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Foundations of Biology for Biological Science Majors, Part II

BIOL 2003 and BIOL 2004 are intended for majors in the College of Biological Sciences. These two courses make up the second semester of the “Foundations” sequence that covers core biological concepts, from biomolecules to ecosystems.

Students must take BIOL 2003 and BIOL 2004 concurrently and must register first for 2004 before the registration system will allow them to register for 2003.

BIOL 2003 - Lecture

This course emphasizes ecology and biochemistry within the context of problem solving and application. Emphasis is placed on application of quantitative skills, concepts, and tools to biological problems through independent research.

BIOL 2004 - Lab

Students design and perform research projects while studying the relationship between biology and other sciences. Students apply quantitative skills, scientific method, and modern biological tools to real-world questions. While students meet regularly with instructors, they also are responsible for scheduling their time in an open lab in order to complete their research project. At the end of this course, students will be qualified to enter a faculty research lab, internship, or other venue of active science.

• BIOL 2002 & 2003/2004 information for incoming freshmen (PDF)
• Watch a video showing the benefits of the interactive classroom
• Read the article “Lecture-free biology: Freshmen learn for themselves—and with each other”

Course materials for enrolled students are available through WebVista (log in in through your UMN portal page).