Biology Major

Students majoring in Biology are required to complete sixty-seven (67) units of science as follows:

Required Biology Courses (40 units)

Lower Division (12 units):

• BIOL - 105 General Biology I
• BIOL - 106 General Biology II
• BIOL - 212 Cell Physiology

Upper Division (28 units)

• BIOL - 414 Evolution
• A field course selected from one of the following:
• BIOL - 332 Herpetology Lab
• BIOL - 380 Conservation Biology Lab
• BIOL - 382 Laboratory in California Wildlife
• BIOL - 391 Laboratory in Marine Biology
• BIOL - 393 Laboratory in Oceanography
• Plus an additional 16 units of upper division biology courses that must include at least two field or laboratory courses.

Note: A maximum total of four units from directed study courses (0201-398, 0201-498, 0201-598, and 0201-599) and a maximum of two units of seminar (0201-490) may be counted toward upper division Biology credit.

Supporting Courses (27-31 units)

Chemistry (15-19 units)

• CHEM - 111 General Chemistry I
• CHEM - 113 General Chemistry II
• CHEM - 236 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (or 0202-230 Organic Chemistry I and 0202-231 Organic Chemistry II)
• CHEM - 232 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Mathematics (4 units)

• MATH - 102 Biostatistics

Physics (8 units)

• PHYS - 100 Introductory Physics I (or 0208-110, General Physics I)
• PHYS - 101 Introductory Physics II (or 0208-210, General Physics II)

Learning Goals/Outcomes for the B.S. in Biology

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Biology, a graduate will have acquired:

• An understanding of major biological concepts and awareness of how these are connected within various areas of the biological and physical sciences.
• the problem solving, analytical, and communication skills that will provide the foundation for lifelong learning and career development.
• an appreciation of science as an integral part of society and everyday life.
• the ability to evaluate and discuss contemporary social and ethical issues related to biology and medicine.