Biological Science, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Concentration, B.S.

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(120 UNITS)

Bachelor of Science in Biological Science

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Science provides students with broad exposure to fundamental biological principles and depth of knowledge in one of five concentrations chosen by the student. The program provides opportunities for faculty-mentored undergraduate research and is committed to integrating teaching and research. The curriculum provides preparation for: entry to health professions schools and graduate school in the life sciences; laboratory and field research, secondary school teaching, and jobs in conservation and environmental biology with government and private agencies; careers in research and pharmaceutical product sales, and biotechnology industry.

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree section in this catalog for complete information. All courses in the major must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better.

Core Requirements for the Major (19 units)

Supporting Course Requirements for the Major (34 units)

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Concentration (21 units)

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology encompasses the study of genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology, and their applications to microbiology, medicine, agriculture and the environment (e.g. cancer, infectious diseases, gene therapy, crop improvement and bioremediation).

Students with junior or senior standing will be permitted to enroll in BIOL 480 , BIOL 482 , BIOL 498 and BIOL 499L . However, no more than a combined total of six units of BIOL 480 (3 units maximum), BIOL 482 (2 units maximum), BIOL 498 (3 units maximum) and BIOL 499L (6 units maximum) shall be counted toward requirments for the concentration, and no more than three of these units may count toward the upper-division biology laboratory/field requirements.

Required Courses (6-8 units)

Electives (6-7 units)

Capstone Courses (2 units)

Laboratory/Field Requirement (6 units)

Three of the required laboratory/field units must be completed within the courses taken to fulfill concentration requirements.

Additional Information

¹ courses that count as either electives or capstone but not both

Physiology

One course in physiology is required. This can be met by taking one of the following as a Free Upper-Division Biology Elective or as part of the concentration if one of the courses below is listed as an option to fulfill a concentration requirement.

Free Upper-Division Biology Electives

Although it is recommended that Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Concentration majors select additional elective units from courses listed under Required Courses in this concentration, any upper-division biology majors course may be utilized to complete the concentration’s 21 units of required upper-division courses.

Writing Requirement (3-6 units)

Must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better