This degree includes a general option in biology and six additional options for those desiring a more specialized program.
To be eligible for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following prior to the semester for which the application is submitted: Applicants must have met requirements for admission to the university as a freshman or transfer student and have completed the following courses (or equivalents) with a grade of “C” or better: MATH 119A or MATH 122 and CHEM 111A-B. Eligible applicants will be selected for admission on a space-available basis based on cumulative grade point average.
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. 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 82-84 units in the major, of which 39-41 are in lower division and 43 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:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
Take at least 35 units in biological science including:
Nine 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 may use from 1-3 units of BIOL or MICR 496 towards the 9 additional units of upper division course work 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, 305, 308, MICR 300I, NSCI 492.
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. 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.
Lower Division:
Upper Division:
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, 305, 308; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.
Although SCED 403 and EDSS 300C 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.
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 86-88 units in the major, of which 39-41 are in lower division and 47 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:
Upper Division:
CHEM 441A,B or 448 will count toward these 11 units.Students may use 1-3 units of BIOL 496 toward the remaining 11 units 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, 305, 308, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.
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 82-86 units in the major, of which 39-41 are in lower division and 43-45 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:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
Students may use 3 units of BIOL 496 towards the three 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, 305, 308, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492
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 84-88 units in the major, of which 43-45 are in lower division and 41-43 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:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200
Upper Division:
Take at least one additional course in biological or geological sciences or geography totaling at least three units chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Ecology students are strongly encouraged to take GEOG 481 or an additional field oriented ecology, organismic, or quantitative biology course.
Students may use 1-3 units of BIOL 496 toward these three units 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, 305, 308, 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 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.
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 80-82 units in the major, of which 39-41 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:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
Students may use 1-3 units of BIOL 496 towards the additional units 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, 305, 308, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492
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 39-41 are in lower division and 44-45 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:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
Take at least two additional courses in biological science totaling at least eight units chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Either CHEM 441A,B or 448 will count toward these eight units. Students may use 1-3 units of BIOL 496 towards the remaining eight units 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, 305, 308 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.
This degree program requires approximately 86-93 units in the major, of which 42-44 are in lower division and 44-49 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.
To be eligible for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following prior to the semester for which the application is submitted: Applicants must have met requirements for admission to the university as a freshman or transfer student and have completed the following courses (or equivalents) with a grade of “C” or better: MATH 119A or MATH 122 and CHEM 111A-B. Eligible applicants will be selected for admission on a space-available basis based on cumulative grade point average.
Lower Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200
Upper Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 304, 305, 308; 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 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.
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. There is a core of courses and specific programs can be arranged by counseling with microbiology advisors. 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 83-84 units, of which 37-38 are in the lower division and 46 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.
To be eligible for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following prior to the semester for which the application is submitted: Applicants must have met requirements for admission to the university as a freshman or transfer student and have completed the following courses (or equivalents) with a grade of “C” or better: MATH 119A or MATH 122 and CHEM 111A-B. Eligible applicants will be selected for admission on a space-available basis based on cumulative grade point average.
Lower Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 304, 305, 308; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.
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. 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.
Substitutions to this program must be approved by the Honors in the Major Program Advisor.
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 21 units is required for this minor.
Lower Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this minor: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this minor: BIOL 301, 304, 305, 308, MICR 300I, 429, and NSCI 492.
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 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
A minimum of 18 upper division units.
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 211, 212, 213 as prerequisites; some have other prerequisites in addition.
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirments for this minor: BIOL 301, 304, 305, 308, 309I; MICR 300I; and NSCI 492.
This minor may be combined with any major at CSULB except the B.S. in Microbiology. A minimum of 19 units which must include:
Lower Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this minor: BIOL 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Upper Division:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 301, 304, 305, 308, MICR 300I, and NSCI 492
This is an interdisciplinary program sponsored by the Art and Biological Sciences departments. For requirements, see the Art section of this Catalog.
Biotechnology refers to a process which ultimately yields a product that can be loosely subdivided into five categories; biological organisms with novel traits, DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and compounds. 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
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 or CHEM 322A,B and 323A,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 100, 153, 153L, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101 and 200.
Requirements
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.
