Undergraduate Program

The CSUF Department of Biological Science is dedicated to educating the individual student using active-learning, inquiry-based educational approaches throughout its curriculum. The curriculum for biology majors provides a broad exposure to key biological principles through the core and depth of knowledge within the student's chosen emphasis. Many opportunities for faculty-mentored student research exist. Our focus is on guiding students to acquire the skills, develop the attitudes, and master the information necessary to continue their education, obtain desirable employment in biology-related areas, and be productive citizens.

What can students expect to gain from their experience in the biology major?

• Skills in experimental design, hypothesis testing, critical thinking, problem solving, observation, data collection and record keeping, data analysis and interpretation, use of laboratory and field instrumentation and techniques, information retrieval and evaluation, written and oral communication, and working as part of a team. In this context, students will learn to question and evaluate biological ideas.
• A positive attitude toward biology, an appreciation for the value of living systems and bioethics, a desire for life-long learning, and an realization that scientific investigations involve creativity, ingenuity, and imagination.
• Mastery of biological principles and concepts and their interrelationships, and an understanding of the unifying role in biology of evolution and biodiversity, and the dynamics of biological systems.

Every undergraduate major is assigned a Biology faculty adviser to meet with before registration each semester. We have designed our mandatory advising program to help you efficiently utilize your time at CSUF. If you ever need assistance, please stop in the Department Office McCarthy Hall Room 282 to ask for help. We look forward to meeting you and working with you.

This site is intended as a reference as you work toward completion of your degree. The Undergraduate Advising Handbook for Biological Science Majors(pdf) is a great place for students to find information about the degree as well as programs (e.g. Health Professions) that may be of interest. Information on the University General Education Program is here.

The Major

The major in biological science is designed for students who wish to enter graduate or health professional schools, enter the teacher credential program, teach, or seek careers in business, industry or government. Students take a series of core courses augmented by upper-division electives. The electives are selected from areas of special interest and faculty expertise such as molecular and microbial biology, cell and developmental biology, immunology, animal and plant physiology, evolutionary biology, and desert and marine ecology.

Instructional and research activities within the Department are supported by several on- and off-campus facilities and institutions. Facilities located within McCarthy Hall and the Science Laboratory Center include computer labs, aquarium rooms, constant temperature rooms, animal rooms, photographic darkrooms, plant and animal reference collections, and scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Located on campus are greenhouse facilities and the 26-acre Fullerton Arboretum. Students also have access to off-campus facilities including the Field Station of the Desert Studies Consortium in the Mojave Desert, the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in the Laguna Mountains, and the 85-foot oceanographic vessel, Yellowfin, of the Southern California Marine Institute, moored at Terminal Island.

Student Associations

Students can become involved in Departmental activities through association with the Biology Club, Rainforest Action Group, Health Professions Club, Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, and the Institute for Molecular Biology and Nutrition.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (120 units)

The curriculum uses themes and perspectives to connect and integrate major concepts, principles and basic facts. Three Themes run throughout the curriculum: Evolution (inherited changes in organisms accumulate over time), Unity and Diversity (organisms possess common characteristics while exhibiting a wide range of variability), and Dynamics of Biological Systems (living systems continually respond to their external and internal environments by making changes necessary to sustain life).

Each theme will be presented from two Perspectives: Human Impact (the interactions between humans and the biological world) and Scientific Process (the testing of new ideas, questions or hypotheses through observation and experimentation).

Core Courses required of all Biological Science Majors (20 units)

The two-year Core provides a solid basis for understanding the principles that underlie the many distinct disciplines of biology, and focuses instructional attention on individuals working as part of small teams. These teams work together in the laboratory and field to discover information about the biological world.

Supporting Courses required of all Biological Science Majors (29 -30 units)

OTHER UNITS REQUIRED FOR THE DEGREE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (67-68)

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES	23
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES Certain required courses in core and supporting courses count for 12 additional units in category IIIA	39
UPPER DIVISION WRITING REQUIREMENT ENGL 301 Advanced College Writing OR ENGL 360 Scientific and Technical Research Writing	3
FREE ELECTIVES	5 - 6

Concentrations in Biological Science

3) Marine Biology: The study of marine organisms and their coastal and oceanic habitats, including classification, structure/function, ecology and physiology of these organisms, and conservation, environmental and evolutionary issues related to these organisms and their habitats. To see the faculty doing research in this area click here.

4) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: The study of genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology and their applications to medicine, agriculture and the environment (e.g., cancer, infectious diseases, gene therapy, crop improvement, and bioremediation). To see faculty doing research in this area click here.

GETTING STARTED

The average California State University Fullerton student:

• Is 23.7 years old
• Works more than 20 hours per week
• Takes about 11 units per semester
• Completes a bachelor's degree in 6+ years

Consult the formula below when preparing your academic plan. This plan is based on the need to study on your own daily for 3 hours per unit.

Revised Saturday, September 20 2008.