Biology
- Faculty
- Biology Program
- Biology Majors
- Biology Minor Requirements
- Biology Teaching Minor (EA-A) Requirements
- Student Learning Outcome
- Admission Requirements
Faculty 
Edward W. Burkett, Professor, Ecology
Nicholas P. Danz, Associate Professor, Plant Sciences
Jenean H. O'Brien, Assistant Professor, Cell/Molecular Biology
Kurt L. Schmude, Professor, Invertebrate Biology
Jeffrey A. Schuldt, Professor, Fishery Science
Biology Program
The Biology curriculum leads to either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor field of study is required.
Biology has many specialty areas and exciting career opportunities. The courses required for biology majors have been selected to provide a broad introduction to the field of biology. Students are encouraged to individualize their biology curriculum by taking elective courses in their specific areas of interest including: Pre-Medicine and Health Professions, Cell/Molecular Biology, Ecology/Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science, and Plant Sciences. Prospective high school biology teachers should take note of the special requirements for Secondary Certification. Your biology advisor will guide you in choosing a program of study that best suits your interests and goals.
The Biology program is strengthened by the environmental resources of the Lake Superior region and by close working relationships with regional research laboratories. Field and laboratory research experience and internships are provided through cooperation with UW-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute, Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and faculty research grants.
The freshman biology sequence (BIOL 130 and BIOL 132) is typically completed in the first year. Credit for these introductory courses may be awarded to high school students who have taken Advanced Placement courses. A score of 3 on the AP biology exam will earn credit for BIOL 130. For scores of 4 or greater, credit will be awarded for both BIOL 130 and 132. Credit is also awarded for International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. International students should contact the Department chair to discuss advanced placement based on their previous course work. Biology courses numbered over 400 should be taken during the junior or senior year. A formal plan for the required Senior Experience should be approved by the end of the second semester of the junior year.
Biology Majors
Biology Major Requirements
34 total biology credits plus 9 chemistry credits
Required Biology courses (20 credits required):
Senior Experience required course (1 credit required):
The senior project will be presented publically in fulfillment of this requirement
Biology Upper-level Elective courses (13 credits required):
Chemistry course requirements (9 credits required):
One semester of calculus and a year of physics are recommended for students interested in graduate or professional school.
Biology Teaching Major Early Adolescence-Adolescence Level (EA-A) Requirements
Students desiring licensure to teach biology at the early adolescence through adolescence level must complete the Biology major described below. All Secondary Education students must also meet the Professional Education Requirements (see the Secondary Education information under the Teacher Education Section of the catalog). Coursework in Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics should also be completed in preparation for licensure. See your advisor for recommended courses.
34 total biology credits plus 9 chemistry credits
Biology required courses (20 credits required):
Required Biology Elective courses (13 credits required):
Required Senior Experience course (1 credit):
The senior project will be presented publicly in fulfillment of this requirement
Natural Science Education Requirement (3 credits required):
Chemistry course requirements (9 credits required):
All Secondary Education students must also meet the Professional Education Requirements (see the Secondary Education information under the Teacher Education section of this catalog) including completion of NSED 339 Teaching Science in the Secondary Schools as well as course work in Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences. See your advisor for recommended classes.
Pre-Medicine and Health Professions Concentration Requirements
This concentration provides comprehensive academic preparation in Biology for students interested in chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary medicine. Admission to professional schools in these fields typically requires additional coursework in areas such as physics, mathematics, and chemistry that can be taken as part of a Minor field or other elective courses.
38 total biology credits plus 9 chemistry credits
Required Biology courses (28 credits required):
Biology Upper-level Elective courses (9 credits required):
Senior Experience required course (1 credit required):
Chemistry course requirements (9 credits required):
Cell/Molecular Biology Focus
Cell and molecular biologists study basic life processes, seeking to understand them at the molecular level. Students interested in graduate, medical or professional schools, or work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries are encouraged to focus on course offerings in the Biology Major which will expose them to a variety of techniques and areas of study and also provide the opportunity for independent research.
Those interested in focusing on Cell and Molecular Biology would benefit from a minor in chemistry (taking CHEM 360, Biochemistry as part of the minor).
Students should also consider enrolling in:
Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Fishery Science Focus
Faculty expertise and the Lake Superior region contribute to the development of both classroom and non-classroom learning experiences in the area of ecology, aquatic biology and fishery science. Students interested in careers in aquatic ecology, marine biology, terrestrial ecology, field biology, resource management, or natural resource education will be advised to take courses within the Biology Major which prepare them for work or graduate studies in these fields. Additional courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, geographic information systems, and physics are recommended.
Plant Sciences Focus
Rich in forests as well as other plant communities, northwestern Wisconsin provides an excellent setting for the study of plants. Students interested in botany or other plant science are encouraged to take additional courses in the plant sciences, geographic information systems, and geology as part of the Biology Major and as suggested by their advisors.
Biology Minor Requirements
22 total credits
Required courses (16 credits required):
Biology Elective courses (6 credits required):
Only BIOL courses allowed for the Biology major are allowed as electives for this minor.
Biology Teaching Minor (EA-A) Requirements
Students desiring licensure to teach science at the early adolescence through adolescence level must complete the Biology minor described above. Recommended elective courses include BIOL 270 and 280. All Secondary Education students must also meet the Professional Education Requirements (see the Secondary Education information under the Teacher Education section of this catalog) including completion of NSED 339 Teaching Science in the Secondary Schools as well as course work in Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences. See your advisor for recommended classes.
Student Learning Outcome
The Biology Program has developed the following learning outcomes for the Biology major.
- Students will develop and apply a broad-based knowledge of concepts and terminology from molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological biology.
- Students will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills by engaging in the scientific process.
- Students will develop skills in scientific literacy.
- Students will develop skills in scientific communication.
Admission Requirements
Admission to UW-Superior is sufficient for admission to the Biology program. We recommend college preparatory coursework in math and science in preparation for majoring in Biology.