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
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.
In order to graduate, you will also need to complete your general education and university 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.
Complete ALL of the following courses:
CHEM 110/L: Chemistry I (5 units)
CHEM 111/L: Chemistry II (5 units)
BIO 210/L: Molecular and Cell Biology and Animal Physiology (5 units)
BIO 211/L: Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity and Plants (5 units)
BIO 311: Genetics (4 units)
Complete ONE of the following, which also fulfills the CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR):
Complete ONE of the following Service Learning courses:
BIO 378S: Health Sciences Service Learning (5 units)
BIO 379S: Biology Service Learning (5 units)
ENSTU 349S: Environmental Interpretation and Outreach (5 units)
ENSTU 384S: Social and Ecol Justice (2 units)
ENSTU 369S: Com-Based Watershed Restor SL (5 units)
MATH 361S: Mathematics Tutors (5 units)
MSCI 359S: Marine Science in the Community (5 units)
Complete ONE of the following Capstone seminar courses:
Select one of the following concentrations and complete the specified coursework.
Unless otherwise indicated, courses may not double-count for two different requirements.
Complete the following courses:
Complete ONE of the following courses:
Complete ONE of the following courses:
Complete ONE of the following Organic Chemistry course combinations:
CHEM 210/L: Organic Chemistry for Biologists (5 units) AND BIO 310: Biochemistry I (3 units)
CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I (5 units) AND CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
Complete ONE of the following Research Methods courses:
BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
BIO 322: Plant Pathology (4 units)
BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology (4 units)
BIO 410: Bioinformatics (4 units)
BIO 425: Systematic and Molecular Mycology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 444: Molecular Ecology & Evolution (4 units)
BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
MSCI 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
Complete FOUR of the following Molecular Biology concentration electives for at least 12 units.
BIO 310: Biochemistry I (3 units)
BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
BIO 322: Plant Pathology (4 units)
BIO 330: Vertebrate Physiology (3 units)
BIO 332: Plant Physiology (3 units)
BIO 341: Evolution Bio & Pop Genetics (3 units)
BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology (4 units)
BIO 380: Practical Computing for Scientists (4 units)
BIO 394: Biology Internship (1-3 units)
BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
BIO 395: Special Topics (1-4 units)
BIO 410: Bioinformatics (4 units)
BIO 412: Comparative Genomics (3 units)
BIO 413: Molecular Genetics (4 units)
BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology (4 units)
BIO 425: Systematic and Molecular Mycology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 444: Molecular Ecology & Evolution (4 units)
BIO 494: Biology Internship (2-4 units)
BIO 495: Special Topics (1-4 units)
CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
CHEM 395: Special Topics (1-4 units)
CHEM 410: Biochemistry II (3 units)
CHEM 430: Environmental and Agricultural Chemistry Topics (1-4 units)
CHEM 395: Special Topics (1-4 units)
MSCI 331: Ecological Physiology (4 units)
MSCI 341: Conservation Genetics (4 units)
MSCI 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
Upper-division KIN, PH, CHHS or PHYS course may replace ONE of the above courses
Unless otherwise indicated, courses may not double-count for two different requirements.
Complete ALL of the following courses:
MATH 150: Calculus I (4 units)
STAT 250: Applied Stat:Sci Tech (4 units)
CHEM 210/L: Organic Chemistry for Biologists (5 units) OR BOTH CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I (5 units) AND CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists (4 units) OR BOTH PHYS 220: Physics I (4 units) AND PHYS 221: Physics II (4 units)
Complete ONE of the following Research Methods courses:
BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
BIO 322: Plant Pathology (4 units)
BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology (4 units)
BIO 410: Bioinformatics (4 units)
BIO 425: Systematic and Molecular Mycology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 444: Molecular Ecology & Evolution (4 units)
ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods (4 units)
ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research (4 units)
Complete TWO of the following Ecology, Evolution, or Physiology courses:
Complete FOUR of the following ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY concentration electives for at least 12 units.
NOTE: CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units) may double-count with the organic chemistry requirement above and as an Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology elective below.
BIO 310: Biochemistry I (3 units)
BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
BIO 330: Vertebrate 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 Biotechnology (4 units)
BIO 345: Marine Biology (4 units)
BIO 360: Natural History of California Wildlife (4 units)
BIO 362: Field Ornithology (4 units)
BIO 364: Mammology (4 units)
BIO 380: Practical Computing for Scientists (4 units)
BIO 392: Biology Seminar Series (1 units)
BIO 394: Biology Internship (1-3 units)
BIO 395: Special Topics (1-4 units)
BIO 410: Bioinformatics (4 units)
BIO 412: Comparative Genomics (3 units)
BIO 413: Molecular Genetics (4 units)
BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology (4 units)
BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4 units)
BIO 425: Systematic and Molecular Mycology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 444: Molecular Ecology & Evolution (4 units)
BIO 448: Freshwater Ecology (4 units)
BIO 449: Community Ecology (4 units)
BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
BIO 472: California Flora (4 units)
BIO 494: Biology Internship (2-4 units)
BIO 495: Special Topics (1-4 units)
CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
CHEM 410: Biochemistry II (3 units)
CHEM 432: Aqueous Chemistry (3 units)
ENVS 315: Soils and the Environment (4 units)
ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods (4 units)
ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process (4 units)
ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
ENVS 446: Landscape Ecology (4 units)
ENVS 475: Projects in Natural Resource Management (4 units)
MSCI 331: Ecological Physiology (4 units)
MSCI 340: Marine Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 341: Conservation Genetics (4 units)
MSCI 370: Biological-Physical Oceanography (4 units)
MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques (4 units)
MSCI 445: Projects in Marine Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 470: Science Policy and Management in the Marine Environment (4 units)
MSCI 475: Marine Conservation Biology (4 units)
PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research (4 units)
Other upper-division course with advisor approval. Only ONE course may have a prefix other than BIO, CHEM, ENVS, MSCI, or PHYS
Complete the following courses:
MATH 130: Precalculus (5 units) OR MATH 150: Calculus I (4 units)
STAT 100: Introduction to Statistics (3 units) OR STAT 250: Applied Stat:Sci Tech (4 units)
CHEM 210/L: Organic Chemistry for Biologists (5 units) OR BOTH CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I (5 units) AND CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists (4 units)
GEOL 210: Introduction to Earth Science (3 units) OR GEOL 260: Geology/Hydrology (4 units)
Complete ONE of the following Research Methods courses:
BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
BIO 322: Plant Pathology (4 units)
BIO 344L: Environmental Biotechnology (4 units)
BIO 410: Bioinformatics (4 units)
BIO 425: Systematic and Molecular Mycology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 444: Molecular Ecology & Evolution (4 units)
ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods (4 units)
ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research (4 units)
Complete TWO of the following Ecology, Evolution, or Physiology courses:
Complete FOUR of the following Teacher Preparation concentration elective courses for at least 12 credits:
NOTE: CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units) may double-count with the organic chemistry above and as a Teacher Preparation Concentration elective below.
BIO 310: Biochemistry I (3 units)
BIO 320: Microbiology (4 units)
BIO 330: Vertebrate 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 Biotechnology (4 units)
BIO 345: Marine Biology (4 units)
BIO 360: Natural History of California Wildlife (4 units)
BIO 362: Field Ornithology (4 units)
BIO 364: Mammology (4 units)
BIO 380: Practical Computing for Scientists (4 units)
BIO 392: Biology Seminar Series (1 units)
BIO 394: Biology Internship (1-3 units)
BIO 395: Special Topics (1-4 units)
BIO 410: Bioinformatics (4 units)
BIO 412: Comparative Genomics (3 units)
BIO 413: Molecular Genetics (4 units)
BIO 414: Molecular Cell Biology (4 units)
BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4 units)
BIO 425: Systematic and Molecular Mycology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 444: Molecular Ecology & Evolution (4 units)
BIO 448: Freshwater Ecology (4 units)
BIO 449: Community Ecology (4 units)
BIO 461: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology (4 units)
BIO 472: California Flora (4 units)
BIO 494: Biology Internship (2-4 units)
BIO 495: Special Topics (1-4 units)
CHEM 312: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
CHEM 320/L: Environmental Chemistry (5 units)
CHEM 410: Biochemistry II (3 units)
CHEM 432: Aqueous Chemistry (3 units)
ENVS 315: Soils and the Environment (4 units)
ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods (4 units)
ENVS 355: Environmental Monitoring (4 units)
ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process (4 units)
ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
ENVS 446: Landscape Ecology (4 units)
ENVS 475: Projects in Natural Resource Management (4 units)
MSCI 331: Ecological Physiology (4 units)
MSCI 340: Marine Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 341: Conservation Genetics (4 units)
MSCI 370: Biological-Physical Oceanography (4 units)
MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques (4 units)
MSCI 445: Projects in Marine Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 470: Science Policy and Management in the Marine Environment (4 units)
MSCI 475: Marine Conservation Biology (4 units)
PHYS 330: Robotics for Ecological Research (4 units)
Other upper-division course with advisor approval. Only ONE course may have a prefix other than BIO, CHEM, ENVS, MSCI, or PHYS
Students apply the fundamental mathematical and statistical constructs used to analyze, interpret and communicate quantitative information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students apply scientific principles and methods to the study of molecular life processes and the structure and function of cells.
Students apply biological principles and scientific methods to the study of ecological or evolutionary or organismal biology.
Students demonstrate the ability to share an understanding of biology with culturally, linguistically, economically and technologically diverse communities.
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.
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.
* 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.
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.
Students must complete 40 credits of upper-division coursework to meet CSU graduation requirements.
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 (4 units), CHEM 110L: Chemistry I Lab (1 units), and MATH 150: Calculus I (4 units) 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.
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.
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.
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 (4 units): Chemistry I, CHEM 110L: Chemistry I Lab (1 units): Chemistry I Lab, and MATH 150: Calculus I (4 units) 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.
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.
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.