Biology Colloquium

Biology Colloquium (BCQ) is a student-run class designed to introduce students to a wide range of fields within the biological sciences (Biol 1020, 1 cr). This class builds community among students and allows them to meet faculty at the U of M, learn about the classes that they will be taking, and find out about research opportunities. BCQ makes the U of M seem like a much smaller place, and includes activities such as:

Large Group Seminars
Students meet biweekly for a seminar given by a faculty member or a researcher from the local biotechnology industry. During the semester, a wide range of topics in biology are covered.

Small Group Seminars
On the alternating weeks, students meet in groups of 5 - 7 students to tour research laboratories, hospitals, industrial facilities and other areas of interest. These small groups are facilitated by student leaders who were previous Colloquium students.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Students are given the opportunity to register for an additional credit and complete a research project with a faculty member of their choice. This often becomes the stepping-stone to future research opportunities in their major.

Field Trips and Leadership Retreats
Students can participate in field trips to local institutions such as the Como Zoo, Minnesota Science Museum, or leadership retreats at the Lake Itasca Biological Station or on campus during the summer. Activities vary each semester and academic year.

Social Opportunities
Every semester the Colloquium organizes one or more intramural sports teams such as football, volleyball, broomball, or softball. Students meet new friends at movie night, the ice cream social, or hanging out in the BCQ study lounge.