Minor in Biology

Cal Poly students from other majors can minor in biology through the department. A minor in biology offers increased factual and conceptual knowledge in biology, an increased understanding of scientific methods and techniques used to study biology, and an increased ability to analyze biological topics in the news or on the job.

Biological issues are relevant in many careers, including those in health-related businesses, agriculture, engineering, city planning, teaching K-12 students, journalism, political science, psychology, and statistics. In addition, an enhanced biology background will help students become better-educated citizens able to evaluate a variety of controversial issues, including genetically-modified organisms in agriculture, human cloning, genetic discrimination, the pressures of population growth.

Students in more closely related majors, such as Biochemistry or Kinesiology, can strengthen their biology background through the minor. Students may choose courses in environmental biology or in human biology and biotechnology, or may choose to take courses in several areas

Thank you for your interest in declaring a Biology Minor in the Biological Sciences Department.

Please review the Biology Minor Course Requirements - Catalog.

If you have any questions please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Biology Minor requirement.

Or, feel free to email one of the Biology Minor coordinators:

• Lauren Chan at chanlm@calpoly.edu- students with last Name A- I
• Lars Tomanek at ltomanek@calpoly.edu - students with last name J-Q
• Nathaniel Martinez at nmarti32@calpoly.edu - students with last name R-Z

Biology Minor Worksheets - for information only and to use as a worksheet.

• BIO MINOR WORKSHEET

TO DECLARE A BIOLOGY MINOR

Once you have identified the courses you would like to take, and made sure you plan to take all the appropriate pre-requisites, then you can Declare a Biology Minor. Please fill out the following form and select "Declare".

BIOLOGY MINOR DECLARATION FORM -Semesters - 2026 - Current Catalog

Before you fill out the form make sure you plan for the following:

1. At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
2. At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
3. No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC.
4. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.
5. A total of 20 units from approved courses is required to complete the minor

TO MAKE A SUBSTITUTION ON A BIOLOGY MINOR

Occasionally, students are able to make a course substitution. For example, a Study Abroad course. If this applies to you, please fill out the following form Biology Minor Inquiry Form and we will send the request to one of our Biology Minor Coordinators.

=================================

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Biology Front Office at biosci@calpoly.edu or fill out the Biology Minor Inquiry Form. If you have questions about planning and courses, please contact the appropriate Biology Minor Coordinator above.

 

Cal Poly Catalog for course details

Back to top