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2011-2012 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biological Sciences B.S.

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View information for the Department of Biological Sciences , including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

The degree Bachelor of Science is designed to provide the comprehensive background in the sciences required for students planning to seek a career in biological sciences, secondary teaching, or a career requiring training in graduate or professional schools. Students planning to seek advanced or professional degrees should consult their department adviser early in their undergraduate program to determine what courses are required for graduate and professional programs.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

1. Complete University General Education requirements for the bachelor’s degree

(51 units)

Click here to view General Education requirements. 

2. Complete the following prerequisites and cognates to the major:

a. Required prerequisite courses in the major field:

(8 units)

b. Required prerequisite and cognate courses in supporting fields:

(26 units)

i.
ii.
iii.
  • Mathematics (statistics or calculus), 3-4 units
iv.

Physics (one-year sequence), 8 units.
A year sequence comparable to:

3. Complete the required courses for a concentration.

Courses taken without the prerequisites will not be applied toward the degree. In some concentrations, 4 units of specific non-biology science courses may be applied toward the major. A maximum of 4 units may be satisfied by lower division courses (with advisors approval). A maximum of 4 units may be satisfied by BIOL 4900 series courses (colloquium, independent study, internship, teaching assistantship) or CR-graded coursework from courses graded exclusively CR/NC. Upper-division GE courses from the biological sciences may not apply toward the major. Completion of a minor is not required.

The Major

(45 units)

1. Complete the following core courses:

2. Complete the specific requirements of a concentration

Concentrations in the Biological Sciences (B.S.) Major

Students must select one of the following concentrations during the semester in which they will have completed BIOL 3310 and BIOL 3350. However, a different concentration may be selected subsequently.

Biology Education

This concentration provides a broad background in the biological sciences with specific course work for those interested in pursuing careers in education.

1. Complete at least 2 units from the following Genetics and Biotechnology courses:

2. Complete at least 4 units from the following Structure and Function courses:

3. Complete at least 4 units from the following Ecology courses:

4. Diversity and Systematics

a. Complete at least 4 units from the following Entomology or Zoology courses:
b. Complete one of the following Botany or Microbiology courses:

5. Complete the following Complementary-Education course:

6. Complete at least 15 units of elective courses from Genetics and Biotechnology, Diversity and Systematics, and/or from the following list:

Note:

*A maximum of 4 units may be satisfied by lower division biology courses. A maximum of 4 units may be satisfied by BIOL 4900 series courses or CR-graded coursework from courses graded exclusively CR/NC. Four units of specific non-biology science courses may be applied toward the major

Ecology

This concentration provides a focus on multi-scale biological processes and interactions between organisms and the environment. Students interested in marine systems can select courses specific to that sub-discipline.

1. Complete at least 2 units from the following Genetics courses:

2. Complete at least 4 units from the following Structure and Function courses:

3. Complete at least 8 units from the following Ecology courses:

4. Complete at least eight units from the following Diversity and Systematics courses:

5. Complete at least 3 units from the following Complementary―Population/Community courses:

6. Complete at least 11 units of elective courses from Structure and Function, Diversity and Systematics, Complementary, and/or from the following list:

General Biology

This concentration provides a broad background in biological sciences that is applicable to diverse career goals.

1. Complete at least 2 units from the following Genetics and Biotechnology courses:

2. Complete at least 4 units from the following Structure and Function courses:

3. Complete the following Ecology course:

4. Diversity and Systematics

5. Complete at least 5 units from the following Complementary courses:

6. Complete at least 13 units of elective courses from Genetics and Biotechnology, Structure and Function, Diversity and Systematics, Complementary Biology, and/or from the following list:

Molecular and Microbial Biology

This concentration provides a focus on biological processes at the cellular and sub-cellular levels. Students interested in genetics, molecular biology, or microbiology can select courses specific to that sub-discipline.

1.Complete at least 2 units from the following Biotechnology courses:

2. Complete at least 4 units from the following Structure and Function courses:

3. Complete at least 4 units from the following Ecology courses:

4. Complete at least 5 units from the following Diversity and Systematics course:

5. Complete at least 10 units from the following Complementary courses:

  • BIO 124 (available on campus via a distance education offering with concurrent enrollment from CSU Sacramento with labs at that campus.)

6. Complete at least 11 units of electives from Structure and Function, Complementary courses, and/or from the following list:

Organismal Biology

This concentration provides a focus on biological processes and diversity in form and function from an organismal perspective. Students interested in botany, entomology, microbiology, or zoology can select courses specific to that sub-discipline.

1. Complete at least 2 units from the following Genetics and Biotechnology courses:

2. Complete at least 8 units from the following Structure and Function courses:

3. Complete at least 4 units from the following Ecology courses:

4. Complete at least 12 units from the following Diversity and Systematics courses:

5. Complete at least 10 units from Genetics and Biotechnology, Structure and Function, Diversity and Systematics courses, or from the following list:

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 on the Environmental Sciences Concentration  page.

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