Biology, B.S.

This degree opens doors to hundreds of exciting careers in a wide variety of biology-related fields. An awesome group of faculty, an incredible location, great facilities, the latest technologies, small class sizes and a supportive learning environment come together to offer you a first-rate biology education with concentrations in:

• Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Teacher Preparation

For additional information about the major, including internships and undergraduate research opportunities, please visit the Division of Science and Environmental Policy website.

Required Courses

special requirements

AS-T certified students can earn a Biology B.S. by completing the special requirements found on the Requirements for AS-T certified students in Biology page.

All other Biology majors, see below.

standard requirements

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

Biology students complete the 'core' courses listed below and select a concentration.

Core Courses

Complete ALL of the following courses:

• CHEM 110/L: Chemistry I
• CHEM 111/L: Chemistry II
• BIO 210/L: Molecular and Cell Biology and Animal Physiology
• BIO 211/L: Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity and Plants
• BIO 311: Genetics

Complete ONE of the following, which also fulfills the CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR):

• BIO 300: Issues & Ethics in Biology
• ENVS 300: Critical Thinking & Communication in Environmental Science
• MSCI 300: Marine Science, Communication, & Policy

Complete ONE of the following Service Learning courses:

• BIO 378S: Health Sciences Service Learning
• BIO 379S: Biology Service Learning
• ENSTU 349S: Environmental Interpretation and Outreach
• ENSTU 384S: Social and Ecol Justice
• ENSTU 369S: Com-Based Watershed Restor SL
• MATH 361S: Mathematics Tutors
• MSCI 359S: Marine Science in the Community

Complete ONE of the following Capstone seminar courses:

• BIO 491: Biology Research Capstone
• BIO 492: Course-Based Capstone
• BIO 493: Biology Test-based Capstone
• ENVS 410: Capstone Integration Seminar
• ENSTU 403: Capstone Seminar 2

Concentrations

Select one of the following concentrations and complete the specified coursework.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

Complete the following courses:

• MATH 150: Calculus I
• STAT 100: Introduction to Statistics OR STAT 250: Applied Stat:Sci Tech
• PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists OR BOTH PHYS 220: Physics I AND PHYS 221: Physics II
• BIO 310: Biochemistry I OR BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology
• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology OR BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population

Complete ONE of the following course combinations:

• CHEM 210/L: Organic Chemistry for Biologists AND BIO 310: Biochemistry I
• CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I AND CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II

Complete ONE of the following courses:

• BIO 320: Microbiology
• BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology
• BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
• BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
• BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• MSCI 430: Marine Experimental Physiology

NOTE: BIO 310: Biochemistry I or CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II may double-count as a "Molecular Biology Elective" below.

Complete FOUR of the following MOLECULAR BIOLOGY concentration electives.

• BIO 310: Biochemistry I
• BIO 320: Microbiology
• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology
• BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology
• BIO 492: Course-Based Capstone
• BIO 394: Biology Internship
• BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population
• BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
• BIO 395: Special Topics
• BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
• BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology
• BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• MSCI 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• BIO 494: Biology Internship
• CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 395: Special Topics
• Upper-division KIN, PH, CHHS or PHYS course may replace ONE of the above courses

ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND BIO ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

Complete ALL of the following courses:

• MATH 150: Calculus I
• STAT 250: Applied Stat:Sci Tech
• CHEM 210/L: Organic Chemistry for Biologists OR BOTH CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I AND CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II
• PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists OR BOTH PHYS 220: Physics I AND PHYS 221: Physics II

Complete ONE of the following courses:

• BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology
• BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
• BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS
• ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods
• ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring
• ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling
• PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research

Complete TWO of the following courses:

• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology
• BIO 340: Ecology
• BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population

CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II may double-count as a "Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Elective" below.

Complete FOUR of the following ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY concentration electives for at least 12 credits.

• BIO 310: Biochemistry I
• BIO 320: Microbiology
• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology
• BIO 340: Ecology
• BIO 342: Plant Communities of CA
• BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology
• BIO 345: Marine Biology
• BIO 360: Vertebrate Natural History
• BIO 392: Biology Seminar Series
• BIO 394: Biology Internship
• BIO 395: Special Topics
• BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
• BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population
• BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology
• BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology
• BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• BIO 448: Aquatic Ecology
• BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
• BIO 472: California Flora
• BIO 494: Biology Internship
• BIO 495: Special Topics
• CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II
• ENVS 315: Soils and the Environment
• ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS
• ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods
• ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring
• ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process
• ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling
• MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques
• MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology
• MSCI 470: Science Policy and Management in the Marine Environment
• PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research
• Other upper-division course with advisor approval. Only ONE course may have a prefix other than BIO, CHEM, ENVS, MSCI, or PHYS

TEACHER PREPARATION CONCENTRATION

Complete the following courses:

• MATH 130: Precalculus OR MATH 150: Calculus I
• STAT 100: Introduction to Statistics OR STAT 250: Applied Stat:Sci Tech
• CHEM 210/L: Organic Chemistry for Biologists OR BOTH CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I AND CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II
• PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists
• GEOL 210: Introduction to Earth Science OR GEOL 260: Geology/Hydrology

Complete ONE of the following courses:

• BIO 320: Microbiology
• BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology
• BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
• BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• MSCI 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS
• ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods
• ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring
• ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling

Complete TWO of the following courses:

• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology
• BIO 340: Ecology
• BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population

CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II may double-count as a "Teacher Preparation Elective."

Complete FOUR of the following TEACHER PREPARATION concentration electives for at least 12 credits:

• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology
• BIO 340: Ecology
• BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population
• BIO 310: Biochemistry I
• BIO 320: Microbiology
• BIO 330: Comparative Physiology
• BIO 340: Ecology
• BIO 342: Plant Communities of CA
• BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology
• BIO 345: Marine Biology
• BIO 360: Vertebrate Natural History
• BIO 392: Biology Seminar Series
• BIO 394: Biology Internship
• BIO 395: Special Topics
• BIO 410: Bioinformatics & Systems Biology
• BIO 411: Evolutionary Biology and Population
• BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology
• BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology
• BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology
• BIO 448: Aquatic Ecology
• BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
• BIO 472: California Flora
• BIO 494: Biology Internship
• BIO 495: Special Topics
• CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II
• ENVS 315: Soils and the Environment
• ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS
• ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods
• ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring
• ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process
• ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling
• MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques
• MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology
• MSCI 470: Science Policy and Management in the Marine Environment
• PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research
• Other upper-division course with advisor approval. Only ONE course may have a prefix other than BIO, CHEM, ENVS, MSCI, or PHYS

Learning Outcomes

MLO 1: Mathematical Foundations

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MLO 7: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Students apply biological principles and scientific methods to the study of ecological or evolutionary or organismal biology.

MLO 8: Service in Biology

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

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.

Course Pathways

The freshman and transfer pathways (semester-by-semester course recommendations) listed here are just examples of course sequences to complete your degree requirements. Many courses have prerequisites, so these pathways can also help you get a feel for the order in which you should take courses. Each of the following course pathways provides just one example of a course sequence you might follow.

Other pathways will also work and may even be necessary for your individual situation. The best way to design a pathway that works for you is to meet with an advisor to discuss your goals.

Biology Teacher Preparation Freshman Pathway

Fall Freshman

* This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.

Spring Freshman

Fall Sophomore Year

Spring Sophomore

Fall Junior

Spring Junior

Fall Senior

Spring Senior

Biology Teacher Preparation Transfer Pathway

This pathway represents one example of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree, and assumes that you have completed at least 60 transferable credits, all A-E general education requirements completed, as well as a year of general chemistry with lab, precalculus, and the Biology course series (10 to 12 credits) for biology majors.

Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. You'll want to work closely with an advisor or faculty mentor to develop a pathway that's customized for you.

In the meantime, use this example as a starting point for choosing classes or discussing your plans with an advisor. Your advisor is your best resource when it comes to figuring out how to fit all the courses you need, in the right sequence, into your personal academic plan.

Fall Junior

Spring Junior

Fall Senior

Spring Senior

Students must complete 40 credits of upper-division coursework to meet CSU graduation requirements.

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Freshman Pathway

This pathway is one example of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree, assuming that you enter CSUMB prepared to take CHEM 110: Chemistry I, CHEM 110L: Chemistry I Lab, and MATH 150: Calculus I in the fall of your freshmen year. Both courses have placement exams that can be admininstered during orientation weekend or move-in weekend, but you should plan to take the placement exam while attending orientation so that you can finalize your course schedule as early as possible. Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. Many students need one or more additional MATH courses before taking a college-level calculus course; many need an extra writing or chemistry course depending on their placement exams. Don't worry - there is flexibility built into the curriculum, but taking summer courses can help compensate for extra prequisite courses needed during the freshman year. You'll want to work closely with an advisor and use the academic advisement report to take all that into account and develop a pathway that is customized for you.

Fall Freshman

This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.

Spring Freshman

Fall Sophomore

Spring Sophomore

Fall Junior

Spring Junior

Fall Senior

spring senior

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Transfer Pathway

This pathway represents one example of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree, assuming that you transferred to CSUMB with at least 60 transferable credits, completed all of your general education, and have also completed a year of general chemistry with lab, one semester of calculus, and a 10-credit or 12-credit sequence of Biology courses for majors, as described in the Preparation section.

Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. You'll want to work closely with an advisor or faculty mentor to develop a pathway that is customized for you.

In the meantime, use this example as a starting point for choosing classes or discussing your plans with an advisor. Your advisor is your best resource when it comes to figuring out how to fit all the courses you need, in the right sequence, into your personal academic plan.

Fall Junior

Spring Junior

Fall Senior

Spring Senior

Molecular Biology Freshman Pathway

This pathway is one example of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree, assuming that you enter CSUMB prepared to take CHEM 110: Chemistry I: Chemistry I, CHEM 110L: Chemistry I Lab: Chemistry I Lab, and MATH 150: Calculus I in the fall of your freshmen year. Both courses have placement exams that can be admininstered during orientation weekend or move-in weekend, but you should plan to take the placement exam while attending orientation so that you can finalize your course schedule as early as possible. Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. Many students need one or more additional MATH courses before taking a college-level calculus course; many need an extra writing or chemistry course depending on their placement exams. Don't worry - there is flexibility built into the curriculum., but taking summer courses can help compensate for extra prequisite courses needed during the freshman year. You'll want to work closely with an advisor and use the academic advisement report to take all that into account and develop a pathway that is customized for you.

Fall Freshman

This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.

Spring Freshman

Fall Sophomore

Spring Sophomore

Fall Junior

Spring Junior

Fall Senior

Spring Senior

Molecular Biology Transfer Pathway

This pathway represents one example of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree, assuming that you transferred to CSUMB with at least 60 transferable credits, completed all of your general education, and have completed a year of general chemistry with lab, one semester of calculus, a semester of statistics, and a 10-credit or 12-credit sequence of Biology courses for majors, as described in the Preparation section.

Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. You'll want to work closely with an advisor or faculty mentor to develop a pathway that's customized for you.

In the meantime, use this example as a starting point for choosing classes or discussing your plans with an advisor. Your advisor is your best resource when it comes to figuring out how to fit all the courses you need, in the right sequence, into your personal academic plan.

Fall Junior

Spring Junior

Fall Senior

Spring Senior

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