Major Requirements

Credits Required: 

Total credits: 120

Credits at CSUMB: 60

Credits in the major: 72 - 82, depending upon the concentration.  At least 40 units must be upper division, but not all of these need to be in the major.

The Biology major begins in the freshman year with specific requirements because most upper-division (junior/senior) biology courses require lower-division (freshman/sophomore) courses as prerequisites.

Like other majors at CSUMB, the Biology major is defined in terms of a set of Major Learning Outcomes (MLOs), which are things you'll be able to do after completing the major. Each of the three concentrations within the Biology major uses a slightly different set of courses to help you achieve the same outcomes in different ways. For details, check out the course requirements for each concentration.

Major Requirements and Learning Outcomes are identified below. In order to graduate, students must also meet all general education and university requirements.

MLO 1: Mathematical Foundations

Students apply the fundamental mathematical and statistical constructs used to analyze, interpret and communicate quantitative information.

Required Courses

MLO 2: Physical Science Foundations

Students use the nomenclature, concepts and methodology of chemistry and physics to describe, measure and predict the chemical and physical properties and processes of physical and biological systems. CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II or BIO 310: Biochemistry may double-count in MLO 9.

Required Courses

  • Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Concentration
  • Two semesters of General Chemistry:
  • CHEM 110/L: Chemistry I (5 units)
  • CHEM 111/L: Chemistry II (5 units)
  • Organic Chemistry:
  • Either
  • CHEM 210/L: Organic Chem for Biologists (5 units)
  • or both
  • CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
  • CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
  • Physics:
  • Either
  • PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists (4 units)
  • or both
  • PHYS 220: Physics I (4 units)
  • PHYS 221: Physics II (4 units)
  • Molecular Biology Concentration
  • Two semesters of General Chemistry:
  • CHEM 110/L: Chemistry I (5 units)
  • CHEM 111/L: Chemistry II (5 units)
  • Organic Chemistry:
  • Either both
  • CHEM 210/L: Organic Chem for Biologists (5 units)
  • BIO 310: Biochemistry (3 units)
  • or both
  • CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
  • CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
  • Physics:
  • Either
  • PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists (4 units)
  • OR both
  • PHYS 220: Physics I (4 units)
  • PHYS 221: Physics II (4 units)
  • Teacher Preparation Concentration
  • Two semesters of General Chemistry:
  • CHEM 110/L: Chemistry I (5 units)
  • CHEM 111/L: Chemistry II (5 units)
  • Organic Chemistry:
  • Either
  • CHEM 210/L: Organic Chem for Biologists (5 units)
  • or both
  • CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
  • CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
  • Physics:
  • Either
  • PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists (4 units)
  • or both
  • PHYS 220: Physics I (4 units)
  • PHYS 221: Physics II (4 units)
  • One of the following Geology courses:
  • GEOL 260: Geology/Hydrology (4 units)
  • GEOL 210: Introduction to Earth Science (3 units)

MLO 3: Biological Foundations

Students understand and describe the role of evolution as it applies to the diversity of life and life processes on earth, including molecular and cellular biology, genetics, organismal biology and ecology, and they apply basic scientific principles and methods to these biological processes.

Required Courses

  • BIO 240/L: Ecology,Evol, Biodiversity (4 units)
  • BIO 241/L: Cellular & Molecular Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 242/L: Plant & Animal Form & Function (4 units)

MLO 4: Communication and Ethics in Biology

Students identify, research, analyze and present clearly, in oral and written formats, for scientific and non-scientific audiences, historical and current complex biological concepts in appropriate contexts. Students analyze their own and other ethical frameworks surrounding such issues.

Required Courses

  • One of the following as appropriate for your career goals:
  • BIO 300: Issues & Ethics in Biology (4 units)
  • ENVS 300: Crit Thkg & Comm in Env Sci (4 units)
  • MSCI 300: Marine Sci, Comm, & Policy (4 units)
  • NOTE: BIO 300 is strongly recommended for students in the Molecular Biology concentration.

MLO 5: Research Methods and Applied Skills

Students detect, describe and observe patterns that emerge from the analysis of biological questions, use the scientific method to develop questions and test hypotheses, and demonstrate competence in the analysis and display of data. Courses taken in MLO 5 may not double-count with other MLOs.

Required Courses

  • Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Concentration
  • Choose ONE of the following:
  • BIO 344L: Environmental Biotech Lab (4 units)
  • BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Bio (3 units)
  • BIO 430: Marine Exprmntl Physiology (4 units)
  • ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
  • ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methds (4 units)
  • ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
  • ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
  • PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecol Research (4 units)
  • Molecular Biology Concentration
  • Choose ONE of the following:
  • BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
  • BIO 344L: Environmental Biotech Lab (4 units)
  • BIO 361: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Bio (3 units)
  • BIO 430: Marine Exprmntl Physiology (4 units)
  • Teacher Preparation Concentration
  • Choose ONE of the following:
  • BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
  • BIO 344L: Environmental Biotech Lab (4 units)
  • BIO 361: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Bio (3 units)
  • BIO 430: Marine Exprmntl Physiology (4 units)
  • ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
  • ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methds (4 units)
  • ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
  • ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)

MLO 6: Advanced Knowledge in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics

Students apply scientific principles and methods to the study of molecular life processes and the structure and function of cells. Courses taken in MLO 6 may NOT double-count for another major requirement.

Required Courses

MLO 7: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal BIology

 Students apply biological principles and scientific methods to the study of ecological or evolutionary or organismal biology.Courses taken for MLO 7 may not double-count with other MLOs. 

Required Courses

MLO 8: Service in Biology

Students demonstrate the ability to share an understanding of biology with culturally, linguistically, economically and technologically diverse communities.

Note: BIO and ENVS courses with "S" designation also count towards upper-division general education.

Required Courses

  • Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Concentration
  • Choose one of the following courses
  • BIO 378S: Health Sciences SL (5 units)
  • BIO 379S: Biology Education Serv Learn (5 units)
  • ENSTU 349S: Environmental Interpretation (4 to 5 units)
  • ENSTU 369S: Com-Based Wshed Restor SL (5 units)
  • ENSTU 384S: Social and Ecol Justice (2 units)
  • MATH 361S: Mathematics Tutors (5 units)
  • or selected upper-division service learning course approved by your advisor
  • Molecular Biology Concentration
  • Choose one of the following courses
  • BIO 378S: Health Sciences SL (5 units)
  • BIO 379S: Biology Education Serv Learn (5 units)
  • ENSTU 384S: Social and Ecol Justice (2 units)
  • MATH 361S: Mathematics Tutors (5 units)
  • Teacher Preparation Concentration
  • Choose one of the following courses
  • BIO 379S: Biology Education Serv Learn (5 units)
  • ENSTU 349S: Environmental Interpretation (4 to 5 units)
  • ENSTU 369S: Com-Based Wshed Restor SL (5 units)
  • ENSTU 384S: Social and Ecol Justice (2 units)
  • MATH 361S: Mathematics Tutors (5 units)

MLO 9: Biology Depth of Knowledge

Students obtain additional expertise in their chosen biological field through advanced elective courses, and complete a capstone research project or demonstrate proficiency in Biology via a standardized exam.

Required Courses

  • NOTE: All students must complete at least 40 upper-division (300 or above) credits to graduate.
  • Completing the minimum requirements for the Biology major does NOT ensure fulfillment of the CSU's requirement of 40 total upper-division credits.
  • Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Concentration
  • Complete a capstone seminar course plus four upper-division electives.
  • One of the following Capstone Seminar Courses:
  • BIO 490: Biology Capstone (2 units)
  • BIO 491: Research Capstone (2 units)
  • BIO 492: Course-Based Capstone (1 unit)
  • ENVS 410: Capstone Integration Seminar (1 unit)
  • Four of the following advanced electives:
  • (CHEM 312 or BIO 310 may double-count with MLO 2 but not with any other MLO. Only one of the four elective courses can be ENVS, MSCI, or PHYS)
  • BIO 310: Biochemistry (3 units)
  • BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
  • BIO 330: Comparative Physiology (3 units)
  • BIO 340: Ecology (4 units)
  • BIO 341: Evolution Bio & Pop Genetics (3 units)
  • BIO 342: Plant Communities of CA (4 units)
  • BIO 344L: Environmental Biotech Lab (4 units)
  • BIO 345: Marine Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 360: Vertebrate Natural History (4 units)
  • BIO 361: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 394: Biology Internship (3 units)
  • BIO 395: Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 units)
  • BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Bio (3 units)
  • BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology (3 units)
  • BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4 units)
  • BIO 430: Marine Exprmntl Physiology (4 units)
  • BIO 448: Aquatic Ecology (4 units)
  • BIO 472: California Flora (4 units)
  • BIO 494: Biology Internship (2 to 4 units)
  • BIO 495: Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 units)
  • CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
  • ENVS 315: Soils & the Environment (4 units)
  • ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
  • ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methds (4 units)
  • ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
  • ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process (4 units)
  • ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
  • ENVS 442: Vernal Pools of Ft Ord (4 units)
  • MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques (4 units)
  • MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology (4 units)
  • MSCI 470: Sci Pol & Mgmt in Marine Env (4 units)
  • PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecol Research (4 units)
  • Other upper-division course with advisor approval
  • Molecular Biology Concentration
  • Complete a capstone seminar course plus four upper-division electives. Only one elective course can be from a department other than BIO or CHEM.
  • One of the following Capstone Seminar Courses:
  • BIO 490: Biology Capstone (2 units)
  • BIO 491: Research Capstone (2 units)
  • BIO 492: Course-Based Capstone (1 unit)
  • Four of the following advanced electives:
  • (CHEM 312 or BIO 310 may double-count with MLO 2 but not with any other MLO. Only one elective course can be KIN, PH, CHHS, or PHYS).
  • BIO 310: Biochemistry (3 units)
  • BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
  • BIO 330: Comparative Physiology (3 units)
  • BIO 341: Evolution Bio & Pop Genetics (3 units)
  • BIO 344L: Environmental Biotech Lab (4 units)
  • BIO 361: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 394: Biology Internship (3 units)
  • BIO 395: Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 units)
  • BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Bio (3 units)
  • BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology (3 units)
  • BIO 430: Marine Exprmntl Physiology (4 units)
  • BIO 494: Biology Internship (2 to 4 units)
  • BIO 495: Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 units)
  • CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
  • CHEM 395: Special Topics (1 to 4 units)
  • Upper-division KIN, PH, CHHS, or PHYS course with advisor approval
  • Teacher Preparation Concentration
  • Students complete a capstone seminar course plus four upper-division electives. Only one elective course can be from a department other than BIO or CHEM.
  • One of the following Capstone Seminar Courses:
  • BIO 490: Biology Capstone (2 units)
  • BIO 491: Research Capstone (2 units)
  • BIO 492: Course-Based Capstone (1 unit)
  • ENVS 410: Capstone Integration Seminar (1 unit)
  • ENSTU 403: Capstone Seminar 2 (3 units)
  • Four of the following advanced electives:
  • (CHEM 312 or BIO 310 may double-count with MLO 2 but not with any other MLO. Only one of the four elective courses can be from a prefix other than BIO or CHEM).
  • BIO 310: Biochemistry (3 units)
  • BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
  • BIO 330: Comparative Physiology (3 units)
  • BIO 340: Ecology (4 units)
  • BIO 341: Evolution Bio & Pop Genetics (3 units)
  • BIO 342: Plant Communities of CA (4 units)
  • BIO 344L: Environmental Biotech Lab (4 units)
  • BIO 345: Marine Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 360: Vertebrate Natural History (4 units)
  • BIO 361: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
  • BIO 394: Biology Internship (3 units)
  • BIO 395: Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 units)
  • BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Bio (3 units)
  • BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology (3 units)
  • BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4 units)
  • BIO 430: Marine Exprmntl Physiology (4 units)
  • BIO 448: Aquatic Ecology (4 units)
  • BIO 472: California Flora (4 units)
  • BIO 494: Biology Internship (2 to 4 units)
  • BIO 495: Special Topics in Biology (1 to 4 units)
  • CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
  • ENVS 315: Soils & the Environment (4 units)
  • ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
  • ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methds (4 units)
  • ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
  • ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process (4 units)
  • ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
  • ENVS 442: Vernal Pools of Ft Ord (4 units)
  • MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques (4 units)
  • MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology (4 units)
  • MSCI 470: Sci Pol & Mgmt in Marine Env (4 units)
  • PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecol Research (4 units)
  • Other upper-division science or education course approved by advisor.

Concentrations

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Molecular Biology

Teacher Preparation

The Teacher Preparation concentration is aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's standards for middle school and high school biology teachers.