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Biological Sciences

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Biology

This degree includes a general option in biology and six additional options for those desiring a more specialized program.

Biology (code BIOLBS01) (120 units)

This degree major is designed for students pursuing careers that involve the study of life; it is especially appropriate for those contemplating graduate work in the biological sciences. This option gives the student a broad background involving coursework in most of the major areas of biology, without requiring specialization in any one particular field. Students in this option have more elective courses in their major than in the other, more specialized, options, which enables them to partially concentrate their studies in a particular area if they so choose. Because of this, students may not combine this option with any other in the B.S. in Biology nor with the B.S. in Marine Biology or Microbiology as part of a dual major. This option requires approximately 79-81 units in the major, of which 37-39 are in lower division and 42 are in upper division. 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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; PHYS 100 A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208, MICR 101, and 200.

Upper Division:Both CHEM 320A,B or all four of CHEM 322A,B, 323A,B; at least 34 units in biological science including BIOL 312, 340, 345, 345L, 350, 370; one of BIOL 313, 316, 324; one of BIOL 427, 439; and 9 additional units selected from upper division courses in the Department of Biological Sciences. At least two of the courses selected to fulfill these additional units must have numbers between 410-499. Either CHEM 441A,B or 448 will count toward these additional 9 units. Up to 6 of these additional units may be substituted from courses in other departments in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics upon approval by the undergraduate advisor. Students contemplating graduate work should consider taking 1-3 units of BIOL 496. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I, MICR 300I, and NSCI 492.

Option in Biology Education (code BIOLBS02) (120 units)

This option is designed solely for students who wish to become secondary school Biology teachers. This option requires 80-92 units in the major, of which 48-52 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.

Requirements

Lower Division: ASTR 100; BIOL 153, 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; both GEOL 102 & 104 or 106; MATH 119A or 122; MICR 200 or 211; and PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208, and MICR 101.

Upper Division: CHEM 327 or both of 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; SCED 404; and eight additional courses totaling 26-29 units in the biological sciences including BIOL 312, 340, 345, 350, 370; one of these four plant biology courses: BIOL 427, 439, 447, 450; 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. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 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.

Option in Botany (code BIOLBS03) (120 units)

This option is designed primarily for those interested in careers involving the biology of plants and is particularly appropriate for those contemplating graduate work in this field. This option requires approximately 78-80 units in the major, of which 37-39 are in lower division and 41 are in upper division.

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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: 41 units including both CHEM 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; BIOL 340, 350, 370, 427, 439, 447, 450. Remaining 9 units selected in consultation with appropriate faculty advisor. CHEM 441A,B or 448 will count toward these nine units. Students contemplating graduate work should consider taking 1-3 units of BIOL 496. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Option in Cell and Molecular Biology (code BIOLBS04) (121 units)

This option is designed primarily for those interested in careers that involve biology at the cell and molecular levels and is particularly appropriate for those contemplating graduate work in these fields. This option requires 81-84 units in the major, of which 42-44 are in lower division and 39-40 are in upper division. Students in this option might also want to pursue the Certificate in Biotechnology described elsewhere in this Catalog.

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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; MICR 211; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: Both CHEM 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; CHEM 441A,B; BIOL 340, 440L, 350, 370, 433; three courses selected from BIOL 443, 445, 447, 464, 465 or 467, 473, 477; CHEM 547; MICR 430, 452. Students who contemplate graduate work are strongly encouraged to take, in addition, at least 2 units of BIOL 496. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Option in Ecology (code BIOLBS05) (123 units)

This option is designed for students interested in careers involving the study of organisms in relation to their environment, either in private industry or government service, as well as those students contemplating graduate work in this field. This option requires approximately 83-92 units in the major, of which 41-43 are in lower division and 42-49 are in upper division.

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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; GEOL 102, 104 or 105; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: Both CHEM 327 and 448 or both of 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; BIOL 312, 340, 345, 345L, 350, 370, 427; one of BIOL 313, 316 or 324; four additional courses including one of these 10 in organismal diversity: BIOL 313, 316, 324, 411, 419, 421, 423, 424, 425, 439; one of these 10 in ecology and environmental science: BIOL 420, 422, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454A, 454B, 455, 457; one of these four in quantitative biology: BIOL 456, 463, 465, 467; and another course from any of the preceding three lists or BIOL 353, 355, 355L, 444, 459, 464; GEOG 440, 473, 481; GEOL 339. With consent of the appropriate faculty advisor, 3 units of BIOL 496 is acceptable as this fourth additional course. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Few, if any, health-related professional schools (e.g. veterinary medicine) will accept CHEM 327. Some graduate programs with masters or doctorates in biology and/or ecology may also not accept CHEM 327. Students interested in these programs might consider taking either CHEM 320A,B or CHEM 322A,B and 323A,B. CHEM 327 is not acceptable as a prerequisite for CHEM 441A. CHEM 327 is acceptable toward the Minor in Chemistry.

Option in Physiology (code BIOLBS06) (120 units)

This option is designed primarily for those interested in careers involving the study of function in animals, especially humans, and is particularly appropriate for those contemplating graduate work in this field or entering one of the health professions, such as medicine and physical therapy. This option requires 77-81 units in the major, of which 37-39 are in lower division and 40-42 are in upper division.

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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: Both CHEM 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; CHEM 441A,B; BIOL 340, 350, 370. Two tracks exist for remaining upper division courses. Pre-physical therapy track: BIOL 341, 441, and either BIOL 332, 433, or HHS 401, plus six additional units selected from BIOL 345, 443, 444, 445, 447, 448, 449; HHS 471; MICR 430. General physiology track: BIOL 342, 342L or 345, 345L, and either BIOL 332 or 433, plus nine additional units selected from BIOL 342, 345, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 490, MICR 423, 430. Students contemplating graduate school should consider taking an additional 1-3 units of BIOL 496. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Option in Zoology (code BIOLBS07) (123 units)

This option is designed primarily for those interested in careers that involve the biology of animals and is particularly appropriate for those contemplating graduate work in this field. This option requires approximately 83-86 units in the major, of which 41-44 are in lower division and 42 are in upper division.

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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; GEOL 102 and 104 or 105, or MICR 211; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: Both CHEM 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; BIOL 312, 324, 340, 345, 345L, 350, 370, 313 or 316. At least one course selected from BIOL 313, 316, 411, 419, 421, 423, 424; and at least two additional courses in biological science totaling at least six units chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Either CHEM 441A,B or 448 will count toward these six units. Students contemplating graduate work should consider taking 1-3 units of BIOL 496. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (code BIOLBS08) (123 units)

This degree program requires approximately 83-91 units in the major, of which 40-42 are in lower division and 43-49 are in upper division. The number of units and particular blend of science and mathematics makes this a very challenging learning experience. However, the depth and strength of this degree provides a strong and flexible base to pursue a variety of careers. Obtaining a minor in another discipline, such as chemistry, microbiology, engineering, business, or computer science, may enhance one’s marketability. 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.

Lower Division: BIOL 153, 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; MATH 119A or 122, 119B or 123; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: CHEM 327 or both 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; BIOL 313, 340, 345, 345L, 350, 353, 370, 419, 425; GEOL 465 and 466; a minimum of three courses from the following eleven courses in marine science: BIOL 411, 420, 428, 449, 454A, 455, 457, 464; BIOL/MICR 415; and, with prior permission of marine biology advisor, BIOL 490; and 3 units of BIOL 496. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I, MICR 300I, and NSCI 492.

Few, if any, health-related professional schools (e.g. veterinary medicine) will accept CHEM 327. Some graduate programs with masters or doctorates in biology and/or marine biology may also not accept CHEM 327. Students interested in these programs might consider taking either CHEM 320A,B or CHEM 322A,B and 323A,B. CHEM 327 is not acceptable as a prerequisite for CHEM 441A. CHEM 327 is acceptable toward the Minor in Chemistry.

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (code BIOLBS09) (124 units)

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and their interactions with humans, other organisms, and the environment. This degree, with the inclusion of appropriate classes, may be utilized by pre-professional students who are preparing for medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary school. A major in microbiology prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities in clinical and public health fields, biotechnology, environmentally related fields, and industries concerning food, water quality, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment and supplies. There is a core of courses for each of these varied educational and employment opportunities and specific programs can be arranged by counseling with microbiology advisors in the department. This undergraduate major is recognized by the American Society for Microbiology as meeting their core curriculum for the baccalaureate degree program in microbiology. This major requires 84-85 units, of which 39-40 are in the lower division and 45 are in upper division. 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.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 111A,B; MATH 119A or 122; MICR 211; PHYS 100A,B. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: CHEM 320A,B or all four of 322A,B, 323A,B; CHEM 441A,B; BIOL 340; MICR 320, 355, 371, 372, 430, 471; and a minimum of 11 additional elective units chosen from: BIOL 473, 477; MICR 320L, 322, 355L, 423, 429, 430L, 452, 473, 480, 490, 490L, 495, and 496. Those students seeking a career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist are encouraged to take MICR 320L, 423, 430L, and 452. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in Biology, Marine Biology, or Microbiology

Students majoring in the B. S. in Biology (all options), B. S. in Marine Biology, or B. S. in Microbiology who would like an enriched academic program, including an intensive research experience, may be eligible to graduate with Honors in the Major through the University Honors Program. Students may also complete General Honors through the University Honors Program, in which case the General Honors thesis requirement is met through Honors in the Major (see University Honors in this Catalog).

Students interested in graduating with Honors in the Major should participate in a series of courses designed to introduce central concepts in biology (BIOL 110H), develop critical thinking and communication skills (special section of UHP 100), and introduce the newly emerging field of bioinformatics (BIOL 220H). In addition, they may join a learning community of students with similar interests and benefit from mentoring by faculty members.
This Honors in the Major program was created with the support of a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Students admitted to Honors in the Major may be eligible to receive monetary support from a variety of sources for completion of their honors research and thesis.

Students who have successfully completed the lower division Honors in the Major curriculum will receive priority for research fellowship support to the extent that it is available.

Additional details about this program, including availability of fellowship support, are available from the Honors in the Major Program Advisor.

Requirements for Admission
1. Junior or senior standing with at least one year remaining before graduation.
2. Declared major of B. S. in Biology (any option), B. S. in Marine Biology, or B. S. in Microbiology.
3. Completion of BIOL 211A,B, 260; CHEM 320A,B at time of entry with grades of at least “C” in each course. Students may apply during the semester in which they expect to complete these courses.
4. GPAs of at least 3.000 in all courses in the major and in all upper division courses in the major at the time of application.
5. Submission of an application describing the student’s academic background, reasons for applying (including a description of any previous research experience), and willingness to commit to a year-long research experience.
6. Letter of recommendation from a CSULB faculty member familiar with the student’s work and abilities.

Requirements for Graduation
1. GPA of at least 3.300 in all upper division courses in the major and in Honors courses.
2. Completion of all requirements for the chosen degree in the Biological Sciences.
3. Completion of either BIOL 220H or 477.
4. Completion of BIOL 466H, Research Design and Methods - Honors (3 units).
5. Completion of 3 units of BIOL 496, Undergraduate Directed Research.
6. Completion of 3 units of BIOL 498H, Thesis - Honors.
7. Presentation of research results in a public forum. This requirement may be met by presentation at a scientific conference or at a local venue; consult the Program Advisor for additional information.

Substitutions to this program must be approved by the Honors in the Major Program Advisor.

Minor in Biology (code BIOLUM01)

This minor may be combined with any major at CSULB except the B.S. in Biology (all options), B.S. in Microbiology, and B.S. in Marine Biology.

A minimum of 19 units is required for the minor.

Lower Division: BIOL 211A,B (211A requires CHEM 111A; 211B requires CHEM 111B.) The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this minor: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

Upper Division: A minimum of nine units selected from upper division biology courses with at least one course selected from the 400 series. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this minor: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I, MICR 300I, 429, and NSCI 492.

Minor in Physiology (code BIOLUM03)

This minor may be combined with any major at CSULB except the B.S. in Biology, Option in Physiology. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirments for this minor: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.

A minimum of 18 upper division units. Twelve of these 18 units must be selected from the following courses: BIOL 341, 342, 342L, 345, 345L, 442, 443, 445, 446, 448, 490. The other six of these eighteen units must be selected from other courses in the above list or from BIOL 473; CHEM 441A,B, 443, or 448. At least one of the upper division courses taken for this minor must have a laboratory. Most of these upper division courses require CHEM 111A,B and BIOL 211A, B as prerequisites; some have other prerequisites in addition. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirments for this minor: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.

Minor in Microbiology (code BIOLUM04)

This minor may be combined with any major at CSULB except the B.S. in Microbiology. A minimum of 21 units which must include:

Lower Division: MICR 211. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this minor: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208, MICR 101, and 200.

Upper Division: MICR 320, 430, and 452; plus a minimum of five units from the following: MICR 322, 371, 471, and 473. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I, MICR 300I, and NSCI 492.

Certificate Program in Biomedical Art (code ART_CT01)

The Certificate Program in Biomedical Art is an interdisciplinary program sponsored by the Art and Biological Sciences Departments. Requirements for the certificate are listed in the Art section of this Catalog. Co-directors of the CSULB biomedical art program are in Art, Mr. Peter Mendez and in Biological Sciences, Dr. Kenneth Gregory. Questions may be addressed to them during office hours, which are listed in the respective departmental offices.

Certificate in Biotechnology (code BIOLCT01)

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field which encompasses many domains of science. Specifically, biotechnology refers to a process which ultimately yields a product. The products can be loosely subdivided into five categories; biological organisms with novel traits, DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and compounds. The Undergraduate Certificate in Biotechnology is the integrated use of specific offerings of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, including the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry and Biochemistry. Laboratory facilities and selected courses will serve to provide a fundamental background in the theory and techniques of biotechnology. The certificate may be earned in conjunction with or subsequent to a baccalaureate degree. Courses offered for the certificate may be used to satisfy, as appropriate, major or minor requirements.

Prerequisites for Admission
1. Completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or better (or consent of the biotechnology certificate program director): CHEM 111A,B; CHEM 320A,B; CHEM 441A,B; BIOL 340; BIOL 370; MICR 211. The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirments for this certificate: BIOL 153, 200, 200L, 204, 205, 207, 208, MICR 101, and 200.

Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree (can be concurrent);
2. Completion of the program’s prerequisite course requirements;
3. Approval by the program director;
4. Completion of the Core Curriculum: BIOL 477/577 (3); NSCI 492 (3); BIOL 473/573 (3); MICR 480/580 (1); additional 3 units to be selected in consultation with the program director;
5. Completion of 3 units consisting of an approved research project in biotechnology to be taken from one or more of the following: BIOL 496; CHEM 496; or MICR 496 (undergraduate students); BIOL 697; CHEM 697; or MICR 697 (graduate students);
6. BIOL 301, 303, 304, 306, 309I and MICR 300I do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this certificate.
7. Total Units Required for Certificate: 16-17 units.

Concurrent and/or Summer Enrollment in Another College

Students who wish to take coursework in a community or another college to meet curricular requirements while enrolled as undergraduates in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics must petition the appropriate department for prior approval to enroll in specific courses. This policy applies to concurrent enrollment or summer enrollment. University policy must also be met. See ‘Concurrent Enrollment’ and ‘Transfer of Undergraduate Credit’ in this Catalog. Courses not receiving prior approval will not be accepted for credit by the department.