Bachelor of Science in Biology:
Option in Biology Education (BIOLBS02) (120 Units)
This option is designed solely for students who wish to become secondary school Biology teachers. This option requires 82-92 units in the major, of which 50-52 are lower division and 32-40 are upper division. Prospective students should consult the Single Subject Science Education Advisor in the Department of Science Education early to plan their program.
Completion of the Biological Sciences Concentration meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Biology (code 184). In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Credential, prospective Biology teachers are also required to complete 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete many of the credential program courses, as an undergraduate. Courses may also be started as post-baccalaureate student. Refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section of this Catalog or the Single Subject Credential Program website (www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject) for a description of the professional preparation requirements, courses, and application procedures.
The Biological Sciences Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards. When the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current requirements.
All students must achieve at least a 2.0 grade-point average in each of the following: 1. the entire college record, 2. all units attempted at CSULB, 3. all courses in the major, and 4. all upper division courses in the major completed at CSULB.
Roadmap to graduation for Biology Majors
Lower Division:
ASTR 100; BIOL 153, 111, 111L, 212, 212L, 213, 213L, 260; CHEM 111A,B; both GEOL 102 & 104 or 106; MATH 119A or 122; MICR 200 or 211; and PHYS 100A or 151, 100B or 152. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 200, 200L, 204, 205, 205L, 207, 208; and MICR 101.
Upper Division: : CHEM 327 or all four of CHEM 322A,B and 323A,B; SCED 404; and nine additional courses totaling 26-29 units in the biological sciences including BIOL 312, 340, 345 or 447, 350, 370, 480; one of these two plant biology courses: BIOL 427, 439; and one of these three animal biology courses: BIOL 313, 316, 324. The remaining biological sciences course should be chosen in consultation with an advisor; BIOL 495/MICR 495 is highly recommended. Either CHEM 441A, B or 448 will count toward this additional required course. Students may use BIOL or MICR 496 as one of the nine required upper division courses but only with prior permission of the advisor for this option. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 304, 308, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.
Although SCED 403, EDSS 300C, and MICR 300I are not required in the major, the credential does require these courses. Students may want to take some or all of them prior to graduation.
