DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Professors Emeriti: Thomas N. Fast, John S. Mooring
Professors: Janice Edgerly-Rooks (Department Chair), William R. Eisinger, Michelle A. Marvier, Dennis R. Parnell, S.J., Craig M. Stephens
Associate Professors: Elizabeth P. Dahlhoff, James L. Grainger, Ángel L. Islas, Leilani M. Miller, David L. Tauck
Assistant Professors: David C. Hess, Justen Whittall
The Department of Biology offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The major provides students a broad background in biology, while allowing the opportunity to explore particular areas of biology in greater depth. The biology major serves as a strong foundation for graduate, medical, or professional studies, as well as for careers in teaching, research, and business. Most courses emphasize laboratory or field work, and students are also encouraged to work with faculty on research projects. Minor degrees in biology and related disciplines (biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and environmental studies) are available. The Biology Department also offers courses that satisfy the natural science requirement of the Core Curriculum, which are available to all University students who are curious about the nature of life. The Department of Biology also offers courses for majors and nonmajors that satisfy the Science, Technology & Society requirement in the Core Curriculum. Numerous study abroad opportunities in the life sciences, both for biology majors and nonmajors, are available through the International Programs office. Students are encouraged to participate in original research as part of their undergraduate training. Most faculty members involve students in their research programs; opportunities also exist at neighboring institutions. Qualified students can obtain course credit for research by enrolling in BIOL 198.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
In addition to fulfilling the University Core Curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, students majoring in biology must complete the following departmental requirements:
- BIOL 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
- CHEM 11, 12, 13, 31, and 32 (CHEM 33 also suggested)
- PHYS 11, 12, 13 or PHYS 31, 32, 33
- MATH 11, 12 (MATH 9 is a suitable introduction to MATH 11 for students preparing for calculus)
- A minimum of seven approved upper-division biology courses, including five with a laboratory.
Five of the seven upper-division courses must be from one of three areas of emphasis: biomedical sciences, cellular and molecular biology, or ecology and evolution. Students who desire to approach their upper-division studies in a manner that is not well represented by these emphases may develop an integrative biology plan for upper-division coursework by organizing a coherent series of courses in consultation with their advisor. Integrative biology plans must be approved by the department chair and must be submitted no later than the junior year.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINORS
Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in biology:
- Three upper-division biology courses, including two with a laboratory component
Minors in Related Areas
Biotechnology Minor is designed for students interested in gaining insight into the science underlying biotechnology, exploring its potential for the future, and obtaining practical experience in laboratory techniques used in biotechnology research and its applications. See Chapter 6, Interdisciplinary Minors and Other Programs of Study for details.
Environmental Studies Minor provides an opportunity for students to focus on environmental issues through a variety of academic approaches in the humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, and law. See Environmental Studies in this chapter for details.
Biomedical Engineering Minor is designed primarily for science majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. This minor could be a valuable asset for science majors interested in biomedical research and/or health-related careers, including those completing prerequisites for medical school and other health-related professional schools. See Chapter 5, School of Engineering, for details.
PREPARATION IN BIOLOGY FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER TRAINING CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS
The State of California requires that students seeking a credential to teach biology in California secondary schools must pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), a subject area competency examination. Students who are contemplating secondary school teaching in biology should consult with the coordinator in the Department of Biology as early as possible. The secondary teaching credential requires the completion of an approved credential program that can be completed as a fifth year of study and student teaching, or internship.
