Biology & Chemistry Minors
Biology Minor
The minor in Biology is available to students of all majors. It is designed to give you an overview of the study of the most central concepts in life sciences including evolution and natural selection, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. Within each biology course, you will appreciate the history of the study of life on earth and how this history has shaped and continues to shape biological research. Five lecture courses and two lab courses are required for the minor and you may select courses from the list of biology offerings.
Students in a wide variety of majors will benefit from a minor in biology, particularly if you're interested in postgraduate study or employment in areas of psychology, public health and related disciplines. By pursuing the biology minor, you will gain insightful and understanding regarding the biological underpinnings of all living things, including and especially humans. You will also become familiar with the scholarly literature of the life sciences and learn to evaluate, interpret and critique biological data. These skills are highly sought after by employers and graduate programs in a wide variety of disciplines and industrial and government settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the basic genetic, cellular and molecular underpinnings of cells and organisms.
- Explain the biological theory of evolution and the way that cells, tissues, species and ecosystems have been shaped through natural selection and adaptation.
- Use the biological sciences primary literature and analyze and critique scientific experimentation and theory.
- Conduct and analyze biological experiments, emphasizing the role of ethics and objectivity in scientific data collection and interpretation.
- Develop skills in the oral and written forms of scientific communication.
Minor coordinator: Professor Nathan Lents, 646.557.4504, nlents@jjay.cuny.edu
Chemistry Minor
Students who minor in Chemistry will learn fundamental introductory principles in general, organic and analytical chemistry. The Chemistry minor is significant if you wish to pursue the pre-health professions and major in another area. It is an important minor for if you're considering careers in which a full science major is not required but college-level science experience is required.
Learning outcomes
- Reasoning: Drawing appropriate scientific conclusions from evidence and experimental data.
- Understand the role of creativity in problem solving
- Apply scientific principles in gathering and interpreting scientific data
- Knowledge: Acquiring broad fundamental concepts, theories, and principles in physical and biological sciences.
- Use the primary scientific literature effectively in their own research
- Describe the scientific progress that has led to their research project
- Practical skills: Accruing hands-on laboratory and practical research skills, including emphasizing the role of quality assurance and objectivity in scientific data collection and how these relate to the system of professional ethics in science.
- Communication: Developing competence in oral and written forms of scientific communication.
Minor coordinator: Professor Francis Sheehan, Department of Sciences, 212.237.8951, fsheehan@jjay.cuny.edu