Biological sciences, in the broadest sense, is the study of life. As such, it is a subject of great diversity and requires a background in many academic disciplines. A biologist must have a basic understanding of and be able to synthesize knowledge from physics, chemistry, geology, math and the social sciences as they relate to living systems. The biological sciences courses needed for a major are selected from a variety of life science departments at North Dakota State University.
Students who want to obtain broad training and knowledge in the life sciences can major in biological sciences or biological sciences education. These degrees differ primarily in that the latter includes the education sequence needed for teacher certification in both North Dakota and Minnesota. (It is advised that students who intend to teach in Minnesota meet with the science education advisor early to discuss additional requirements for teacher certification in that state.)
The biological sciences education major prepares you not only for secondary school science teaching, but also for pre-professional programs, graduate school and other career areas. You will have a solid biological sciences major while developing an adequate proficiency in related science areas. This type of preparation allows greater flexibility for potential teaching positions that cross descriptive areas.
