Biology

Our understanding of biology is growing exponentially, creating new opportunities to engineer biological systems to improve human health and the environment. From biotechnology and medicine to environmental remediation and sustainable technologies, biology is increasingly connected to some of the biggest challenges facing scientists and engineers.

A Biology minor gives you a foundation in biological concepts while introducing you to modern technical applications of biological knowledge. Paired with the technical expertise of your Mines major, you’ll be prepared to explore problems at the intersection of biology, engineering and the sciences. 

Program Overview

The Biology minor is designed for Mines students outside of the Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (QBE) major who want to complement their primary field of study with knowledge of fundamental biology and its technical applications.

The 18-credit minor combines foundational biology coursework with electives that allow you to explore biological topics relevant to your interests and career goals. It is particularly valuable for students interested in applying their technical expertise to biological systems and challenges involving Earth, energy, the environment and human health.

Program Options

The Biology minor requires 18 credits, including 8 credits of required coursework and at least 10 credits of electives. Elective options allow you to build additional knowledge in areas of biology that complement your major and interests. 

Major/minor pairings

• Chemical Engineering: Connect engineering and chemistry with biotechnology, biochemical processes and biological systems.
• Environmental Engineering: Explore how biology and microbiology can contribute to solutions involving water, ecosystems, environmental contaminants and remediation.
• Computer Science: Combine computing and biology to explore areas such as bioinformatics, biological data analysis and computational biology.