Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The degree offers students a broad education in biology from molecules to ecosystems, with an emphasis on hands-on training in the laboratory and the field. Biology majors can gain pre-professional preparation in the various areas of biology, coursework toward a teaching credential, progress toward professional certification, and/or preparation for graduate training in a field of interest. In addition to the core coursework for the biology major, students may choose a concentration in order to gain a deep, focused understanding of a specific sub-field within biology, or may follow the general curriculum in biology for broader exposure to a variety of topics. Students are encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor and the College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center to help them learn about their chosen degree program, concentration choices, career options, study skills, and departmental opportunities. Students interested in teaching may choose any concentration and should contact the single subject credential advisor for information about teaching opportunities and recommended coursework. Students may not double major in Biological Sciences and Microbiology, or in Marine Science.
Concentrations
Anatomy and Physiology
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
Students in this concentration study biological sciences with an emphasis on the structure and function of humans and other animals. This concentration is ideal for students preparing for careers in the health professions.
Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Conservation
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
This concentration will prepare students to study the ecology and evolution of the earth's biodiversity and to participate in its conservation. The concentration will provide students with the skills necessary to participate in the conservation of wildlife, plants, and other wild species and their habitats. Professions in this arena include basic and applied research with state and federal resource management agencies, non-governmental organizations (N.G.O.s), and private consulting firms. These professions require a solid foundation in the identification of organisms, the principles of ecology and evolution, and the tools, policies and social context of conservation. This area of concentration is recommended for students seeking professional certification by off-campus entities such as The Wildlife Society and the Ecological Society of America; students interested in such certification programs should consult with their faculty advisor for specific programmatic guidance.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
Designed for students who are interested in how genes and their products work to create and maintain cells, tissues and organisms. This concentration augments the diverse biological sciences curriculum with courses in molecular and cellular biology, and electives such as biochemistry, bioinformatics, cellular immunotherapy, immunology, developmental biology and virology. This concentration is ideal for students interested in biotechnology or biomedical research, and is also an excellent option for students planning future studies in the health professions.
General Curriculum
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The General Curriculum provides the greatest flexibility allowing students to take coursework across all areas of biology. This breadth of knowledge across the biological sciences may be especially beneficial for students considering teaching biology at the secondary level. Students who do not declare a concentration will default to the General Curriculum. The General Curriculum in Biology is not a concentration but can be used to fulfill the unit requirements of a concentration.
Program Learning Objectives
- Explain fundamental concepts of biology in the following areas: diversity & evolution; structure and function at multiple hierarchical levels; information flow; energy and matter transformations; interactions among and between organisms and the environment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the appropriate lab and field techniques in their area of specialization in biology.
- Locate and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
- Apply the process of science to design, conduct, analyze and interpret experiments in biology.
- Integrate statistics, math, physical sciences and technology to answer biological questions.
- Communicate biological principles and research findings effectively to diverse audiences.
- Relate ethical, social justice or global perspectives to the study and practice of biology.
Degree Requirements and Curriculum
In addition to the program requirements listed on this page, students must also satisfy requirements outlined in more detail in the Minimum Requirements for Graduation section of this catalog, including:
- 40 units of upper-division courses
- 2.0 GPA
- Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
- U.S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR COURSES | ||
| BIO 1150 | Life: History and Diversity (5B & 5C) 1 | 4 |
| BIO 1151 | Life: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| BIO 2253 | Principles of Ecology and Evolution | 4 |
| BIO 3351 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 3352 | Principles of Animal Physiology | 4 |
| Select from the following: | 2 | |
| Senior Project - Research Proposal | ||
| Senior Project - Research Experience | ||
| Senior Project - Meta-analysis in Biology | ||
| Concentration or General Curriculum in Biology 2 | ||
| (See list of Concentrations and General Curriculum in Biology below) | 34 | |
| SUPPORT COURSES | ||
| CHEM 1120 | Fundamentals of Chemical Structure and Properties (5A) 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1122 | Fundamentals of Chemical Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 2240 | Organic Chemistry: Fundamentals and Applications 3 | 4-5 |
| or CHEM 2242 | Organic Chemistry I | |
| MATH 1264 | Calculus for Data Science I (2) 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 1121 | College Physics I | 4 |
| or PHYS 1141 | General Physics I | |
| STAT 1110 | Applied Statistical Concepts and Methods | 3 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select from the following: 4 | 3-4 | |
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory | ||
| Applications in GIS | ||
| Calculus for Data Science II | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | ||
| College Physics II | ||
or PHYS 1143 | General Physics II | |
| Introduction to Statistical Computing with R | ||
| Statistics II | ||
| GENERAL EDUCATION (GE) | ||
| (See GE program requirements below) | 33 | |
| FREE ELECTIVES | ||
| Free Electives 5 | 4-6 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
- 1
Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.
- 2
Courses taken to meet a Major or Support requirement cannot be double-counted in a concentration or the General curriculum.
- 3
Students in the Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration should take CHEM 2242 to satisfy this requirement.
- 4
Consultation with an advisor is recommended prior to selecting electives; the best choice for an individual will depend on area of interest and career plans.
- 5
If a General Education (GE) course is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.
Concentrations
Anatomy and Physiology
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| BIO 4431 | Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 4432 | Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| CHEM 3352 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology Electives 1 | ||
| Select from the following: | 11 | |
| Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab Skills | ||
| Advanced Human Gross Anatomy | ||
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Neuroscience | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Functional Histology | ||
| Gastrointestinal Physiology and Microbiology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Metabolism | ||
| Approved Electives 2,3,4,5 | ||
| Select from the following (a minimum of 3 units must be 3000-4000 level): | 11 | |
Any 3000-4000 level BIO, BOT, MCRO, or MSCI courses except those excluded for major credit in Biological Sciences | ||
| Culture and Health | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Metabolism | ||
| Nutritional Biochemistry | ||
| Neurochemistry | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Human Nutrition | ||
| Calculus II | ||
or MATH 1265 | Calculus for Data Science II | |
| General Microbiology I | ||
| General Microbiology II | ||
| Maternal and Child Nutrition | ||
or NUTR 3315 | Nutrition in Aging | |
or NUTR 3331 | Macronutrient Metabolism | |
| Ethics, Science, and Technology | ||
or PHIL 3339 | Biomedical Ethics | |
or PHIL 3340 | Environmental Ethics | |
or PHIL 3341 | Professional Ethics | |
| College Physics II | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| The Learn By Doing Lab Teaching Practicum | ||
| Statistics II | ||
| Gender, Race, Culture, Science, and Technology | ||
| Total Units | 34 | |
- 1
Excess Anatomy and Physiology Elective units will be applied to Approved Electives.
- 2
Courses taken to meet a Major or Support requirement cannot be double-counted in Approved Electives.
- 3
Maximum of 6 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from: BIO 3300, BIO 4400, BIO 4450, BIO 4466, BIO 4485, BIO 4495.
- 4
Maximum of 2 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from ENGR/SCM 3302 or MSCI 4401.
- 5
If BIO 4461, BIO 4462, or BIO 4463 is used to meet the senior project requirement, it cannot be double-counted as an approved elective.
Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Conservation
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| Ecology Courses | ||
| Select from the following: 1 | 7 | |
| Wildlife Ecology | ||
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Population and Community Ecology | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Marine Ecology | ||
| Evolution Courses | ||
| Select from the following: | 4 | |
| Evolutionary Medicine | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Conservation Courses | ||
| Select from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Principles of Conservation Biology | ||
| Marine Fisheries and Conservation | ||
| Biodiversity Courses | ||
| Select from the following: 1,2 | 8 | |
| Mammalogy | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Herpetology | ||
| General Entomology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Plant Taxonomy | ||
| Field Botany: California Plant Diversity | ||
| Marine Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles | ||
| Approved Electives 3,4,5,6,7 | ||
| Select from the following: | 12 | |
Select any 3000-4000 level BIO, BOT, MCRO, or MSCI courses, except those excluded for major credit in Biological Sciences | ||
| Principles of Rangeland Management | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory | ||
| Applications in GIS | ||
or NR 2218 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | |
| Advanced Applications in Geospatial Technologies | ||
or NR 4418 | Applied Geographic Information System | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Calculus II | ||
or MATH 1265 | Calculus for Data Science II | |
| Introduction to Forest Ecosystem Management | ||
| Environmental Management | ||
| Environmental Life-Cycle Analysis | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Systems Thinking in Environmental Management | ||
| College Physics II | ||
| The Learn By Doing Lab Teaching Practicum | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Computing with R | ||
| Statistics II | ||
| Applied Regression Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Computing with SAS and SQL | ||
| Intermediate Statistical Computing with R | ||
| Applied Multivariate Statistics | ||
| Total Units | 34 | |
- 1
Excess units will be applied to Approved Electives.
- 2
Students seeking certification (e.g., as an Associate Wildlife Biologist from the Wildlife Society) should see their faculty advisor for guidance.
- 3
Consultation with advisor is recommended prior to selecting courses; bear in mind your selections may impact pursuit of post-baccalaureate studies and/or goals.
- 4
Courses taken to meet a Major or Support requirement cannot be double-counted in the concentration.
- 5
Maximum of 6 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from the following: BIO 2200, BIO 3300, BIO 4400, BIO 4450, BIO 4466, BIO 4485, or BIO 4495.
- 6
If BIO 4461, BIO 4462, or BIO 4463 is used to meet the senior project requirement, it cannot be double-counted as an approved elective.
- 7
Maximum of 2 units may be applied toward the Approved Electives from ENGR/SCM 3302 or MSCI 4401.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| BIO 2255 | Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab Skills | 1 |
| BIO 4452 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIO 4457 | Molecular Biology Laboratory | 3 |
| Advanced Electives 1,2,3 | ||
| Select from the following: | 9 | |
| Cellular Immunotherapy | ||
| Bioinformatics Applications | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| General Virology | ||
| Approved Electives 3,4,5 | ||
| Select from any 3000-4000 level BIO or MCRO courses except those not open for major degree credit in Biological Sciences, or from the following (a minimum of 7 units must be upper-division): | 18 | |
| Applied Biotechnology in Animal Science | ||
| Orientation to Biotechnology | ||
| Drug Discovery and Development | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Foundations of Chemical Analysis | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Metabolism | ||
| Nutritional Biochemistry | ||
| Protein Techniques | ||
| Neurochemistry | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory | ||
| Calculus II | ||
or MATH 1265 | Calculus for Data Science II | |
| General Microbiology I | ||
| Ethics, Science, and Technology | ||
or PHIL 3339 | Biomedical Ethics | |
or PHIL 3341 | Professional Ethics | |
| College Physics II | ||
| The Learn By Doing Lab Teaching Practicum 6 | ||
| Statistics II | ||
| Gender, Race, Culture, Science, and Technology | ||
| Total Units | 34 | |
- 1
Excess units from Advanced Electives applied to Approved Electives.
- 2
Consultation with advisor is recommended prior to selecting electives; bear in mind your selections may impact pursuit of post-baccalaureate studies and/or goals.
- 3
Courses taken to meet a Major or Support requirement cannot be double-counted in Advanced or Approved Electives.
- 4
Consult with your faculty advisor for approval to use other relevant upper-division coursework from other departments.
- 5
Maximum of 6 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from the following: BIO 2200, BIO 3300, BIO 4400, BIO 4450, BIO 4466, BIO 4485, BIO 4495, and MSCI 4401.
- 6
Maximum of 2 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from ENGR/SCM 3302.
General Curriculum
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| 4000-level Electives 1,2 | ||
| Select any 4000-level BIO, BOT, MCRO, or MSCI courses except, BIO 4400, BIO 4450, BIO 4461, BIO 4462, BIO 4463 | 9 | |
| Bioscience Electives 1,2 | ||
| Select any 3000-4000 level BIO, BOT, MCRO, or MSCI courses except, BIO 3300, BIO 4400, BIO 4450, BIO 4461, BIO 4462, BIO 4463, and courses which are "not open for major credit in Biological Sciences" | 9 | |
| Approved Electives 1,3,4,5,6 | ||
| A minimum of 4 units must be at the 3000-4000 level | ||
| A minimum of 3 units must be BIO, BOT, MCRO, or MSCI course(s) | ||
| Select from the following: | 16 | |
Select any BIO, BOT, MCRO, or MSCI courses except those excluded for major credit in Biological Sciences | ||
| or | ||
| Culture and Health | ||
| Applied Biotechnology in Animal Science | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Foundations of Chemical Analysis | ||
| Biochemistry: Fundamentals and Applications | ||
or CHEM 3352 | Biochemistry | |
| Metabolism | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Nutritional Biochemistry | ||
| Protein Techniques | ||
| Chemistry of Drugs and Poisons | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Human Nutrition | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Advanced Applications in Geospatial Technologies | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | ||
or GEOG 2218 | Applications in GIS | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Introduction to Forest Ecosystem Management | ||
| Environmental Management | ||
| Applied Geographic Information System | ||
or GEOG 4441 | Advanced Applications in Geospatial Technologies | |
| Maternal and Child Nutrition | ||
| Ethics, Science, and Technology | ||
or PHIL 3339 | Biomedical Ethics | |
or PHIL 3341 | Professional Ethics | |
| College Physics II | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Biopsychology | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| The Learn By Doing Lab Teaching Practicum 7 | ||
| Introductory Soil Science | ||
| Soil Morphology | ||
| Applied Regression Analysis | ||
or STAT 3530 | Applied Linear Models | |
| Statistics II | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Computing with SAS and SQL | ||
| Intermediate Statistical Computing with R | ||
| Statistical Analysis of Time Series | ||
| Applied Multivariate Statistics | ||
| Gender, Race, Culture, Science, and Technology | ||
| Total Units | 34 | |
- 1
Consultation with advisor is recommended prior to selecting electives; bear in mind your selections may impact pursuit of post-baccalaureate studies and/or goals.
- 2
Excess units will be applied to Bioscience Electives or Approved Electives.
- 3
Courses taken to meet a Major or Support requirement cannot be double-counted in the General Curriculum.
- 4
Taking a General Education (GE) course that double-counts as an elective may cause an upper-division unit shortage. Use care to ensure that you have taken enough 3000-4000 level courses to meet the required 40 units of upper-division coursework.
- 5
If BIO 4461, BIO 4462, or BIO 4463 is used to meet the senior project requirement, it cannot also be counted as an elective.
- 6
Maximum of 6 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from the following: BIO 2200, BIO 3300, BIO 4400, BIO 4450, BIO 4466, BIO 4485, BIO 4495, or MSCI 4401.
- 7
Maximum of 2 units may be applied toward Approved Electives from ENGR/SCM 3302.
General Education (GE) Requirements
- 43 units required, 10 of which are specified in Major and/or Support.
- If any of the remaining 33 Units is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.
- See the complete GE course listing.
- A grade of C- or better is required in one course in each of the following GE Areas: 1A (English Composition), 1B (Critical Thinking), 1C (Oral Communication), and 2 (Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning).
| Lower-Division General Education | ||
| Area 1 | English Communication and Critical Thinking | |
| 1A | Written Communication | 3 |
| 1B | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| 1C | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Area 2 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning | |
| 2 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Area 3 | Arts and Humanities | |
| 3A | Arts | 3 |
| 3B | Humanities: Literature, Philosophy, Languages other than English | 3 |
| Area 4 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.) | |
| 4A | American Institutions (Title 5, Section 40404 Requirement) | 3 |
| 4B | Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Area 5 | Physical and Life Sciences | |
| 5A | Physical Sciences (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| 5B | Life Sciences (3 units in Major) 1 | 0 |
| 5C | Laboratory (may be embedded in a 5A or 5B course) (1 units in Major) 1 | 0 |
| Area 6 | Ethnic Studies | |
| 6 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Upper-Division General Education | ||
| Upper-Division 2/5 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning or Physical and Life Sciences | 3 |
| Upper-Division 3 | Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Upper-Division 4 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.) | 3 |
| Total Units | 33 | |
- 1
Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.