Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology provides a balanced blend of traditional and modern biology, incorporating the important generalizations of traditional biology with the more recent advances. The degree may lead to graduate study in biology or related fields such as forensic science; entrance into professional schools in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy; and employment in applied or technical aspects of biology including the biotechnology industry and environmental science areas. In addition to the usual course offerings, the Department of Biological Sciences participates in the Southern California Ocean Studies Institute (SCOSI) and the California Desert Studies Consortium, which are explained in detail under Consortia in the first chapter of the University catalog. The department also participates in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree program in Natural Science.
The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is 186 units, of which 120 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.
Departmental Honors Program
The Department of Biological Sciences offers an honors program for upper division biology students who have completed 94 quarter units, including 40 units in the major, with a minimum B (3.0) grade point average both overall and in the major. Students shall have completed 24 units of the major in residence at Cal State L.A.
The honors program introduces superior students to an intensive research experience in biology. Honor students are assisted by an honors adviser and two other committee members. Enrollment in BIOL 396, Honors Study in Biology, for 5 units is required, and enrollment in BIOL 499, Undergraduate Directed Study, for 1-4 units, is optional. A prospectus, a written thesis, and a final oral examination about the thesis, administered by the committee, are required parts of the program. Diplomas and transcripts of honors program graduates are designated: "Graduated with Departmental Honors in Biology."
Requirements for the Major (120 units)
Of the 186 units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, the major requires 120 while the general education program and other university requirements total 66. Competence in mathematics through MATH 205 is required. It is recommended that students complete at least one year of a foreign language.
Successful completion of the major requires a minimum C (2.0) overall grade point average in all courses required for the major. At least 18 units of upper division course work that fulfills major requirements must be taken in residence (not to include courses graded CR/NC).
| Lower Division Required Courses (55 units) | |
| BIOL 100ABC | Introductory Biology I-III (5, 5, 5) |
| CHEM 101-103 | General Chemistry I-III (5, 5, 5) |
| CHEM 201 | Quantitative Analysis (5) |
| MATH 204 | Applied Calculus I (4) |
| MATH 205 | Applied Calculus II (4) |
| PHYS 101-103 | Physics (4, 4, 4) |
| Upper Division Required Courses (33 units) | |
| BIOL 300 | Biometrics (4) |
| BIOL 320 | Writing for Biologists (4) |
| BIOL 340 | General Genetics (4) |
| BIOL 360 | General Ecology (4) |
| BIOL 380 | Cell Biology (4) |
| CHEM 301ABC and CHEM 302AB |
Organic Chemistry (3, 3, 3) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2, 2) |
| Electives (32 units) | |
With prior written approval of their adviser, students must select certain upper division courses in biology and other natural sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences. No upper division course with the suffix N or upper division general education course may be used to fulfill major requirements. |
Note: This information was taken from the University Catalog.