2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Department of Biological Sciences
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Mark Grobner, Ph.D., Chair
Professors: Grillos, Kelly, Kohlhaas, Roe, Watson, Wolf, James Youngblom, Janey Youngblom
Associate Professors: Bruner, Grobner, Jones, Schoenly
Assistant Professors: Cover, Gerson, Stevens, Thao
Office: Naraghi Hall of Science — N259
Phone: (209) 667-3476
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with concentrations in: Botany, Clinical Laboratory Science, Ecology and Field Biology, Entomology, Environmental Sciences , Genetics, Marine Biology, Microbiology, and Zoology
Minor in Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Marine Sciences*
Master of Science in Ecology and Sustainability*
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling*
Biological Sciences Concentration - Liberal Studies
*Please see the Graduate catalog.
Liberal Studies Concentration in Biological Sciences
Please refer to the Liberal Studies section of the catalog.
Preparation for Graduate Work or Professional Degrees
Biological Sciences majors interested in health careers such as dentistry, medicine, clinical laboratory science, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine should see the Pre-Health Professions section of this catalog. The University offers the appropriate preprofessional coursework for these areas and the department has fliers that outline the undergraduate courses recommended for each of these career paths.
Consultation with a faculty adviser familiar with preprofessional requirements is strongly recommended at the beginning of the sophomore year.
Students who intend to seek an advanced degree are encouraged to select a minor in the Physical Sciences or Mathematics. A year sequence in college Physics and a year sequence in Organic Chemistry should also be completed. Students interested in an advanced degree in Biochemistry, Ecology, or Molecular Biology should elect a year sequence in Calculus and a course in Statistics.
Students interested in biological laboratory occupations should complete as many courses as possible that focus on laboratory skills and use of equipment, in addition to the traditional Chemistry and Physiology courses completed as part of the Biological Sciences degree.
The following courses also will prepare the student for lab-based graduate or professional degrees:
- Histological and Cytological Techniques, 4 units
- DNA Technology in Forensic Sciences, 2 units
- Cell Culture and Advanced Biotechnology, 2 units
- Recombinant DNA, 2 units
- Quantitative Analysis and Basic Instrumental Techniques, 4 units
- Biochemistry I, 3 units
- Bacteriology, 3 units
- Bacteriology Laboratory, 2 units
Teaching Credentials
Majors in Biological Sciences interested in multiple subject or single subject credentials are referred to the Teacher Education section of the Graduate Catalog for a description of teaching credential programs.
Master of Science in Marine Sciences Marine Biology Concentration
The Department of Biological Sciences in conjunction with Moss Landing Marine Laboratories offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences degree in areas of Marine Sciences. Please see the Graduate catalog or contact the Department of Biological Sciences office for further information.
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), San Francisco State University, and Oakland Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. Please see the Graduate catalog or contact the Department office for further information.
Learning Objectives
Graduates will demonstrate:
- Biological knowledge: Knowledge of the basic principles of biology and unifying themes, the processes shared by living things, and an appreciation of the diversity of life that exists on earth.
- Lab skills: The ability to use approprate laboratory/field procedures, methods and instrumentation to conduct biological investigations and safety issues associated with each.
- Analytical and quantitative skills: The ability to formulate scientific questions, design experiments to answer these questions, collect, analyze, interpret and report data.
- Computer literacy: This is facilitated through laboratory assignments in introductory chemistry, ecology, physiology, and other courses in the core of the degree.
- Cognitive skills: The ability to think critically, synthesize as opposed to memorize information presented to them and use this information to solve problems.
Students will demonstrate:
- Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing (scientific writing).
- Research skills: The ability to find, evaluate and integrate published information, to use databases and information technology.
- Stewardship advocacy: The understanding and appreciation of the relevance of biology to society, the value of knowledge and the lifelong learning, integrity, and the ability to identify and evaluate ethical issues.
- Teamwork skills: The ability to work cooperatively and solve problems in a group.
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