BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- BACHELOR OF ARTS
- BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
- HONORS PROGRAM
- SUBJECT MATTER PROGRAM
- MINOR
- CERTIFICATE
- MASTER OF ARTS
- MASTER OF SCIENCE
- CAREER POSSIBILITIES
- FACULTY
- CONTACT
- COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Department of Biological Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. At the undergraduate level, students are able to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, or a Minor in Biological Sciences. Within the Bachelor of Science degree program students may focus their work by selecting one or more of the following concentrations: Biological Conservation, Clinical Laboratory Science, Forensic Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology; or students may choose to obtain the Bachelor of Science with no concentration.
At the Graduate level, students may earn a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences and may also focus their work by pursuing a concentration in Biological Conservation or in Molecular and Cellular Biology within the Master of Science in Biological Sciences.
Special Features
- The Biological Sciences Honors Program provides undergraduates with an in-depth research experience.
- An Academic Achievement Certificate in Issues in Natural Resource Management may be earned with coursework beyond the B.S.
- There are 18 laboratories specially designed to serve the various courses.
- Support facilities include an entomology museum containing over 30,000 specimens; a vertebrate ectotherm museum containing several thousand specimens (fish, reptiles, and amphibians); a vertebrate endotherm museum containing over 1,900 mammal specimens and 2,500 bird specimens; a greenhouse containing a teaching collection of over 4,000 plants; an herbarium with an extensive collection of plants from western North America; and an arboretum.
- Students have the opportunity to engage in research in a wide range of projects with individual faculty and through two University-recognized centers, each of which is composed of a cross-disciplinary interdepartmental group of faculty: CREST (the Center for Regional Environmental Science and Technology) and CIMERA (the Center for Interdisciplinary Molecular Biology Education, Research and Advancement).
- The Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Coast are equally accessible from Sacramento, providing field biology students the opportunity to study an extraordinary number of varied habitats.
- Sacramento State is one of the seven participating CSU campuses at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) near Monterey.
- Located in the State Capital, Sacramento State provides a unique opportunity for students to become involved with various State and Federal agencies through biological internships and part-time employment.
- Public agencies, hospitals, clinics, and private health practices in the Sacramento area provide opportunities for students interested in the health care fields.
- Opportunities for paid biology-related work experiences are available through participation in the Cooperative Education Program.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 64-65
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (37-38 units)
(5) |
Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology |
|
(5) |
||
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent) |
|
(5) |
General Chemistry II (CHEM 1A with a passing grade of C or better) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture--Brief Course (CHEM 1B) |
(3-4) Select one of the following: |
Calculus I for the Social
and Life Sciences |
||
Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus Diagnostic Test) |
||
(4) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry [MATH 9 recommended] for those having an inadequate mathematics background) |
|
(4) |
General Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 9 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) |
|
- Pre-health professional students should take the Chemistry and Math requirements as stated in the Pre-health Professional Program section of this catalog.
- CHEM 24 and CHEM 124 may be taken in lieu of CHEM 20. (CHEM 124 is not counted toward the 24 upper division unit requirement in the major.)
B. Required Upper Division Core Courses (17 units)
(3) |
||
(4) |
General Microbiology (BIO 10 or BIO 20 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 6B, CHEM 20 or CHEM 24) |
|
(3) |
||
(4) |
||
(3) |
General Biochemistry (CHEM 20 or CHEM 124; one year of biological science is recommended) |
Notes:
- CHEM 161 is not counted toward the 24 upper division unit requirement in the major.
- CHEM 160A and CHEM 160B may be taken in lieu of CHEM 161. Three units may be counted toward the 24 upper division unit requirement for the major.
C. Upper Division Electives (10 units)
Select ten (10) upper division biology units in consultation with an advisor. Upper division electives in biological sciences must include one course in plant biology and one course in animal biology.
Notes:- No more than 2 units from BIO 195, BIO 197A, BIO 197B, BIO 197C, BIO 199A, and BIO 199B combined can be applied to the Biological Sciences upper division major requirement.
- BIO 106 is not acceptable toward a BA in Biological Sciences.
- With approval, up to six units of upper division coursework from related fields may be applied as electives in the major.
Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
Units required for Major: 76-84,
includes units of study in chosen concentration (see below).
Minimum total units required for the BS: 120-125
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Note: Additional units may be required to meet the Sacramento State foreign language requirement.A. Required Lower Division Core Courses (37-38 units)
(5) |
Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology |
|
(5) |
||
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent) |
|
(5) |
General Chemistry II (CHEM 1A with a passing grade of C or better) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture--Brief Course (CHEM 1B) |
|
| (3-4) Select one of the following: | ||
|
Calculus I for the Social and Life Sciences (MATH 11 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) OR |
|
|
Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus Diagnostic Test) |
|
(4) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound |
|
(4) |
General Physics: Light, Electricity, and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 9 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) |
|
- Pre-health professional students should take the Chemistry and Math requirements as stated in the Pre-health Professional Program section of this catalog.
- CHEM 24 and CHEM 124 may be taken in lieu of CHEM 20. (CHEM 124 is not counted toward the 36 upper division unit requirement in the major.)
B. Required Upper Division Core Courses (17 units)
(3) |
||
(4) |
General Microbiology (BIO 10 or BIO 20 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 6B, CHEM 20 or CHEM 24) |
|
(3) |
General Ecology (BIO 10 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; STAT 1); not required in the Clinical Laboratory Technology concentration. |
|
(4) |
||
(3) |
General Biochemistry (CHEM 20 or CHEM 124; one year of biological science recommended) |
Notes:
- CHEM 161 is not counted toward the 36 upper division unit requirement in the major.
- CHEM
160A and CHEM
160B may be taken in lieu of CHEM
161.
Three units may be counted toward the 36 upper division unit requirement for the major. - BIO 106 is not acceptable toward a BS in Biological Sciences.
Additional Requirements for Concentrations
Units required: 22-29
No Concentration (22 units)This degree program provides a broad background in biological sciences and the opportunity to select electives that meet individual needs and interests. It also provides necessary preparation for most graduate programs and selected entry level technical positions in industry and government. The BS in Biological Sciences meets requirements leading to the Biology Subject Matter Competency Teaching Credential (with three supplemental geoscience courses) and also satisfies requirements for admission to health professional schools (with additional coursework in Math and Chemistry). Requirements are one upper division course in plant biology and one upper division course in animal biology and enough additional upper division elective units to total 22. See "BA Major Requirements: C. Upper Division Electives."
Biological Conservation (22 units)The curriculum in Biological Conservation is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of fisheries and wildlife biology/management, conservation biology, natural resource conservation, environmental impact assessment, and related areas. This curriculum meets the educational requirements for various entry level career positions with state and federal agencies. Students majoring in this concentration are urged to obtain on-the-job training with conservation agencies (such as California Department of Fish and Game) through summer or part-time employment, or through internships (BIO 195).
(4) |
||
(3) |
||
(3) |
Quantitative Methods in Biology (STAT 1) |
|
(3) |
||
(3) |
Principles of Wildlife Management (BIO 160, BIO 166, BIO 168, or instructor permission) |
|
| (6) Select six units from the following: | ||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Ecological and Environmental Issues Seminar (BIO 10 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2) |
|
The curriculum in Clinical Laboratory Science meets the undergraduate coursework requirements of the State of California for eligibility to take the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Licensure Examination. Eligibility to take the licensure examination also requires a one year (CLS) internship training program at a state approved hospital laboratory. Completion of BS degree requirements in the Clinical Laboratory Science concentration does not guarantee admission to a CLS internship training program. Information on admission criteria and application procedures for the various CLS internship training programs throughout the state is available through the California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology (CAMLT) at their Web site, www.camlt.org/cls/.
(3) |
Clinical Hematology (BIO 10 or BIO 20 and CHEM 161 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2) |
|
(4) |
Pathogenic Bacteriology (BIO 139) |
|
(3) |
Immunology Lecture (BIO 139, CHEM 161; Corequisite: BIO 121) |
|
(1) |
||
(3) |
||
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31; CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
| (8) Eight additional upper division units selected in consultation with an advisor. Recommended electives are: | ||
|
Body Fluid Analysis (CHEM 161 or instructor permission) |
|
Systemic Physiology (BIO 1, BIO 2, BIO 10, BIO 20, or BIO 22 and one year of college chemistry) |
||
|
Advanced Problems in Physiology (Corequisite: BIO 131) | |
|
Medical Mycology (BIO 139) |
|
|
||
Notes:
- BIO 160 is not required in the Clinical Laboratory Science concentration.
- CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.
- A minor in Chemistry may be attained if either CHEM 20L or CHEM 25 is taken.
The curriculum in Forensic Biology is designed to prepare students for careers as criminalists specializing in the analysis and interpretation of serological and DNA evidence. This curriculum meets the educational requirements for entry level career positions with city, county, and federal agencies. Students selecting this concentration are urged to pursue internship opportunities (BIO 195), such as those available through the Sacramento County Coroner's Office, and/or directed research (BIO 199A or BIO 199B) with a faculty member in Biological Sciences or Chemistry who utilizes molecular biology techniques and instrumentation.
(3) |
||
(2) |
Molecular Biology Lecture (BIO 184) |
|
(2) |
Molecular Biology Laboratory (BIO 139, BIO 184; BIO 180 is recommended) |
|
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31; CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(3) |
General Investigative Techniques (Criminal Justice majors, minors, and pre-majors only; or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
The Structure and Function of the American Courts (CRJ 101, CRJ 102; restricted to declared majors and minors or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
(6) Upper division electives in Biological Sciences from approved list or with approval of advisor. Approved list: (BIO 122, BIO 124, BIO 125, BIO 130 (strongly recommended), BIO 131, BIO 149A, BIO 149B, BIO 186A, BIO 195, BIO 199A or BIO 199B.
Note: CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.
Microbiology (27 units) The concentration
in Microbiology is designed to prepare students for entry level technical
positions in industry and graduate programs in Microbiology leading to
careers in research and teaching. By taking specified elective courses,
the concentration will satisfy the coursework requirements of the State
for eligibility to take the California Public Health Microbiologist Certificate
Examination. Eligibility to take the examination also requires six months
as a trainee at an approved Public Health Laboratory. Completion of BS
degree requirements does not guarantee admission to a trainee program.
Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is a requirement
for employment in both California State and County Public Health Laboratories.
Concentration includes a minor in Chemistry.
(3) |
Immunology Lecture (BIO 139, CHEM 161; Corequisite: BIO 121) |
|
(1) |
||
(1) |
Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 20 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31; CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
Note: CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.
(15) Elective courses selected from the following list: A total of 36 upper division units is required for the concentration. CHEM 161 is required but is not counted in the 36 upper division unit requirement. Electives should be selected in consultation with an advisor.
|
Medical Mycology (BIO 139) |
|
|
||
|
Pathogenic Bacteriology (BIO 139) |
|
|
The Diversity of Micro-organisms (BIO 139) |
|
|
||
|
Food Microbiology (BIO 139) |
|
|
Molecular Biology Lecture (BIO 184) |
|
|
Molecular Biology Laboratory (BIO 139, BIO 184; BIO 180 recommended) |
|
|
||
|
Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar (BIO 10 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2) |
|
|
Biological Internship (Permission of Department chair and instructor representing the appropriate biological discipline) |
|
|
Undergraduate Laboratory Field Research (Department Chair and instructor permission) |
|
|
Epidemiology (BIO 10, CHEM 1A, STAT 1 or instructor permission) |
* Required to qualify for Public Health Microbiology Traineeship.
Molecular Biology (26 units)The concentration in Molecular Biology provides a foundation for research and teaching activity in recombinant DNA technology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, and immunology. There are no current professional certifications for most research technologists in molecular biology, so requirements for employment vary. In most cases, further laboratory and academic preparation is desirable for challenging employment opportunities in hospitals, universities, and private industry.
(3) |
||
(3) |
Immunology Lecture (BIO 139, CHEM 161; Corequisite: BIO 121) |
|
(2) |
Molecular Biology Lecture (BIO 184) |
|
(2) |
Molecular Biology Laboratory (BIO 139, BIO 184; BIO 180 recommended) |
|
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31; CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
(9) Upper division electives in Biological Sciences or Chemistry. Select electives in consultation with an advisor.
Note: CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.
Cooperative Education Program (Work Experience)
Biology majors can participate in the University's Cooperative Education Program. This program provides biology-related, paid, off-campus work experience in government agencies or private industry. The experience can enhance the student's employment prospects upon graduation. Participants in this program will complete at least one six-month period. During the work period, the participant generally will not attend classes on the Sacramento State campus but will enroll in BIO 194, Biology-Related Work Experience. (BIO 194 units do not replace the curricular requirements of the Biological Sciences degree programs.) Students interested in this program should contact the Biological Sciences Department or the campus Cooperative Education Program Office for further information.
Requirements - Honors Program (with either BA or BS Degree Program)
Biological Sciences Honors Program provides undergraduate
students with an in-depth research experience. An undergraduate research
experience is highly recommended for entry into many graduate and professional
programs. Culmination of the Honors Program will consist of an undergraduate
thesis and an undergraduate seminar. To enter this program, students must
have an overall GPA of 3.25 and a minimum of 3.0 GPA in biology courses
with at least 15 units of biology and have completed at least 6 units of
upper division biology courses, excluding BIO
106, BIO
195, BIO
197A, BIO
197B, BIO
197C, BIO
199A, and BIO
199B.
The curriculum of the Honors Program is designed to be coupled with the BA or BS degree programs. The Honors Program requires
the following courses, completed with a grade of "B" or better,
for the BA or BS degree:
(2) |
Honors Proseminar and Research (Open only to honors students in Biological Sciences as defined above) |
|
(2) |
Honors Research and Seminar (BIO 198A) |
Requirements - Minor
Units
required for Minor: 20 units
The minor in Biological Sciences is designed to provide students in other
majors with the opportunity to broaden their exposure to and understanding
of the biological sciences. The minor complements several majors that
require coursework in biological sciences, including Chemistry, Nursing, Environmental
Studies, Health Science, Kinesiology, and Family and Consumer Sciences.
The minor requires 20 units. The 20 units must include a minimum of 10 upper division units at least one of the upper division courses must have a laboratory component. Three units of biochemistry may be counted toward the minor. Six upper division units must be earned in residence. No more than two units of BIO 186A, BIO/ENVS 186B, BIO 194, BIO 195, BIO 197A, BIO 197B, BIO 197C, BIO 199A, and BIO 199B may be counted toward the minor.
Note: All prerequisites for all courses will be enforced.
Requirements - Subject Matter Program (Pre-Credential Preparation)
Biological Sciences
majors who intend to pursue a teaching credential must complete the science
subject matter program which is described in this catalog. Successful
completion of this program fulfills the subject matter competence program
in the College of Education. The Single Subject Credential in General Science/Biology allows graduates
to teach all four of the sciences (Geoscience, Biology, Chemistry, and
Physics) at the General Science level in 7-12 grades, and Biology at an
advanced level in high school.
Currently there is a great need for K-12 teachers educated in science.
Changes in State Board of Education Standards and increasing interest
in Biological Sciences have created significant demands for students with
this credential. Biological Sciences majors who have an interest in teaching
should contact one of the credential advisors in the Biological Sciences Department,
Melanie Loo or Jennifer Lundmark.
Note: Due to policy changes from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the federal No Child Left Behind mandate, the Science Subject Matter program was under review at the time of this catalog and is subject to revision. As a result, it is important to consult a credential advisor for current details.
Requirements - Certificate - Issues in Natural Resource Management
Units required for Certificate: 15, in addition to requirements for BS (see below)
The Academic Achievement Certificate in Issues in Natural Resource Management is designed to provide an interdisciplinary perspective on the conflicts, controversies, and biopolitical issues that natural resource biologists must deal with in their careers, and to introduce students to the non-biological considerations that influence decision making processes in natural resource utilization and management.
A minimum of 15 units selected from the following list in addition to requirements for the BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biological Conservation. The certificate may also be awarded to students completing the BS in General Biology with the approval of the Biological Conservation advisors.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
(3) |
Economics and Environmental Degradation |
|
(3) |
Resource Economics (ECON 1B) |
|
(3) |
Contemporary Environmental Issues |
|
(3) |
International Environmental Problems (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Environment and the Law (ENVS 110, ENVS 111 or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
California's Water Resources |
|
(3) |
Geology and the Environment |
|
(3) |
Public Policy Development (GOVT 1 or equivalent, and GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The graduate programs in Biological Sciences lead to either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) degree and provides an opportunity for students to receive advanced training and to pursue independent investigations in particular fields of biology. It allows students to upgrade their qualifications for educational advancement to doctoral programs or for professional advancement in teaching, laboratory work, or fieldwork. The MA degree requires the completion of a project, the MS degree requires completion of a thesis with both having concentrations in Biological Conservation and in Molecular and Cellular Biology to provide advanced training and research experience in these fields.
All students are required to complete a project or thesis involving field, laboratory, or literature research. The project or thesis research may be conducted on campus with a biology faculty member or at an off-campus location. In either case, the student's research must make a new contribution to the field of biology. If the research is conducted off campus, a biology faculty member must be identified as the student's graduate advisor. Following admission to the program, students are advised by a temporary graduate advisor or by the faculty member who has agreed to supervise the student in their project/thesis research. Students should plan their academic programs in consultation with a graduate advisor as early as possible, preferably prior to enrollment in the program.
For additional information regarding the Biological Sciences Graduate Program, students may contact the Biological Sciences Department Office, Biological Sciences Web site (http://www.csus.edu/bios/), or consult the Biological Sciences Graduate Program Handbook, available through the Department's Web site.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Admission as a classified graduate student to the MA or MS program in Biological Sciences requires:
- a baccalaureate degree;
- completion of a major in biological sciences or closely related field; or completion of 24 units of upper division biological sciences courses or courses in closely related fields, each of which must be passed with a "C-" or better;
- a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all biology courses and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper division biology courses;
- GRE General Test scores;
- a faculty member who has agreed to serve as their graduate advisor;
- two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential for successful graduate study; and
- a statement of purpose.
It is important to note that meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program. Students who have deficiencies in admission requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation, or who have not been accepted by a major professor, may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Admission as a conditionally classified graduate student does not guarantee fully classified status. Fully classified graduate status is conferred when all deficiencies identified at the time of admission are removed and a biology faculty member has agreed to serve as their thesis advisor. Any deficiencies in admissions requirements will be noted on a written response to the admission application.
Graduate Admission Procedures
All prospective classified graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following application materials with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470:
- an online application for admission; and
- two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.
In addition, all prospective graduate students must submit the following application materials directly to the Department of Biological Sciences:
- an online departmental application for admission;
- one set of unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State;
- GRE General Test scores (NOTE: GRE General Test scores will be accepted after the application deadline but only if the test was taken prior to the deadline);
- two letters of recommendation; and
- a statement of purpose.
The deadline for receipt of all application materials will be announced on the departmental Web site (http://www.csus.edu/bios/) for admittance in the fall semester. There is currently no general call for submission for students to begin the spring semester. However a student may petition the department to begin the spring semester. Please contact your potential graduate advisor (i.e., a faculty member in your area of interest) to discuss this option. Approximately eight to ten weeks after receipt of all items listed above, a decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant.
Advancement to Candidacy
The Advancement to Candidacy process serves to ensure that a student is qualified for and making good progress toward successfully completing the Master's degree. Each classified graduate student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:
- removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
- completed at least 12 units in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including at least one course at the 200-level;
- begun a preliminary study for the thesis or project; and
- taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.
An Application for Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies Web site and the Department of Biological Sciences Web site. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her Biological Sciences graduate advisor. After approval by the Biological Sciences Graduate Committee and the student's thesis committee, the completed form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.
Requirements - Master of Arts Degree
Units required for MA: 30 includes units required in
areas of concentration.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The MA degree requires completion of 30 units of coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The 30 units must include a minimum of 18 units of 200-level courses. No units from BIO 106, BIO 194, BIO 195, BIO 197A, BIO 197B, BIO 197C, BIO 198A, BIO 198B, BIO 199A or BIO 199B are acceptable toward the master's degree. No more than 6 units of BIO 299 and BIO 502 may be applied toward the 30 unit requirement.
Each student who receives a Master of Arts degree from the Department of Biological Sciences must submit a written project based on a research problem in biology under the supervision of a graduate advisor. A project can be based on either of the following sources of data:
- Grant Proposal (for the No Concentration): a research proposal in the format required by state or federal granting agency ) e.g., National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health) based on a novel hypothesis that addresses a biological problem; OR
- Internship Project Report: a project report on the student’s internship experience.
The use of data must result in an original contribution to the biological problem being investigated.
All requirements for the Master of Arts degree must be completed within seven (7) years starting from the time the first course is used to meet the master’s degree requirements.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Core Courses (7 units)
(2) |
Introduction to Scientific Inquiry |
Cell & Molecular Methods and Techniques (BIO 220; may be taken concurrently) OR |
||
Methods in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (BIO 167; BIO 220 may be taken concurrently) |
||
(1) |
BIO 294 series course |
Seminar |
(2) |
Problems in Biological Sciences (Up to 4 units may be applied to meet coursework requirements, however up to 8 units of 299 may be counted for students pursuing internship-based research in departmentally approved placements) |
B. Elective Courses (21 units)
(3) |
Advanced Plant Ecology (BIO 160) |
|
(3) |
||
(3) |
||
(3) |
Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics (BIO 184, BIO 222 and graduate status or instructor permission) |
|
(2) |
Review of Human Gross Anatomy (BIO 22, BIO 122 or a course in gross anatomy using a regional approach) |
|
(3) |
||
(2) |
Contemporary Topics in Immunology (BIO 149A or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Population and Community Ecology (BIO 160) |
|
(3) |
Behavioral Ecology (BIO 160 or instructor permission) |
|
(2) |
Conservation Policy and Administration (BIO 118, BIO 173, or BIO 179) |
|
(3) |
Advanced Fishery Biology and Management (BIO 173, or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management (BIO 160, BIO 179 or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Evolution |
|
(3) |
Biogeography |
|
(3) |
Biological Concepts |
|
(2) |
Research Conference (Graduate status and instructor permission) |
|
(1 ) |
Teaching Biology Seminar (Acceptance in GTA program or instructor permission) |
|
(1) |
Laboratory Teaching (Acceptance in GTA program or instructor permission) |
C. Culminating Requirement (2 units)
(2) |
Master's Project (Advanced to candidacy and chair permission of his/her committee) |
Requirements - Master of Science Degree
Units required for MS: 30 includes units required in
areas of concentration.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The MS degree requires completion of 30 units of coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The 30 units must include a minimum of 18 units of 200-level courses. No units from BIO 106, BIO 194, BIO 195, BIO 197A, BIO 197B, BIO 197C, BIO 198A, BIO 198B, BIO 199A or BIO 199B are acceptable toward the master's degree. No more than 6 units of BIO 299 and BIO 500 may be applied toward the 30 unit requirement.
Each student who receives a Master's of Science degree from the Department of Biological Sciences must submit a thesis based on original research in biology. A thesis can be based on either of the following sources of data:
- data generated by the student's original research in which the student performs the fieldwork or laboratory experiments; or
- data obtained from sources other than the student's own fieldwork or laboratory experiments, provided the data are analyzed in a manner in which they were not previously analyzed.
The use of data must result in an original contribution to the problem being investigated.
All requirements for the Master's degree must be completed within seven (7) years starting from the time the first course is used to meet the master’s degree requirements.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Core Courses (5 units)
(2) |
Introduction to Scientific Inquiry |
|
(1) |
BIO 294 series course |
Seminar |
(2) |
Problems in Biological Sciences |
B. Culminating Requirement (2 units)
(2) |
Master's Thesis (Advanced to candidacy and chair permission of his/her thesis committee) |
Additional Requirements for Concentrations
Units required: 23
No Concentration (23 units)(2) |
Cell & Molecular Methods and Techniques (BIO 220; may be taken concurrently) OR |
|
|
Methods in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (BIO 167; BIO 220 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(3) |
Evolution |
|
(3) |
Biological Concepts |
(15) Approved electives in Biological Sciences or supporting fields. Electives must be selected in consultation with the thesis advisor and approved at the Advancement to Candidacy meeting. Up to six units of upper division (100-level) coursework taken as a graduate student in the program may be applied to the MS degree.
Biological Conservation (23 unit minimum)(2) |
Methods in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BIO 167; BIO 220 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(3) |
Evolution |
|
(3) |
Biological Concepts |
|
| (3) Select one of the following: | ||
Advanced Plant Ecology (BIO 160) |
||
Population and Community Ecology (BIO 160) |
||
Behavioral Ecology (BIO 160 or instructor permission) |
||
| (5-6) Select two of the following: | ||
Conservation Policy and Administration (BIO 118, BIO 173, or BIO 179) |
||
Advanced Fishery Biology and Management (BIO 173 or instructor permission) |
||
Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management (BIO 160, BIO 179; or instructor permission) |
||
(6-7) Approved electives in Biological Sciences or supporting fields. Electives must be selected in consultation with the thesis advisor and approved at the Advancement to Candidacy meeting. Up to six units of upper division (100-level) coursework taken as a graduate student in the program may be applied to the MS degree.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (23 unit minimum)(2) |
Cell & Molecular Methods and Techniques (BIO 220; may be taken concurrently) OR |
|
(3) |
||
(3) |
Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics (BIO 184, BIO 222 and graduate status or instructor permission) |
|
| (5-6) Select at least two of the following: | ||
Contemporary Topics in Immunology (BIO 149A or instructor permission) |
||
(9-10) Approved electives in Biological Sciences or supporting fields. Electives must be selected in consultation with the thesis advisor and approved at the Advancement to Candidacy meeting. Up to six units of upper division (100-level) coursework taken as a graduate student in the program may be applied to the MS degree. |
||
Note: Supporting Fields: A
maximum of 10 units from an approved supporting field (e.g., Chemistry,
Physics, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics) may be counted toward the degree, with advisor
and graduate committee approval obtained before taking the course(s).
Career Possibilities
Agricultural Biologist · Bacteriologist · Biologist · Biotechnologist · Botanist · Clinical Lab Scientist · Dentistry Ecologist · Fishery Biologist · Food/Drug Inspector · Geneticist · High School Teacher · Immunologist · Lab Tech in Research Lab · Lab Tech in Food Processing Facility/Drug Company · Marine Biologist · Medical Illustrator · Medicine · Molecular Biologist · Naturalist · Pathologist · Physiologist · Pharmaceutical Sales · Public Health Microbiologist · Science Advisor · Science Writer · Veterinary Medicine · Wildlife Biologist · Zoologist
Faculty
William Avery, Ruth Ballard, Juanita Barrena, James Baxter, Rosalee Carter, Ronald Coleman, Shannon Datwyler, Nicholas Ewing, Enid Gonzalez, Laurel Heffernan, Brett Holland, Christine Kirvan, Jamie Kneitel, Winston Lancaster, Tom Landerholm, Susanne Lindgren, Jennifer Lundmark, Kelly McDonald, Robert Metcalf, Hao Nguyen, Thomas Peavy, Adam Rechs, Rose Leigh Vines
Contact Information
Rose Leigh Vines, Department Chair
Nancy Angell, Administrative Support Coordinator
Sequoia Hall 202
(916) 278-6535
www.csus.edu/bios