Biology
Biology B.A.
Degrees
The department offers a minor, a B.A. and a B.S. degree at the undergraduate level, an M.S. degree (thesis or non-thesis option) at the graduate level, and a certificate in biotechnology. Pre-med options for both the B.A. and B.S. degrees exist. Additionally, an articulation program that guarantees admission to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program at Western University of Health Sciences is available on a competitive basis to a limited number of students. Biology majors may apply for admission to this program after completing BIOL 200, BIOL 201 and BIOL 202 at CSUSB. Honors in biology may be confirmed upon students who successfully complete an approved independent research project and maintain a specified grade point average.
Degree Requirements
All students obtaining either the B.A. or B.S. degree are required to complete the Biology 200-201-202 core series, Cell Physiology (BIOL 300), Molecular Biology (BIOL 400), Ecology (BIOL 450 or BIOL 455), and Genetics with laboratory (BIOL 421,422) in addition to other upper division elective requirements. All students must pass a four-quarter series (BIOL 200, 201, 202, and 300) with a grade of "C" or better before they may enroll in any other upper-division Biology class. Those students pursuing the B.S. degree must now select a combination of elective courses which will ensure training in both anatomy and physiology in combination with training in both plant and animal subjects. Students selecting the B.A. degree retain the flexibility in elective course selection which enables them to custom tailor their program to meet specific career needs.
Biology B.S.
Degree Requirements
All students obtaining either the B.A. or B.S. degree are required to complete the Biology 200-201-202 core series, Cell Physiology (BIOL 300), Molecular Biology (BIOL 400), Ecology (BIOL 450 or BIOL 455), and Genetics with laboratory (BIOL 421,422) in addition to other upper division elective requirements. All students must pass a four-quarter series (BIOL 200, 201, 202, and 300) with a grade of "C" or better before they may enroll in any other upper-division Biology class. Those students pursuing the B.S. degree must now select a combination of elective courses which will ensure training in both anatomy and physiology in combination with training in both plant and animal subjects. Students selecting the B.A. degree retain the flexibility in elective course selection which enables them to custom tailor their program to meet specific career needs.
Biology M.S.
Master of Science in Biology
The Master of Science in Biology is designed to provide the flexibility required to develop specific course programs and acceptable thesis research proposals based upon the individual graduate student's interests and background. The general goal of the program is to provide the student with opportunity for improvement of competence, development of the ability to continue self-directed study, and development of intellectual responsibility in preparation for professional leadership in biology.
The graduate program in biology provides training in various concentrations of current research interest in molecular and population genetics, physiology, immunology, molecular biology, population and systematic ecology, neurobiology, plant and animal developmental biology, cellular biology, vertebrate morphology and paleontology, microbiology, parasitology, cancer biology and science education.
The department offers both thesis and non-thesis degree programs. The thesis option (Plan I) is designed for students entering research-related careers or planning to enter advanced graduate and professional degree programs. The non-thesis option (Plan II) is designed primarily for students entering professional fields such as teaching
For more information, please visit:
Department of Biology
Department Office: BI-302
Phone: 909.537.5305
Fax: 909.537.7038 .
