Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Biosciences Major

The Biosciences major provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics, preparing students for a variety of careers in the health sciences. One option within this major is the Pharmacy Concentration, designed for students participating in Concordia’s dual-degree program with North Dakota State University (NDSU). While this major supports students pursuing pharmacy, it is also a flexible and rigorous pathway for those interested in other health professions or life science careers.

Major Requirements

The requirements for a major in biosciences are 32 credits plus credits needed for concentrations:

BIOL 121Cell Biology4
BIOL 122Evolution and Diversity4
CHEM 127General Chemistry I4
CHEM 128General Chemistry II4
CHEM 341Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 373Biochemistry I4
MATH 205Introduction to Statistics4
PHYS 111General College Physics I4
Concentration
Biosciences majors much choose at least one concentration:32
Pharmacy
Total Hours64

Concentrations for a Major in Biosciences

pharmacy CONCENTRATION

Pharmacy Concentration requires 32 credits:

BIOL 207Fundamental Microbiology4
BIOL 411Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 412Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II4
BUS 201Principles of Global Economics4
CHEM 342Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 374Biochemistry II4
ENG 324Technical Writing4
MATH 121Calculus I4
Total Hours32

Degree and Graduation Requirements
In addition to the program-specific requirements listed above, all students must complete the graduation requirements specified for their degree.  See the Degree and Graduation Requirements section for more information.
 

Dual Degree 3-Year Plan

Biosciences – Pharmacy Concentration 

The three-year plan outlined for the Biosciences – Pharmacy Concentration is designed specifically for students participating in Concordia’s dual degree programs with North Dakota State University or the Medical College of Wisconsin. Students who complete the Biosciences – Pharmacy Concentration major but do not transfer to a partner institution will be required to fulfill the full set of Concordia’s Core Curriculum requirements, including two PEAK experiences, which are not included in this accelerated plan.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
FYS 110 Engaged Citizenship Seminar 4
ENG 110
Writing to Engage
or Communicating to Engage
4
CHEM 127 General Chemistry I 4
BIOL 121 Cell Biology 4
WELL 110 Engaging in Lifelong Wellness 1
 Hours17
Spring
COM 110
Communicating to Engage
or Writing to Engage
4
CHEM 128 General Chemistry II 4
BIOL 122 Evolution and Diversity 4
Core Course 4
WELL 111 Engaging in a Balanced Life 1
 Hours17
Second Year
Fall
MATH 121 Calculus I 4
BIOL 207 Fundamental Microbiology 4
CHEM 341 Organic Chemistry I 4
World Language I 4
 Hours16
Spring
BUS 201 Principles of Global Economics 4
REL 200 Christianity and Religious Diversity 4
CHEM 342 Organic Chemistry II 4
World Language II 4
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall
MATH 205 Introduction to Statistics 4
PHYS 111 General College Physics I 4
CHEM 373 Biochemistry I 4
BIOL 411 Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I 4
 Hours16
Spring
ENG 324 Technical Writing 4
CHEM 374 Biochemistry II 4
BIOL 412 Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II 4
Concordia Core Course 4
 Hours16
 Total Hours98
  • In addition to the above, students must complete 1 PEAK