Kirk Larsen (department head)

Biology is the scientific study of living systems. The discipline ranges from studying the structure of biomolecules to the interactions of species with their environment. Courses are taught from an evolutionary perspective, which explains both the unity and diversity of life.

The biology major is designed to be flexible in meeting the needs and interests of students. Students are introduced to the discipline in three introductory courses, BIO 151 Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, BIO 152 Cells and Molecules, and BIO 201 Genetics. Beyond that, students are encouraged to select courses across the breadth of the discipline, from molecular/cellular to systemic to organismic to ecological aspects. Supplementing the biology courses are courses in general chemistry and calculus. Depending on students' interests and goals, they may be advised to take supporting coursework in chemistry (CHEM 202 or higher), physics (PHYS 151 or higher), mathematics (MATH 152 or higher), computer science (CS 150 or higher), or environmental studies (ENVS 134, ENVS 220, ENVS 320). Students are encouraged to seek undergraduate research opportunities and internship experience in addition to their coursework to better prepare them for their future career.

Required for a major:

All biology majors are required to attend a minimum of 12 approved biology colloquia. Biology colloquium meets approximately 10 times during the academic year for lectures and discussions led by visiting scholars, faculty, and student researchers. Declared biology majors are expected to attend as often as possible.

Plan I (Non-teaching): Minimum of 32 hours in biology, including BIO 151, BIO 152, BIO 201, and BIO 490; 20 hours in biology numbered above 201 including at least one W course, one R course, 16 hours in biology lab courses and 4 hours in a biology course numbered 340-370; CHEM 151 and CHEM 152, or CHEM 201; MATH 150 (or higher) or BIO 256 or PSYC 350 (note: if BIO 256 is used to fulfill this quantitative/statistics requirement within the major, it does not count towards the 20 hours in biology numbered above 201). No courses numbered 185 may be used to fulfill the major. No more than 4 hours from biology 371-399 can be applied toward the major. Transfer students must complete at least four biology courses (four hours each) at Luther.

Plan II (teaching): Same as the major requirements in Plan 1 except that the 20 hours in biology numbered above 201 must include one course from each of the three categories listed below. See education department for secondary education minor requirements.

  • ecology or evolution (BIO 354 or BIO 365, 354 is recommended)

  • microbiology or physiology (BIO 243,  BIO 255, or BIO 262)

  • botany or zoology (BIO 251, BIO 252, or BIO 258)

(W) Writing requirement for either major plan is completed with one of BIO 250, 251, 258, 260, 262, 354, 356, 358, 359, 363, 364, 365, 367, or selected special topics courses in biology.

(R) Research requirement for either major plan is completed with one of BIO 240, 247, 249, 250, 251, 258, 260, 354, 356, 358, 363, 364, 365, or selected special topics courses in biology.

Required for a minor: A minimum of 20 hours in biology, including BIO 151, BIO 152, BIO 201, and two additional four hour courses in biology numbered above 201.

Affiliated programs are available in medical technology, cytotechnology, and nuclear medicine technology. Consult with the Biology department about the 3 + 1 options.