School of Arts and Sciences

Biology

Biology is one of Concordia's signature programs with a stellar reputation for placing students in prestigious graduate programs and careers.

Programs of Study

Major or Minor in Biology

Biology minors will master the basics of biology. Biology majors, once they have mastered the basics, can choose courses that are specific to the scientific field in which they are most interested.

Major in Biology Education

This major will prepare you to teach biology to grades 9-12.

General Science (5-8) — Recommended endorsement for biology education majors

Science (K-6) — Optional endorsement for elementary education majors

Major or Minor in Neuroscience

Neuroscience studies how the brain and nervous system acquire, process, and integrate information from the environment and how this information brings about behavior of an organism.

Degree Requirements and Courses

Biology graduates pursue postgraduate work and education at a variety of places, including:

Featured Course: BIOL 411
School of Arts & Sciences

Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I

Dr. Julie C. Rutherford

One of my favorite courses was Anatomy and Physiology with Dr. Rutherford. Getting to dive into the human body and how it functions was amazing, as was the hands-on experience with the human cadavers. Something about seeing the parts of the human body as you're learning about it is life-changing. 

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"I think now more than ever it is important to have an education that is holistic. A liberal arts education provides ways to answer questions that aren’t black or white – to have the skills to find the answers that can't be looked up."
Dr. Jason Askvig

Unique Opportunities

Ask any current student or graduate of our program and they will tell you that our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, wide-ranging research and internship opportunities, and teaching experiences give them an edge over graduates of other undergraduate biology programs.

Meaningful Research

Our faculty members share their knowledge as you work side-by-side on research projects. There are many opportunities – from the annual summer research program, the Mayo Clinic Innovation Scholars Program, to assisting with the Kilimanjaro Elephant Research and Conservation Project in Tanzania.

Access to Experts in the Field

The biology department links students directly with professionals who are doing amazing things. The annual Fuglestad Lecture brings science experts to campus to talk with and interact with students about their work, such as wildlife conservationists working with tigers in Laos, or a cancer biologist from Scripps Research Institute.

Engage Young Scientific Minds

Biology students have the option to work with our innovative Science Academy program that travels to schools, libraries and community events around the region. Through various experiments and information stations, you can pique the interest of aspiring scientists.

Great Guidance

Biology is the gateway program for students who wish to enter the health professions. About 40 percent of Concordia biology graduates go on to medical, dental, veterinary or graduate schools. If you are looking to pursue a career in one of these areas, our Health Professions Advisory Council will give you expert advice on the courses and experiences that will most benefit you. 

Faculty + Student Scholarship

In core biology courses, students participate in experimental design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of that work through written papers and oral presentations.

Elsie Welter Natural History Museum

The Elsie Welter Natural History Museum at Concordia College seeks to further environmental education in the Fargo-Moorhead area by documenting, preserving, and researching regional and global specimens in order to promote biodiversity and conservation efforts.

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Contact

Dr. John A. Flaspohler
Chair/Associate Professor, Biology Biology
P 218.299.3808
E flaspohl@cord.edu