Overview

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 54 units of core requirements and 27 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 can enhance their learning experiences by conducting research with a faculty member through BIOL 4990  , MICR 4990  , BIOL 3960  , or MICR 3960  .  In all options listed below, up to three units of these courses can be applied to the elective requirements. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty mentors to explore research opportunities.

Students earning a B.S. degree in Biology must choose one of five option areas as follows. (click on the option title to lookup the curriculum)

• The Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment (EEE) Option (27 units) - Students in this option 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.
• The Microbiology Option (27 units) - This option is designed to provide a broad foundation in areas of general microbiology including microbial physiology and genetics as well as explorations of applications of the discipline in the 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. The Microbiology Option prepares students for graduate schools or health career professional schools, clinical laboratory science, or research and technical professions in academia, governmental agencies, or the biotechnology industry. 
• The Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental (MCD) Biology Option (27 units) - This 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; employment opportunities in agriculture, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical and food industry; and health-related professions (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, dentistry).
• The Physiology Option (27 units) - This option is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of animal and plant physiology. The overall goal of this option is to explore the fundamental mechanisms that operate in living organisms at the cellular, organ system, and whole body levels. 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, cell biology, neuroscience).
• The General Option (27 units) - This option is intended to expose students to the major areas of study in biology, covering topics that range in scale from biomolecules to ecosystems. Students select courses according to their desired career path in the biological sciences.

Departmental Honors Program in Biology and Microbiology

The Department of Biological Sciences offers an honors program in biology for upper division students who have completed 70 semester units, including 30 units in the major, with a minimum B (3.0) grade point average both overall and in the major. Students shall have completed at least 18 units of the major in residence at Cal State L.A.

The honors program introduces highly motivated students to an intensive research experience in biology. Honor students are mentored by a faculty adviser and two other faculty committee members.  Enrollment in BIOL 3960  or MICR 3960  , Honors Thesis, for 2 units, and enrollment in BIOL 4990  or MICR 4990  , Undergraduate Directed Study, for 1 unit, prior to or concurrently with BIOL 3960  or MICR 3960  , is required. Students can apply these units to their degree program. A prospectus, a written thesis, and a final oral examination about the thesis, administered by the committee, are required parts of the program. Diplomas and transcripts of honors program graduates are designated: “Graduated with Departmental Honors in Biology” or “Graduated with Departmental Honors in Microbiology”.

Admission Criteria Learning Outcomes Roadmap - BIOL BS (2020)