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Aquatic Biology Major, B.S.

The major in Aquatic Biology is designed for the student preparing for a career with state and federal agencies as a field or laboratory worker, or aquatic specialist. It may also be ideal for the student intending to pursue graduate training in limnology, aquatic biology, phycology, or fisheries biology, as well as for the student desiring a strong background in aquatic biology as a foundation for careers as investigative assistants, or technologists in water quality and water pollution control, and natural resources management in governmental agencies and industry. Students must consult their adviser early in the program.

Note: Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 quarter hours in the major at Bemidji State University.

I. Required Courses

• BIOL 120 Introductory Biology Laboratory (3 credits)
• BIOL 121, 122, 123 Introductory Biology Lecture (9 credits)
• BIOL 205 Classical Genetics (4 credits)
• BIOL 221 Comparative Invertebrate Anatomy (5 credits)
• BIOL 261 General Ecology (4 credits)
• BIOL 300 Writing Certification (0 credits)
• BIOL 310 Literature of Biology (3 credits)
• BIOL 336, 337 Limnology I, II (10 credits)
• BIOL 338 Independent Research in Aquatic Biology & Fisheries (3 credits)
• BIOL 339 Biology of Polluted Waters (4 credits)
• BIOL 374 Productivity of Aquatic Environments (4 credits)
• BIOL 383 Freshwater Algae (4 credits)
• BIOL 384 Aquatic Vascular Plants (4 credits)
• BIOL 420 Freshwater Invertebrates (5 credits)
• BIOL 445 Readings in Aquatic Biology I (2 credits)
• BIOL 446 Readings in Aquatic Biology II (2 credits)
• BIOL 453 Fisheries Management (4 credits)
• BIOL 455 Ichthyology (4 credits)
• BIOL 492 Directed Group Study (2 credits)
• BIOL 497 Internship (see NOTE below) (8 credits)
• CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (9 credits)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 315 Standard Methods of Water Analysis (4 credits)
• CS 220 Computer Programming: BASIC (3 credits)
• MATH 260 Applied Statistics I (4 credits)
• PHYS 111, 112, 113 General Physics I, II, III (12 credits)

Subtotal: 121 credits

II. Complete one of the following mathematics options

• Option A
  • MATH 113 College Algebra (4 credits)
  • MATH 114 Modern Trigonometry (4 credits)
  • MATH 211 Concepts of Calculus (4 credits)
• Option B
  • MATH 141, 142 Pre-Calculus I, II (10 credits)
  • MATH 241 Calculus I (5 credits)
• Option C
  • MATH 145, 146 Accelerated Pre-Calculus Math A, B (7 credits)
  • MATH 241 Calculus I (5 credits)

Subtotal: 12-15 credits

NOTE: Upon completion of the junior year, the student is required to enroll for eight quarter hours in a summer field project. This may be an independent study or employment with the Department of Natural Resources or similar agency.

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR MAJOR: 133-136 CREDITS

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Suggested Schedule For Aquatic Biology Major

The following is a list of required Aquatic Biology Major B.S. courses arranged by year. This schedule is intended to help students take classes in an orderly fashion; however, these are only suggestions and the schedule is flexible.

Freshman

• BIOL 120 Introductory Biology Laboratory
• BIOL 121, 122, 123 Introductory Biology Lecture
• CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III
• Mathematics option sequence A, B or C
• Liberal Education requirements

Sophomore

• BIOL 205 Classical Genetics
• BIOL 221 Comparative Invertebrate Anatomy
• BIOL 336, 337 Limnology I, II
• BIOL 338 Independent Research in Aquatic Biology & Fisheries
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry
• PHYS 111, 112, 113 General Physics
• Liberal Education requirements

Junior

• BIOL 261 General Ecology
• BIOL 300 Writing Certification
• BIOL 310 Literature of Biology
• BIOL 383 Freshwater Algae
  or BIOL 374 Productivity of Aquatic Environments
• BIOL 384 Aquatic Vascular Plants
• BIOL 420 Freshwater Invertebrates
• BIOL 455 Ichthyology
• BIOL 497 Internship
• CHEM 315 Standard Methods of Water Analysis
• CS 220 Computer Programming: BASIC
• MATH 260 Applied Statistics I
• Liberal Education requirements
• Electives
• Summer Field experience SSI and SSII - DNR, EPA or related employment or independent study project.

Senior

• BIOL 383 Freshwater Algae
• BIOL 445 Readings in Aquatic Biology I
• BIOL 446 Readings in Aquatic Biology II
• BIOL 453 Fisheries Management
• BIOL 492 Directed Group Study
• Complete Liberal Education requirements