BIOL 1021: Introduction to Careers in the Life Sciences
Offered fall and spring
About the course
This 1-credit S/N introductory career course exposes students to different career pathways and opportunities in the life sciences and related fields. The class features 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 support students' academic and career goals.
Students in this course will:
- 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 3696: Biological Sciences Internship Seminar
Offered fall and spring
About the course
In this 1-credit S/N course, students earn credit for a biology-related internship or job while engaging in structured reflection and career development through an internship experience. Students must secure their own internship (paid or unpaid) and work a minimum of 75 hours during an academic term.
BIOL 3696 is an asynchronous online course. Students primarily complete coursework asynchronously, but will also attend online meetings with the instructor and other students scheduled at times that fit within students’ schedules. Coursework includes: career development-focused readings, videos, discussions, journals, and projects.
Students in this course will:
- Enhance their theoretical understanding of work
- Apply academic concepts in a professional workplace
- Communicate with peers, professionals, and the instructor about their professional experience
- Gain hands-on experience in a professional setting
- Engage in intentional reflection about their internship experience
- Enhance personal, interpersonal, and career development
Internship requirements
Your experience will qualify if:
- You will spend at least 75 hours working in the experience over the course of the academic term (spring semester, summer, or fall semester)
- Your internship aligns with your academic or career goals
- You will be supervised by someone who is not a family member
- Your position is biology-related in the broadest sense (example employers include: biotechnology companies, healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and companies in the life sciences)
Registration process & instructions
Follow the Course Registration Instructions to submit an Experience Request form in Handshake and register for the course. Students will receive a permission number to register for the course after the Handshake experience request has been approved by their internship supervisor and the course instructor. Note: This process can take about one week.
Students with summer jobs or internships will enroll in the course during fall semester. Students with fall or spring internships enroll in the course concurrently.
BIOL 3696 FAQs
My internship requires me to provide a letter stating I’ll receive credit for my experience. Who do I contact?
Email the course instructor, Kirsten Petersen (pet00830@umn.edu) for a letter. If you have already received an internship offer, provide your internship offer letter with your email. If you need the letter to apply, provide the internship/job posting with your email.
I’m an international student and am applying for CPT. What should I do?
Connect with ISSS to learn more about CPT. Please email the course instructor (pet00830@umn.edu) as well to indicate you’re interested in registering for the course.
I’m interested in the course, but I don’t have an internship yet. Where can I get help finding an internship?
Students searching for an internship or job may schedule a career coaching appointment with the CBS Career Team for support. To schedule, visit z.umn.edu/cbsapt & select Career Coaching.
Does this course have regularly scheduled course meetings?
No, there are not any regularly scheduled course meetings, but students will meet online with the course instructor and other students a few times during the semester. These meetings are scheduled to fit as many students’ schedules as possible.
I completed an internship / job in the past. Can I still register for this course?
Enrolling in the course after an internship ends is only allowed for students with summer internships who enroll in the course the fall semester immediately after their internship. If you have additional questions, contact the course instructor.
Have additional questions?
Email the course instructor, Kirsten Petersen at pet00830@umn.edu.