Biology - Anoka Ramsey Community College

Biology Department

Biology Department

The Biology Department at Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers a variety of courses, ranging from Principles of Biology to Genetics and General Ecology for the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) and general education, and in preparation for allied health fields and transfer to Biology major programs, such as pre-med and pre-vet, at four-year institutions.

Who We Are

The Biology Department's well-qualified faculty has diverse experience in the biological sciences.

Course Descriptions
Department Directory
Admissions | 763-433-1300
Dean Rebecca Krystyniak | 763-433-1216

Meet Joan McKearnan

Instructor of Biology

View All Faculty Profiles

Meet Brooklynn Underhill

Biology program

View All Student Profiles

Degrees We Offer

The department offers two degrees:

Associate of Science (AS) degree in Biological Sciences

Associate of Science (AS) degree in Environmental Science
- Two state-of-the-art smart laboratory classrooms with seating for 24 students each, student computers, large projection screens, document cameras, numerous models and demos for all classes, microscopes, probeware, high-tech lab equipment and much more.
- A greenhouse for student projects.
- Over 10 acres of an on-campus prairie and adjacent Spirit River Nature Area. http://webs.anokaramsey.edu/prairie/
- The Russell W. Johnson Herbarium that contains a large collection of preserved plant specimens that provide students and the public tools to enhance in their understanding of plants and natural history.
- Two state-of-the-art smart lecture classrooms with large projection screens, document cameras, and ample seating.
- Four state-of-the-art smart laboratory classrooms with seating for 24 students each, student computers, large projection screens, document cameras, numerous models and demos for all classes, microscopes, genetic and microbiology high-tech lab equipment, and much more.
- a greenhouse filled with various native and tropical species with a native prairie plot garden located just outside.
- a 26-acre Natural Area with a large closed-canopy forest , five acre restored prairie area and multiple tree and animal species including a fox den.

Undergraduate Research

The Biology Department offers several undergraduate research opportunities.

News & Events
- March 07, 2023
  
  Anoka-Ramsey biology instructor part of national network awarded $2 million National Science Foundation grant to investigate impacts of course-based undergraduate research experiences
  
  Course Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) bring undergraduate research opportunities into course curriculum, essentially making it a part of classes students are already taking.
Anoka-Ramsey Natural Area Preserve

Spirit River Nature Area

Biology Undergraduate Research

Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI)

Russell W. Johnson Herbarium

Meet Our Students and Alumni

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Meet Anna Pescola

Anna Pescola

Natural Sciences

AS Environmental Science

"The approachable faculty is the main contributor to my success as a student. I took mostly STEM core classes where the classes were small, but the content could get pretty heavy. Every professor I had made me feel comfortable visiting their office to get help."
Meet LaShaunda Newsom

LaShaunda Newsom

Natural Sciences

AS Biological Science

"Anoka-Ramsey has so many resources and the instructors are very helpful. The majority of my instructors were great but the one that sticks out the most is Jennifer Braido. She’s awesome and helpful."
Meet Jeanne Wigant

Jeanne Wigant

Natural Sciences

AS Biology

"The value of education received at Anoka-Ramsey is incomparable. As an adult learner with a family and financial obligations, I absolutely would not have been able to accomplish my ultimate goal of becoming a physician had it not been for my experience at Anoka-Ramsey."