• Graduate Courses

• Degree Options
• Roadmaps to Degree
• Course Schedules
• Course Descriptions
• Waiting List Request Form
• Pre-professional Advising
• Student Clubs
• Financial Aid

• Advising Office Hours

Undergraduate Degrees and Curriculum

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 423) 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.

Advising

Information about the requirements of the different degrees and options offered through the Biology Department is available through the links at the top of this page. Information about general admission requirements of medical and professional schools is available under Pre-professional Advising. Information on course scheduling and sample plans for completing a Biology degree in a timely manner are available through Roadmaps to Degree. All incoming Freshman and new transfer students must meet with a department faculty member for advising before registering for classes (contact the department office at 909.537.5305, stop by room BI-302, or see Advising Office Hours). Contact the department office to arrange a meeting. Continuing students are encouraged talk to a biology faculty member every quarter for advice and assistance in planning.

We remain a laboratory-intensive undergraduate program with 35 courses requiring laboratory or field experiences. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to participate in Directed Studies (BIOL 396), Internships (BIOL 575), and supervised Independent Studies (BIOL 596).