Biology B.S. ~ Teacher Preparation Concentration Requirements

Note that many of the courses listed below have required lab components.

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.

One course each from MLOs 5, 6, 7, and 8, plus TWO advisor-approved electives (5 to 9 credits)  from these MLOs.

MLO 5: Information, Technology, and Scientific Inquiry in Biology  ~ 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 Molecular and Cellular Biology ~ Students apply scientific principles and methods to the study of molecular life processes and the structure and function of cells.

MLO 7: Advanced Knowledge in Organismal Biology ~ Students apply biological principles and scientific methods to the study of one or more chosen areas of organismal biology.

MLO 8: Advanced Knowledge in Ecology, Evolution, or Genetics ~ Students apply advanced concepts in molecular and population genetics, evolution, or experimental and theoretical ecology to modern questions in biology. 

  • Complete the following genetics course: BIO 341

MLO 9: Service in Biology ~ Students demonstrate the ability to share an understanding of biology with culturally, linguistically, economically, and technologically diverse communities.

Note: BIO and ESSP courses with “S” designation also count towards two of CSUMB’s Graduation Learning Outcomes and as upper-division general education.

MLO 10: Biology Capstone ~ Students complete written and oral reports synthesizing their biology knowledge with their experiences in a course-based project, an internship, service learning project, independent research, or other advisor-approved capstone-level project.