Formerly HBIO 205.

Full course description for Basic Microbiology

Internships offer students opportunities to gain deeper knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Students are responsible for locating their own internship. Metro faculty members serve as liaisons to the internship site supervisors and as evaluators to monitor student work and give academic credit for learning. Students are eligible to earn 1 credit for every 40 hours of work completed at their internship site. Students interested in internships within the Natural Sciences Department should work with their advisor and/or faculty internship coordinator to discuss the process for your specific major.

Full course description for Biology Internship

400 and 500 Level Elective Options

A minimum of three credits is required in this upper division elective category.

Covers the genetic, physiological, and molecular principles underlying the causes and treatments of cancer. Course focuses on the regulatory pathways and their genetic flaws that govern cell proliferation, angiogenesis, malignancy and metastasis. Intended for biology majors in their senior year.

Full course description for Biology of Cancer

This course examines the ecology of environmental pollution from biological, paleolimnological and international perspectives. Topics include acidification, eutrophication, metal and organic contamination, species introductions, and climate change. Students develop skill with structured decision making, risk assessment and public presentation. Intended for biology majors, environmental science and other qualified students.

Full course description for Pollution Ecology

BIOL 416 is intended to serve as an upper division elective within the Biology (B.A. and B.S.) and Environmental Science (B.S.) majors; as such, enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors within these majors. This advanced lecture course examines the biology of exotic organisms that cause ecological or economic harm upon establishment in a novel environment. Topics include the stages of biological invasion and the ecological processes that mediate them (e.g., propagule pressure, biotic interactions, disturbance), the impacts and management of invasive species, risk assessment and post-invasion evolution. Field trips to local ecosystems may be incorporated.

Full course description for Invasion Biology

This course examines current scientific understanding of the ecological effects of climate change. Topics include the global climate system, greenhouse effect warming, and the effects of climate change on plants and animals at the physiological, community, and ecosystem levels. Students read and discuss primary scientific literature. This course serves as an upper division elective in the Biology and Environmental Science majors.

Full course description for Climate Change Ecology

This course will provide a deeper understanding of the physiological properties of the nervous system. We will address the mechanisms underlying electrical activity in neurons, as well as examine the physiology of synapses; the transduction and integration of sensory information; the function of nerve circuits; the trophic and plastic properties of neurons; and the relationship between neuronal activity and behavior. During the semester a few labs will be offered which will apply electrophysiological methods to examine neuronal activity and will include experimental design as well as analysis and presentation of collected data. Throughout the course, we will focus on past and current neurophysiology research and how it contributes to the field of neuroscience. This course is intended as an upper division elective in the Biology Major

Full course description for Neurophysiology

Biomechanics is the study of the physical aspects of life, the materials and structures made and used by living things of all kinds, plants, animals, fungi, protista and bacteria. Biomechanics unites the fields of physics, physiology, ecology and engineering in the investigation of biological materials and structures and the structural and functional roles that they play for the organisms that produce them. This includes chitin, cellulose, spider silk, feathers, tooth enamel, wood, bone, arteries, tree branches, porcupine quills and many more. This course is an upper division elective in the Biology major and meets the 400-level capstone course requirement of the major.

Full course description for Comparative Biomechanics

This course presents current advanced research in environmental science, connecting students to the wealth of the scientific resources available in the Metropolitan State area. By listening, reflecting, and writing, students learn about current research in environmental science and how scientists communicate it to other scientists. This course can, with instructor permission, be taken more than once for credit. Intended for biology majors in their junior or senior year.

Full course description for Seminars in Biology

This course provides students with independent laboratory, field or computer biology research under the supervision of a resident biology faculty member. Students must complete a research proposal and it must be approved by the instructor prior to course registration. Prior successful completion of an upper division course with the instructor is generally required.

Full course description for Senior Research in Biology

This course provides the capstone experience for students in the biology honors cohort. Student conducts a laboratory or field research project under the supervision of a resident science faculty member. Project includes formal written proposal, instructor approval, performance of appropriate scientific experiment or investigation, data analysis, and presentation of the final results in written and oral form to an appropriate audience. Prior successful completion of an upper division course with the instructor is generally required. Enrollment is limited to students in the Biology Honors cohort. Student must successfully complete 4 credits of BIOL 490H to fulfill requirements for graduation with Biology Honors.

Full course description for Honors Research Project

Advanced course in freshwater ecology with applications to water quality assessment and monitoring, lake management, and drinking water supply. Students learn and apply techniques in water quality monitoring and taxonomic methods used in the science of phycology. Course is open to students who have met the criteria and been granted honors biology status, a process administered by the Natural Sciences Department.

Full course description for Honors Freshwater Ecology and Quality

This is an advanced course in the study of insect ecology, with particular emphasis on application to the management of pest species of agricultural, medical/veterinary, and urban importance. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to: insect population dynamics and regulation, sampling techniques, insect-plant interactions, disease vector biology, theories and practices of integrated pest management (IPM) and insecticide resistance management (IRM), and insect taxonomy. Students will read and discuss primary literature articles in entomology, and will engage in active field/laboratory exercises in insect ecology and taxonomy. Intended for biology and environmental majors who have taken considerable upper-division classwork in the sciences.

Full course description for Honors Insect Ecology and Management

This course is intended for Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology majors and counts as an elective for the Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biology majors. Course lecture will focus on discussions of the biochemical aspects of neurodegenerative diseases, addiction, and poisons, such as the roles of metal ions and non-covalent interactions in protein folding and function. The course involves extensive reading and discussion of primary literature with a strong focus on data interpretation and experimental design.

Full course description for Biochemistry of Neurological Disorders

Medicinal chemistry allows the advanced chemistry student to explore the considerations of drug design and development as well as case studies on how different classes of therapeutic agents act in the human body. Topics include drug targets, drug sources, structure-activity relationships, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the modern drug discovery pipeline. This class is suggested for those students intending to continue in health sciences.

Full course description for Medicinal Chemistry