Biology and Life Sciences

Are you curious about how living things function? Do you like to ask questions, judge evidence, and solve problems? Whether you're interested in enzymes, ecosystems, or something in between, you can prepare for a successful career in biology and life sciences at one of the nation's top public universities! The University of Minnesota's outstanding programs in biology and life sciences offer great academics, great opportunities, and a great location.

GREAT ACADEMICS

As a U of M student, you can take classes with world-renowned professors (like Daniel Bond, who is experimenting with bacteria that produce electricity). You can attend class in state-of-the-art classrooms or labs (such as the Biomedical Genomics Center or the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute). You can join a thriving community of faculty, students, and alumni who have made remarkable accomplishments that affect our daily lives.

If you are fascinated by the natural world, choose from the following world-class programs, based in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS); the College of Biological Sciences (CBS); the College of Liberal Arts (CLA); or the Institute of Technology (IT).

• Animal Science (CFANS)
• Applied Plant Science (CFANS)
• Bio-based Products (CFANS)
• Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (IT & CFANS)
• Biochemistry (CBS)
• Biology (CBS)
• Biology, Society, & the Environment (CLA)
• Biomedical Engineering (IT)
• Chemistry (IT, CLA)
• Ecology, Evolution & Behavior (CBS)
• Environmental Horticulture (CFANS)
• Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (CFANS)
• Fisheries and Wildlife (CFANS)
• Food Science (CFANS)
• Forest Resources (CFANS)
• Genetics, Cell Biology & Development (CBS)
• Microbiology (CBS)
• Neuroscience (CBS)
• Nutrition (CFANS)
• Physiology (CLA)
• Plant Biology (CBS)

Career and Internship Opportunities

Biology and life-sciences students find a multitude of opportunities to pursue a career or internship right in the Twin Cities. Major companies in the area include:

• 3M
• Allina
• American Red Cross
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
• Cargill
• General Mills
• Guidant
• Mayo Clinic
• Minnesota Zoo
• SurModics
• United Health
• University Enterprise Laboratories
• University of Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Common careers in biology and life science include:

• Agronomist
• Biologist
• Biomedical Engineer
• Biophysicist
• Biostatistician
• Biotechnology Scientist
• Crop Scientist
• Dairy Program Specialist
• Dietician
• Environmental Engineer
• Food Production Manager
• Microbiologist
• Nutritionist
• Pharmacist
• Process Engineer
• Quality Control Manager
• Research and Development Associate
• Soil Scientist
• Technical Writer

Featured Classes

Wondering what college classes are really like? Featured Class gives you the scoop on what's happening in the classrooms and the laboratories of the University of Minnesota. From freshman seminars to honors colloquia, we'll give you an inside look at real college classes being offered at the U of M:

• Biology Colloquium: Biology 1020
• Sustainable People, Sustainable Planet: Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management 3003

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Study Abroad

The U of M actively encourages studying abroad. Learning or working in a foreign country will build your skills, cultural awareness, and confidence. You can study biology and life science around the world, exploring new ecosystems, animals, and plants. The Learning Abroad Center offers almost 300 programs in over 60 countries.

Freshman Seminars

Designed to enhance your first-year experience, Freshman Seminars enable you to study an interesting and engaging topic with a distinguished professor, while getting to know students who share your interests. Recent topics in biology and life sciences include:

• Applications and Implications of Evolution
• Cloning, Politics and Religion
• CSI Minnesota: Biologists Look at Forensic Science
• Emergence of Human Viruses
• Genetics in the News
• Genomics: How Will It Affect Our Lives?

Mentor Program

The mentor-student partnership brings a "real-world" perspective to your academic program. You'll learn from seasoned professionals and experience behind-the-scene realities of biology and life science. Each U of M college has a mentor-matching service to connect you with alumni in your chosen field.

Research Opportunities

Imagine participating in a research program with world-class experts and getting paid for it! As a student in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), you'll conduct paid research or pursue special projects beyond your regular courses.

Campus Involvement

The U of M campus is home to more than 600 student-run organizations. Whether you want to build your resume (in professional organizations like Biomedical Engineering Society) or find recreation (in groups like Skydiving Club), you'll find activities to suit your tastes. Biology and life science opportunities include:

• Keep informed about biology events on campus and in the Twin Cities by joining the Biological Sciences Student Board.
• Live with students who share your interests in a Living and Learning Community such as Biology House, WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) House, Environment House, Pre-Vet House, or Institute of Technology Explorations House. Students can socialize, relax, and study as a group.
• Celebrate IT Week each spring. Participate in the IT Olympics, barbeque with faculty and fellow students, and visit the Technology Fair.

Other organizations related to biology and life science include:

• Biomedical Engineering Society
• College of Biological Science Student Ambassadors
• Food Science and Nutrition Club
• Microbiology Club
• Student Committee on Bioethics
• Student Organization of Nutrition and Dietetics

GREAT LOCATION

The Twin Cities campus is just minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul city centers. The Twin Cities combine the action and sophistication of the coasts with the welcoming ambiance of the Midwest. St. Paul has a historic, stately atmosphere, with turn-of-the-century architecture and the State Capitol. Minneapolis (which travel expert Arthur Frommer named as one of his five favorite places in the world) has a unique union between the urban and the natural; it features skyscrapers alongside 22 lakes, 170 parks and 55 miles of biking and walking trails.

• The Twin Cities are a hotbed of opportunity for young adults. Students seeking internships, full-time work, learning opportunities or entertainment find what they're looking for in the Twin Cities.
• According to a Census Bureau report in 2003, the Twin Cities metro area is attracting young, single college graduates at a faster pace than any other major metropolitan area in the region.
• The Twin Cities is the second "coolest community for young talent," according to Next Generation Consulting.

Meet us in person!

Like what you see so far? Come meet us in person! There's no better way to learn about the University of Minnesota. As you tour our breathtaking Twin Cities campus and meet our friendly staff and students, you'll see for yourself why the U of M is the perfect place to launch your career in biology or life sciences. We'd be happy to customize your visit to your interests. Contact us to schedule your visit today!