Program Overview
Biology, BS
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 BS degree or a BA 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 ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.
Restrictions
- 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).
- A maximum of 7 units from the following list of courses may be applied to the major:
- BIOL 390 - Biology Colloquium Unit(s): 1
- BIOL 393 - Independent Study in Biology Unit(s): 1-3
- BIOL 494 - Research Synthesis Paper Unit(s): 1-3
- BIOL 495 - Special Studies Unit(s): 1-4
- BIOL 496A - Thesis Research I Unit(s): 1-2
- BIOL 496B - Thesis Research II Unit(s): 2-3
- BIOL 498 - Biology Practicum Unit(s): 1-4
- BIOL 499 - Internship in Biology Unit(s): 1-4
Major Core Requirements
- BIOL 130 - Introductory Cell Biology and Genetics Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 131 - Biological Diversity and Ecology Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 320 - Ecology and Evolution - An Integrated Approach Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 321 - Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Physiology Unit(s): 4
One organismal / diversity course from the following list
(check concentration for preferred course selection)
- BIOL 322 - Invertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 323 - Entomology Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 327 - Vertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 329 - Plant Biology Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 334 - Biology of Fishes Unit(s): 4
- BIOL 340 - General Bacteriology Unit(s): 4
Research experience
(minimum 3 units)
- BIOL 490 - Research Experience in Biology Unit(s): 3
- OR
- BIOL 494 - Research Synthesis Paper Unit(s): 1-3
- OR
- BIOL 496A - Thesis Research I Unit(s): 1-2
- AND
- BIOL 496B - Thesis Research II Unit(s): 2-3
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 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:
- ANTH 412 - Human Osteology Unit(s): 4
- ANTH 414 - Observing Primate Behavior Unit(s): 4
- ANTH 301 - Human Fossils and Evolution Unit(s): 4
- ANTH 302 - The Evolution of Males and Females Unit(s): 4
- CHEM 445 - Structural Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
- CHEM 446 - Metabolic Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
- GEP 340 - Applied Ecology Unit(s): 3
- GEP 343 - Biogeography Unit(s): 4
- GEOL 313 - Paleontology Unit(s): 4
Support courses
- CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
- CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
- CHEM 335A - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
- CHEM 335B - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 210B - General Physics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 209A - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
- MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
- MATH 165 - Elementary Applied Statistics Unit(s): 4
Units
A minimum of 120 semester units is required to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in biology._ Note: Students’ individualized educational pathways may vary and require additional units beyond the minimums listed below._ 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
Concentrations
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration
- Marine Biology Concentration
- Physiology Concentration
- Molecular Cell Biology Concentration
Program Roadmaps
Biology, BS, Sample Four-Year Plan Biology, BS, Sample Two-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS, Sample Four-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS, Sample Two-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology, BS, Sample Four-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology, BS, Sample Two-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Molecular Cell Biology, BS, Sample Four-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Molecular Cell Biology, BS, Sample Two-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Physiology, BS, Sample Four-Year Plan Biology with a Concentration in Physiology, BS, Sample Two-Year Plan