Biology, B.S.

The Biology program delivers distinctive learning opportunities that will take your experience to the next level, from authentic research initiatives, to a heightened focus on strong communication skills, to instilling empathy toward global issues.

Educational Objectives

Our unique program structure offers the perfect sequence of learning and preparation, from a lower division of core courses to an upper division split into three areas of concentration: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Molecular Biology; and Biology Teacher Preparation.

Our Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) program is recognized for excellence by the CSUBIOTECH affinity group, and you’ll have research opportunities including the NIH-GREAT and Genentech GAIN program.

Our uncommon emphasis on communication will distinguish you in the eyes of employers and graduate schools, as you develop exceptional skills in oral and written communication and serve as a leader in communicating “how things work” biologically.

Our 4+1 credentialing option is ideal for students who want to launch directly into a career teaching biology, and our biology minor for students in other majors helps expand career opportunities with preparation in areas like marine science, marine biology, mathematics, and bioinformatics.

Complete all of the following courses:

• MATH 150 - Calculus I Units: 4 MATH 150 requires prior preparation for calculus (e.g. to a level provided by successful completion of MATH 130)
• CHEM 110 - Chemistry I Units: 4
• CHEM 110L - Chemistry I Lab Units: 1
• CHEM 111 - Chemistry II Units: 4
• CHEM 111L - Chemistry II Lab Units: 1
• BIO 210 - Molecular and Cell Biology and Animal Physiology Units: 4
• BIO 210L - Molecular and Cell Biology and Animal Physiology Lab Units: 1
• BIO 211 - Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity and Plants Units: 4
• BIO 211L - Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity and Plants Lab Units: 1
• BIO 301 - Research and Technical Writing in Biology Units: 2

Complete all of the following courses:

• CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I Units: 3
• CHEM 211L - Organic Chemistry I Lab Units: 2
• PHYS 220 - Physics I Units: 4
• STAT 250 - Applied Stat:Sci Tech Units: 4
• BIO 311 - Genetics Units: 4

Our distinctive coastal environment creates truly powerful scientific learning opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. From hands-on learning of organismal biology, to research labs using marine organisms as model systems for study, to fields trips along California’s vibrant central coast, you’ll learn the biological underpinnings of our natural world and distinguish yourself through research of directly related to marine biology and ocean science.

You’ll engage in meaningful, authentic experiences in which you’ll connect with the local community and give back. Some of these include activities at local schools, working with homeless populations, and volunteering at nurseries, farms, and the county public health offices.