Apr 19, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Biology, B.S.



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Program Learning Outcomes

Students that graduate with a BS in Biology from Sonoma State University will:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative and analytical tools
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the critical role of evidence‐based hypotheses testing
  • Have a deep awareness of structure‐function relationships and emergent properties at various scales
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the integrative nature of biology

Preparation for Applying to Health Professions Programs


Students majoring in biology and intending to pursue careers in the health care professions may follow the guidelines for a B.S. degree or a B.A. degree.  For additional information see a Health Professions Advisor for the Health Professions Advisory Program in this catalog.

Degree Requirements


See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Restrictions


  1. A maximum of 4 units taken in the Cr/NC grading mode may be applied to the major from the following courses: BIOL 390 BIOL 498 BIOL 499 . All other courses in the Biology major must be taken in the traditional grading mode (A-F).
  2. A maximum of 7 units from the following list of courses may be applied to the major:

One organismal / diversity course from the following list


(check concentration for preferred course selection)

Research experience


(minimum 3 units)

Major Electives


Choose 24 units of upper division biology electives in consultation with department advisor.

Upper-Division Biology Electives


Major electives are used to meet the total upper-division unit requirement for the B.A. or B.S. Major electives are chosen from the following:

  1. Additional upper division courses in a concentration.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. Biology colloquium, BIOL 390, may be taken twice (2 units total) for major credit.
  5. 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: 48

Total units in major core: 23 (6 units count for GE)

Total units in major elective: 24

Total units in support courses: 31 (6 units count for GE)

Total University Electives: 6

Total units required for graduation: 120

Program Roadmaps


Sample Four-Year Program


The Four year Plan is a sample study plan. The sequence and specific courses given are suggestive; please see an advisor each semester to plan your personal program and track your progress using the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MYSSU.

Courses may be interchanged fall and spring semester depending on course offering each semester.

General Education Notes:

  • GE Areas A2 and B4 should be completed by the end of the first year. Some students may take year-long courses for GE A2 and/or B4.
  • GE Area A1 and A3 should be completed by the end of the second year
  • Students should enroll in Upper Division GE courses after completion of Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 with a C- or better, lower division GE in that area, and 45 units total.
  • Not all First-Year Learning Communities (FLC’s) meet the same GE areas.
  • GE Area D must be taken in two different subject areas across the nine total required units in lower division (LD) and upper division (UD).
  • Students must take American Institution requirements in U.S. History and U.S. Constitution/California State and Local Government. These requirements may be met in GE.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology


Freshman Year: 31 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (16 Units)

Sophomore Year: 28 Units

Junior Year: 31 Units

Fall Semester (16 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

BIOL Electives  9 units
GE                    6 units

Senior Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (14 Units)

  • BIOL UD Elective  4 units
  • BIOL research       1-2 units
  • GE                         6 units
  • General Electives  3 units
Spring Semester (16 Units)

  • BIOL UD Electives  8 units
  • BIOL research        1-2 units
  • GE                          3 units
  • General Electives   3 units

Total Units: 120


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