Biological Science, B.A. Program (120 units)
Biology is concerned with living matter in all its forms, responses, and interactions. It deals with the study of anything that has been or is alive: microbes, fungi, plants, “protists” and all animals, including humans. The science of biology includes a large number of highly integrated sub-disciplines such as microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, systematics, and behavior. Biologists must draw upon a wide variety of academic disciplines to make observations and form conclusions, and well-trained biologists have solid backgrounds in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics, and the humanities, as required by graduate programs and professional schools, to meet the demands of professions in the life sciences.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a diversified curriculum in the life sciences. Courses are designed for biology majors with specific degree objectives, for students seeking applied technical training, and for non-major students with general interest in biological subjects. Undergraduate programs will prepare students for both graduate work and for a diversity of careers. Biology majors may enter specialized or general careers in life science and find themselves working in laboratories, offices, the field, administrative posts, academic institutions, industry, government agencies, private foundations, botanic gardens, wildlife preserves and zoos. Simply put, biologists study the living planet.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Biological Science from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Explain core biological concepts, including evolutionary processes, structure-function relationships across all levels of biological organization, homeostasis, information flow, matter and energy transformations, and the interactions and interconnectedness of living systems.
- Apply quantitative reasoning to explain biological phenomena and to address biological problems.
- Clearly communicate biological information in a variety of formats (written, oral, visual), particularly to an audience of learners at the K-12 levels.
- Create and implement inquiry-based activities/lessons that allow learners to develop and apply their understanding of scientific concepts and the scientific method.
- Construct scientific claims, arguments, and conclusions based on evidence drawn from published scientific information from reliable sources.
A degree in biological science can lead to many exciting career opportunities including: • Biotechnologist • Health Professional such as Medical Doctor, Dentist, Opthamologist, Veterinarian, and Pharmacist • Environmental Scientist • Biology Researcher • Environmental Toxicologist • Forensic Scientist • Clinical Lab Scientist • Biology Teacher/Science Educator • College Instructor • Marine Biologist • Physical Therapist • Food Scientist • Radiation Therapy Technologist • Dietician • Science Editor • Medical Illustrator • Horticulturalist • Emergency Medical Technician • Mortician • Medical Technologist • Drug Inspector.
Classes are offered on the Hayward campus in well-equipped facilities, at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories located in Monterey Bay (via participation in a CSU Consortium which allows degree credit for MLML course), and at field locations such as Garin Reserve adjacent to campus.
A concentration in Microbiology and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences is offered to qualify students for California hospital traineeships which lead to state licensing as medical technologists and clinical lab scientists.
A student who has successfully completed an advanced placement course in biology in high school and has earned a score of “3,” “4” or “5” on the Advanced Placement Examination will be granted the following course credit:
- Score of 3, credit for non-majors introductory biology and lab (BIOL 100 or BIOL 101+102).
- Score of 4, credit for BIOL 140B only.
- Score of 5, credit for BIOL 140A and BIOL 140B.
Note: students earning a score of “3” or better on the AP Biology Exam will earn no more than 6 semester units toward the degree and will have satisfied GE Areas B2 and B3.
Prerequisite courses for all Biology courses must be passed with a grade of “C-” or better. All requests for Grade Forgiveness are subject to space availability, with priority given to newly enrolled students.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
The B.A. degree in Biological Science is offered with a single concentration in Biology Education.
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of arts degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consists of 77-78 units;
- General Education & Graduation Requirements consists of 57 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 0 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and AACE advisors for information.
Biological Sciences (B.A.) Major Requirements (77-78 units)
Lower Division Coursework
The following 38 units of interdisciplinary coursework is required:
Upper Division Coursework
20 units of upper-division BIOL coursework is required:
Choose an additional 6 units of upper division BIOL (300 & 400-level courses) as electives. Note: A maximum of 2 units of independent study can count toward the 6 units.