Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2020-2021 
    
University Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, B.S.


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The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology offers undergraduate students a degree program with depth of training in the biological sciences and supporting fields, emphasizing core concepts and cutting-edge techniques. This program prepares students for entrance into careers in biological sciences or for graduate work. 

A total of 120 units is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In addition to University and General Education requirements (39 units), the BS degree requires completion of 58 units of core requirements and 23 units within an option. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives. 

Students earning a B.S. degree in Biology must choose one of five Option areas as follows:

1) General Option - The General Option in Biology is intended to expose students to all of the major areas of study in biology, covering topics that range in scale from biomolecules to ecosystems.  This option is the most flexible option in terms of courses required, and students will be trained for a broad range of professional paths. The choice of electives allows students to tailor their degree towards future employment in agricultural, biotechnology, or health-related professions or graduate/professional studies in the life sciences.

2) Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment (EEE) Option - Students in the Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment (EEE) Option of the B.S. degree study our planet’s biodiversity, including how organisms interact and adapt to each other and to their physical environment. Students can specialize in studies of plants or animals, within marine, freshwater, or terrestrial ecosystems, while gaining skills in field studies, molecular techniques, and statistical analysis through choice of electives and research experiences. Graduates from the EEE option are prepared to work in environmental fields, including conservation and sustainability, with governmental or non-governmental agencies, or in the private sector. Further, students are prepared for advanced graduate or professional study.

3) Microbiology OptionThe Microbiology Option is designed to provide a broad foundation in areas of general microbiology including physiology, genetics as well as explorations of applications of the discipline in areas of medical, applied and environmental microbiology. Students will learn the fundamental workings of microorganisms and understand the impact of microorganisms on the human experience and the environment. Undergraduate research or internship experience is strongly recommended for option students. The Microbiology option provides preparation for entry into graduate or professional school for careers in the health professions (such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.), the biotechnology industry, public health and registered clinical laboratory science or in academic and research programs in microbiology, immunology, biotechnology, and related fields.

4) Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental (MCD) Biology OptionThe Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental (MCD) Biology Option directs students towards a comprehensive understanding of cell structure and function and how these cellular characteristics support organismal development and life. Students will gain a deep understanding of principles from several fields in the biological sciences including cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and developmental biology. Students will additionally gain hands-on experience with modern research and diagnostic techniques. The MCD Biology Option graduates will possess critical knowledge and skills, which will make them competitive candidates for graduate programs in the life sciences or employment in opportunities including agricultural, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, and health related professions (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, dentistry).

5) Physiology OptionThe Physiology Option is designed to provide a rigorous foundation in plant and human physiology. Students will learn how to integrate a deep understanding of how living systems work.  Undergraduate research or internship experience is strongly recommended for option students, and three credits can be applied to the electives for the option. The Physiology option provides a strong starting point for entry into careers in the health professions (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, dentistry), or into graduate-level  academic and research programs (e.g. physiology, biology, neuroscience).

Requirements for the Biology Major (81 units)


Of the 120 units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, the major requires 58 units of common core upper and lower division courses and 23 units of upper division electives within one of 5 options:

  1. General Option (23 units)
  2. Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment (EEE) Option (23 units)
  3. Microbiology Option (23 units)
  4. Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology (MCD) Option (23 units)
  5. Physiology Option (23 units)

Required Core for the Biology Major (58 units)


Note:

  1. * Minimum grade of C or higher required for credit toward the degree
  2. ** or one year of organic chemistry with at least one term of lab from an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university
  3. *** writing intensive (wi) course
  4. # BIOL 1100: BIOL AP score of 4 or 5 fulfills BIOL 1100 requirement; BIOL 1100 fulfills GE B2 requirement
  5. ## CHEM 1100/PHYS 1100 fulfills GE B1; MATH 2045 fulfills B4 if a student tests out of pre-calculus.

General Option (23 units)


Upper Division Electives (13 units)


[2] Upper Division Courses

Select courses from the list below to complete the remaining units and satisfy the elective requirement. Other courses may be considered as electives with adviser approval.

Notes:

  1. + Must take both courses for credit
  2. ++ Take either one course
  3. * CHEM 4990 - students must request CR/NC grading at the time of enrollment.
  4. ** BIOL 3960, BIOL 4990, MICR 4990 - only 3 units can be counted for the degree requirement.

Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment (EEE) Option (23 units)


Required Courses for the EEE Option (4 units)


Upper Division Electives for the EEE Option (19 units)


Select at least one course from each group below for a total of 19 units.
Note:

  1. + Approval of adviser required.
  2. ++ CHEM 4990 - students must request CR/NC grading at the time of enrollment.
  3. * Take either one course.
[5] Additional Electives

Complete the remaining units to satisfy the elective unit requirement of this option from this list:

Microbiology Option (23 units)


Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology (MCD) Option (23 units)


Electives for the MCD Option (15 units)


[2] Additional Electives

Complete the remaining units from this list to satisfy the elective unit requirement. Other courses may be considered with adviser approval.

Physiology Option (23 units)


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