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:
The following courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this major: BIOL 100, 200, 200L, 205, 205L, 207, 208; MICR 101.
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.
