Department of Biological Sciences

Mark Grobner, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Kelly, Kohlhaas, Schoenly, Watson, Wolf, James Youngblom, Janey Youngblom
Associate Professors: Grobner, Jones, Thao, Gerson, Wooley
Assistant Professors: Cover, Fleming, Kang

Office: Naraghi Hall of Science — N259
Phone: (209) 667-3476

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with concentrations in: Biology Education, Ecology, General Biology, Molecular and Microbial Biology, and Organismal Biology
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences
Minor in Biological Sciences
Environmental Sciences concentration in Biological Sciences
Liberal Studies degree concentration in Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Ecology and Sustainability
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

Pre-Health Professional Guidelines
Pre-Clinical Lab Sciences Guidelines

Environmental Sciences

A student with a major in biological sciences may complete additional requirements in the sciences and mathematics to qualify for an Environmental Sciences concentration, in addition to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. This program requires study in biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physical sciences, along with an environmental seminar and investigation of an environmentally-related problem. Further details are found in the Environmental Sciences Concentration section of the catalog.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Biological Sciences

Please refer to theLiberal Studies section of the catalog.

Master’s Programs

Master of Science in Ecology and Sustainability

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Master of Science in Ecology and Sustainability with concentrations in either Ecological Conservation or Ecological Economics. Please see the Graduate catalog or contact the Department office for further information.

Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling with coursework offered at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Oakland Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. Please see the Graduate catalog or contact the Department office for further information.

Teaching Credentials

Majors in Biological Sciences interested in multiple subject or single subject credentials are referred to the Teacher Education section of the catalog for a description of teaching credential programs. Biology students interested in pursuing this goal are recommended to select a concentration in Biology Education.

Preparation for Graduate Work

Students who intend to seek an advanced degree are encouraged to select a concentration in their area of interest and a minor in an appropriate discipline (e.g., Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Geography, Economics, etc.). A one-year sequence in college Physics and a one-year sequence in Organic Chemistry are recommended. Students interested in an advanced degree in biological sciences should elect a one-year sequence in Calculus, a course in Statistics, and Biochemistry.
Consultation with a faculty adviser in your area of interest is strongly recommended at the beginning of the sophomore year. In addition, students should investigate the admission requirements to potential graduate programs and seek personal contact with potential thesis or dissertation advisers in those programs.

Mission Statement

We, the Department of Biological Sciences, are a diverse academic community of teacher-scholars and student-scientists engaged in exploring the wonder and diversity of life at all levels of biological organization, including cells, organisms, and ecological systems. The faculty utilize evidence-based teaching strategies to provide students at CSU Stanislaus with a broad exposure to the concepts, processes, and approaches of the biological sciences. We offer students comprehensive academic advising, career mentoring, and research opportunities. Biology majors develop the skills to formulate and evaluate hypotheses, critically interpret data, and communicate with others. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering and empowering the development of life-long learners of science, including scientists, health professionals, educators, civic leaders, and citizens in a society that requires high levels of biological literacy. Together, the Department works to expand our collective understanding of biology and to promote a greater appreciation of the importance of biodiversity and biological processes in our society.

Goals of the Programs in Biological Sciences

To provide graduates with an in-depth yet broad exposure to the principal disciplines and concepts central to the biological sciences
To ensure that all students are exposed to investigative methods used by field and laboratory biologists
To produce graduates who are versatile and possess good reasoning skills
To produce scientifically literate graduates

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skills

Biological knowledge: Successful students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles and unifying themes of biology.
Cognitive skills: Successful students will demonstrate the ability to think critically, synthesize rather than memorize information presented to them, and use this information to formulate scientic questions, design experiments to answer these questions, and collect, analyze, interpret, and report data.
Research skills: Successful students will demonstrate the ability to find, evaluate, and integrate published information, and demonstrate computer literacy through the ability to use databases and information technology.
Communication skills: Successful students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing as professional scientists.
Technical/Analytical skills: Successful students will demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to use mainstream laboratory/field procedures, methods, and instrumentation to conduct biological investigations and safety isues associated with each.
Teamwork skills: Successful students will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and solve probles in a group.

Values

Stewardship advocacy: Successful students will demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the relevance of biology to society, the value of knowledge and life-long learning, integrity, and the ability to identify and evaluate ethical issues.
Natural Resources: Successful students will have an appreciation of the inherent value of the components of the natural world and their interconnectedness.