Career courses
BIOL 1021: Introduction to Careers in the Life Sciences
Offered fall and spring
This 1-credit S/N introductory career course will expose you to different career pathways and opportunities in the life sciences and related fields. The class will feature guest faculty, alumni, and professional speakers, lab and facility tours, and small group discussions led by CBS student leaders to foster community and connections. Weekly career content, readings, activities, and reflection assignments will support your academic and career goals.
You'll leave the course with:
- Exposure to diverse biological fields and careers
- Career and major exploration
- Academic and career skill building
- Networking, connections and professional development
- Self-reflection and goal setting
BIOL 2001: Career Planning for Biologists
Offered fall and spring
Consider this course if you want to explore career options in the biological sciences, prepare for job or internship applications or want to organize your graduate school or job application process. This one-credit pass/fail course provides students structure to engage in career decision-making and planning while breaking down the process into manageable steps.
Lectures cover resume and cover letter writing, networking, interviewing, gap years, and goal setting. In addition to in-class discussions, students can select one of four tracks to complete while in BIOL 2001:
- Self-Exploration: Learn more about your skills, interests and decision-making style while learning about careers in the biological sciences.
- The Career Basics: Learn how to find opportunities and prepare application materials for jobs or internships.
- Organizing the Process: Get organized and prepare application materials for graduate or professional school.
- Organizing the Process: Get organized and prepare for the job/internship search.
BIOL 3696: Professional Experience in the Biological Sciences
Offered fall and spring
Note: This course was previously BIOL 3610.
Earn credit for your biology-related internship or job this semester through BIOL 3696. This S/N course allows students to engage in structured reflection and career development throughout an internship experience while earning credit. A student must secure their own experience which can be paid or unpaid and work a minimum of 75 hours during an academic term. Students with summer jobs or internships will enroll in the course during fall semester. Otherwise, students enroll in the course concurrently with their job or internship.
- Gain approval of internship experience through Handshake Experience BIOL 3696 Internship-Professional Experience in Biological Sciences. Refer to course instructions
- Once your experience has been approved, you will receive a permission number to register for the course.
- Students may reach out to the course instructor before they find an experience or to get help with securing an internship or job.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with the instructor, Kirsten Petersen, email pet00830@umn.edu, call 612-624-9717 or schedule online