Biology B.S. ~ Learning Environment

What a place to learn biology!

• We focus on your success: We've asked science-oriented employers, medical schools, and graduate schools what they look for in applicants when deciding who to hire or admit to their programs. In addition to solid science and math knowledge, they want good communication skills, lab skills, technology skills, project management skills, reliability, ethical practice, and the ability to work well on a team. We've built an outcomes-based curriculum around their recommendations and work closely with each of our students to help them acheive those outcomes as quickly and effectively as possible.
  
  
• Friendly, supportive, learning atmosphere: Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and appreciation of diverse student backgrounds and learning styles fosters a supportive learning environment. Our outcomes-based curriculum and grading allows a shift away from the competitive atmosphere present at many universities toward a more collaborative model, in which students work together to help everyone achieve the outcomes.
  
  
• Regional Partnerships: CSUMB has established collaborations with dozens of biology- and health-care oriented research and education institutions, government agencies, and non-profits in the Monterey/Salinas region. These collaborations extend our classrooms and bring you additional opportunities through field trips, internships, community service projects, and other exciting activities. Many of these relationships turn into later employment opportunities for our students.
  
  
• State-of-the art science facilities and equipment: The science and math departments are housed in the new Chapman Science Academic Center, which offers state-of-the art science facilities and equipment, including teaching laboratories, student project space, computer labs, group study areas, and a top-floor student study lounge with views across Monterey Bay to Moss Landing and Santa Cruz.
  
  
• Undergraduate research opportunities: Most of the Biology faculty maintain active biology research programs that invite undergraduate participation. In some cases, undergraduate students in our department have co-authored peer-reviewed scientific articles with their professors.