Biology, B.A.

Student Learning Outcomes for the B.A. Degree in Biology

Program graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of biological systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of biological systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of information flow, exchange, and storage in biological systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of pathways and transformations of energy and matter in biological systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of the interconnections and interactions in biological systems
• Be able to apply the scientific method to solve problems in biology
• Effectively communicate biological concepts in written and oral forms
• Have experience using field and laboratory skills
• Apply computational and quantitative methods to describe biological systems

Students completing a B.A. with a Secondary Science Emphasis will also be able to:

• Think logically and critically evaluate new information
• Integrate information from different fields of science
• Synthesize information and communicate ideas to diverse groups of students
• Design lessons that engage students in the process of inquiry (NGSS)
• Connect course content to real life situations and local issues
• Value ongoing assessment and professional development

Major Requirements

¹

A student must complete with a C (2.0) average the courses indicated with an asterisk, including a C (2.0) average in BIOL 101 General Biology I, BIOL 102 General Biology II, BIOL 111 General Biology I Lab, BIOL 112 General Biology II Lab, BIOL 201 Cell Function, and BIOL 202 Genetics, prior to becoming eligible to take any upper division biology course.

²

to include MATH 122 Calculus for the Life Sciences I

³

Classes above can only satisfy one area, even if listed in more than one area.

⁴

CHEM 371 Biochemistry Lab can be used to count as an upper division biology lab in the major. Students who are minoring or majoring in biochemistry cannot use CHEM 371 Biochemistry Lab to count as credit in both the biochemistry major/minor and biology major.

⁵

CHEM 370 Biochemistry and/or HSEG 515 Healthcare Delivery Systems can be used to count as an upper division biology elective in the major.  If neither or only one of those is taken, one other upper division non-biology course can be used to count as an upper division biology elective in the major.

Students who wish to take a non-biology course (besides CHEM 370 Biochemistry or HSEG 515 Healthcare Delivery Systems) for upper division biology elective credit must receive approval from the chairperson of the biology department prior to taking the course.

Students who are minoring or majoring in biochemistry cannot use CHEM 370 Biochemistry to count as credit in both the biochemistry major/minor and biology major.

⁶

BIOL 312 Field Botany can satisfy only one of these two categories (either plant OR field, not both).

Note:
Upper division biology courses that are taken to fulfill requirements for a different major or minor may not be used to fulfill biology major course requirements.

Upper division biology courses may be taken as electives. Students preparing for specific graduate careers should discuss appropriate courses with their advisors.

To graduate as a biology major, a student must accumulate a C (2.0) average in all major requirements.

B.A. Degree–Biology Secondary Science Education Emphasis Curriculum

The B.A. in Biology with a Secondary Science Emphasis has been accredited by the State of California. Students who have successfully completed the Single Subject Matter Program in Biology (SSEB) will receive a waiver and do not have to take the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) exam; completion of the program demonstrates subject matter competency. The program goal is to produce teachers who are confident in their ability to implement the next generation science standards (NGSS), to adapt to future changes, and who have the capacity to teach science as a process of inquiry and excite curiosity in their students. A student who has successfully completed our program should possess the knowledge and expertise that will enable him/her to become a confident, enthusiastic, and effective teacher.

For the B.A. in Biology, Secondary Science Education Emphasis, the prescribed 29 upper division semester hours provide the depth of subject matter content required by the State of California.

Major Requirements

¹

MATH 131 Calculus I, MATH 132 Calculus II may be substituted for MATH 122 Calculus for the Life Sciences I, MATH 123 Calculus for the Life Sciences II/MATH 205 Applied Statistics

Notes:
A student must complete the lower division requirements with a C (2.0) average.

In order to graduate as a biology major and receive a subject matter waiver, a student must accumulate a C (2.0) average in all major requirements.

B.A. Degree–Biology Curriculum

(120 S.H.)¹

¹

A minimum of 45 upper division semester hours are required to complete the degree.

²

The course sequence in Mathematics depends on the results of the Mathematics Placement Exam.

³

A minimum of 32 core semester hours are required. The sequence of the University Core courses should be discussed with the student’s advisor.

B.A. Degree–Biology Secondary Science Education Emphasis Curriculum Four Year Plan

Note:

1. The course sequence in Mathematics depends on the results of the mathematics placement examination.
2. Each of the listed history courses meets the US Constitution credential requirement for future teachers.
3. The science education internship is placed in the paradigm during the senior year where the units can be accommodated. However, students are encouraged to complete the internship requirement as early as possible after completion of their sophomore year.
4. Both ENVS 357 Environmental Chemistry: Atmosphere and Climate and ENVS 358 Environmental Chemistry: Water, Soil, and Sediment meet the environmental science requirement; however, ENVS 357 Environmental Chemistry: Atmosphere and Climate is offered in the Fall, therefore students must plan accordingly.

A minimum of 32 University Core semester hours are required. The sequence of the University Core courses should be discussed with the student’s advisor.