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Mar 17, 2026
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2026-2027 General Catalog
Biology, BA
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The Department of Biology offers a dynamic learning environment, exciting research and training opportunities, and intensive mentoring of students at all levels. Our faculty members are dedicated educators and active scholars who engage in primary research to address diverse topics in the biological sciences. The overall mission of our undergraduate programs is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals, and citizens so that they are prepared to meet the biological, environmental, and technological challenges of the future. Biology graduates enter careers in many areas including health care, biological and biotechnology research, education, and agency positions in parks, recreation, conservation and restoration. Graduates from the department have an outstanding record of acceptance in advanced degree programs in health professions and graduate programs.
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Degree Requirements
See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. General Education Requirements (43 units) See the “General Education ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements. Major Core Requirements (16 units)
Biodiversity Requirement (choose one) (4 units)
(Check Concentration for preferred Course Selection) Support Courses (20 units)
Upper Division Biology Electives (20 units)
Choose 20 units of upper division biology electives in consultation with department advisor.
Major electives are used to meet the total upper-division unit requirement for the BA or BS Major electives are chosen from the following: - Additional upper division courses in a concentration.
- Any Biology course numbered greater than 321 (except BIOL 398). This list is subject to revision following this catalog edition. Students should check with their academic advisor for updates. Seniors may also take graduate courses (500 level) with permission of the instructor.
- Supervisory courses in biology. These courses are: BIOL 393, BIOL 494, BIOL 495, BIOL 496A, BIOL 496B, BIOL 498, and BIOL 499 (see Restrictions below for unit limits for these courses).
- Biology colloquium, BIOL 390, may be taken twice (2 units total) for major credit.
- One course from the approved list of courses related to biology from other departments. To apply the course to the major, students must obtain written permission from their advisor and the Biology Department chair by completing an academic requirements report- update form (available from the department office). List of approved courses in this category from other departments are:
Units
Total GE units: 43 Total major core units: 20 (including 7 units that also count for GE)
Total support courses units: 20 (including 6 units that also count for GE) Total major elective units (without concentration): 20
Total University Elective units: 30 Total units to graduate: 120 |
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