Biology B.S. ~ Teacher Preparation Freshman Pathway

The pathway listed below is appropriate for students in the biology TEACHER PREPARATION concentration who enter CSUMB prepared to begin pre-calculus and introductory chemistry. Freshmen who have not passed or been exempted from the ELM (Entry-Level Math exam) would need to modify this pathway by enrolling in MATH 098 instead of MATH 130/L their first semester, and MATH 099 their second semester. Those who have not passed the EPT (English Placement Test) would need to add WRT 095 to their first semester schedule. Students who enter CSUMB prepared for general chemistry would begin CHEM 110/L instead of MATH 130/L and CHEM 109 their first semester. The pathway shown below assumes that students have had at least two years of a foreign language in high school and would begin their college study of foreign language with a second semester course.

Because CSUMB is outcomes-based, this chronological pathway indicates which MLO (Major Learning Outcome) or ULR/GLO (University Learning Requirements / Graduation Learning Outcomes) each course fulfills. It then shows course numbers for courses that meet those outcomes, along with credits and an indication of which semester each course is offered. For more information on a course-including title, credits, description, and prerequisites-click its number. For more information on an outcome, click on its abbreviated name.

 

MLO
Covered

ULR/GLO
Covered

Course
Number

When
Offered

CR

F
A
L
L

-
-
-
-
-

FYS & TECH
or FYS & TECH
MATHCOM
VIBRANCY
SCI 1

FYS 100 Sci/Tech
OR FYS 100 Sci focus + CST 101
MATH 130/L***
Vibrancy Activity
CHEM 109

Every semester
Every semester
Every semester
Every semester
Every semester

6 or
2+ 4
5
1
3

S
P
R
I
N
G

1
2
-
-

-
-
ARTSCOM & LIT
LANG

STAT 100* or 250
CHEM110/L*
HCOM or TAT 230
LANG 102*

Every semester
Every semester
Every semester
Every semester

4
5
4
4

F
A
L
L

2
2

-

-
-
DEMPART & HIST
LANG

CHEM 111/L
PHYS 150/L***
SBS 212 or GS 200
LANG 201

Every semester
Every semester
Every semester
Every semester

5
4
4
4

S
P
R
I
N
G

2
3
-
-

-
-
ENGCOM A
CP

CHEM 210/L***
BIO 240/L
ENVS 211*
SL 200S

Every semester
Every semester
Every semester
Every semester

4
4
4
4

F
A
L
L

3
3
-
-

-
-
ENGCOM B & ETHICS
VIBRANCY THEORY

BIO 241/L
ENVS 212
HPWE X6X
GEOL 304/L

Every semester
Every semester
Every semester
Every semester

4
4
4
4

S
P
R
I
N
G

2
4

5
7

-
GWAR
-
-

BIO 242/L
BIO 300**
BIO 310
MLO 7 Organismal Biology Course

Varies
Every spring
Every spring
Every semester

4
3
4
4

F
A
L
L

6
8
8
5,6,7, or 8

-
-
-
-

BIO 314
BIO 341
MLO 8 Ecology Course
Upper Div Elective

Every fall
Every fall
Every semester
Every semester

3
3
2-4
3-4

S
P
R
I
N
G

9
10
10
-

CULTURE, Service
-
-
Any upper division GE/ULR

MLO 9 Service in Biology**
BIO 490
Upper Div Capstone Elective
Upper Div GE**

Every semester
Every spring
Every semester
Every semester

5
2
2 or 4
3-4

* To have a lighter load during the academic year, students may take the courses indicated with an * during the summer (at CSUMB, if offered, or at a community college).
** Upper-division general education credits; students must complete at least 9 upper-division (300-level or above) ULR/GE units after attaining junior status.
*** Note that some biology graduate programs may require calculus or a full year of physics and organic chemistry.