You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is a 124-unit program. Of the
total, 42 units are required to satisfy the university's General Education
Program and 22 units are required by the Department of Biology to satisfy
the core curriculum in biology. The core curriculum is a sequence of six
courses required to be taken by all biology majors. The core curriculum
builds the foundation upon which all further learning in biology will be
based. Additional requirements, varying from 25-41 units depending upon
the option choice the student selects, are specified courses from related
fields outside the Department of Biology.
Each biology major must select one of the four option choices to complete
the Biology Bachelor of Science degree requirements. All of the four option
choices are flexibly designed. As a result, virtually any career goal in
the life sciences and related fields can be accommodated by selecting the
most appropriate option and by judiciously choosing specific courses within
the option.
Academic advising is essential in making these option and course selections.
Therefore, all biology majors are assigned faculty advisers. Students majoring
in biology should report to the Department of Biology office for assignment
of an appropriate adviser. Students should meet with their adviser a minimum
of two times a semester so the adviser can review the student's program
and progress.
Students planning for graduate and professional schools should be aware
that entrance requirements for those programs will often exceed the minimal
requirements for a Biology B.S. degree, particularly in the ancillary fields
of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. An adviser should be consulted for
specific information on graduate and professional school requirements.
The biology core is required of all majors (see Advising
Notes for all options.)
BIOSC 1A, 1B, 130, 140A-B, 180 (22 units)
In addition to the core, all majors must complete major and additional requirements
in one of the four options described as follows:
This versatile option is designed for students who wish to explore the breadth of modern biology. It is highly recommended for students preparing for teaching careers. It is equally useful as preparation for a large variety of careers including clinical laboratory technology, and for additional studies in graduate and professional schools. By carefully selecting courses, students may use this option to obtain strong preparation for careers as botanists, zoologists, entomologists, microbiologists; or they may select courses that produce a broadly based program that does not emphasize a particular taxonomic group. Advising is critically important in this option. Students must consult a faculty adviser for help in determining the appropriate selection of courses and special requirements for their chosen fields.
Major requirements (42 units)
A. Select one course from each of the following five lines (16-20 units)
1. BOT 131, 132, 142, 144; MICRO 140, 181, 185; M SCI 131
2. MICRO 171; ZOOL 120, 141, 148, 150, 171, 174, 177; M SCI 112, 113, 114
3. BOT 133, 137; ECOL 174; PHYAN 134, 135, 158; M SCI 122; ZOOL 132
4. BOT 130; GENET 172; MICRO 161; PHYAN 151, 158, 160, 163
5. ECOL 151, 152, 162; M SCI 103
B. Biological Science Electives (0-4 units)
Select one or more Biology Department course to complete the option. Only
one elective course may be lower division.
Additional requirements (22 units)
1. CHEM 3A, 8, and 150 (10 units)
2. MATH 70 or 75 (4 units)
3. MATH 101 or PSYCH 42 or M SCI 104 (4 units)
4. One course selected from PHYS 2A; M SCI 142, 143; GEOL 1; SW 101 (4 units)
General Education (51 units)
Electives and remaining degree requirements* (18 units)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward
a dual major or minor.
Total (124 units)
__________
* It is anticipated that 9 units of the General Education requirement will
be met by the following major and additional required courses: MATH 75,
CHEM 3A, and BIOSCI 1A. Consult your major academic adviser for details.
This degree option is intended for students who wish to study the molecular
mechanisms underlying cellular structure and function as well as the molecular
and cellular interactions occurring in the operation and development of
organ systems. Molecular biology combines the knowledge and techniques of
genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, forming a basis for in-depth inquiry
into all aspects of biology. The option introduces students to molecular
inquiry at several levels of organization and provides the requisite background
for the many career opportunities in biotechnology. The option also provides
a solid foundation for graduate and professional studies emphasizing cellular
and molecular processes, including the postbaccalaureate certificate of
advanced studies in biotechnology offered by this department. Students preparing
for the biotechnology certificate program should select a general microbiology
course with laboratory and a biochemistry laboratory course among their
elective courses.
Major requirements (40 units)
A. Molecular Biology (4 units)
GENET 142
B. Cell Structure and Development (3-4 units)
Select one from the following list: BOT 133, 137; GENET 172, PHYAN 134,
158
C. Cellular/Molecular Physiology of Organisms/Organ Systems (3-5 units)
Select one from the following list: BOT 142; MICRO 161, 171, 181, 185; PHYAN
140, 160 (with lab 160L or without), 165; ZOOL 148
D. Molecular/Cellular Techniques (3-4 units)
Select one from the following list: ECOL 174; GENET 171, 182
Note: A minimum of two laboratory experiences from B, C, and D are required.
E. Seminar (1 unit)
GENET 170
F. Choose one additional course from above or any upper-division biology course, including independent study or research (0-4 units)
Additional requirements (37 units)
1. CHEM 1A-B, 128A-B, 129A, 150 or 155 (21 units)
2. PHYS 2A-B (8 units)
3. MATH 70 or 75 (4 units)
4. MATH 101 or PSYCH 42 (4 units)
General Education (51 units)
Electives and remaining degree requirements* (5 units)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward
a dual major or minor.)
Total (124 units)
__________
* It is anticipated that 9 units of the General Education requirement will
be met by the following major and additional required courses: MATH 75,
CHEM 1A, and BIOSCI 1A. Consult your major academic adviser for details.
This degree program is designed to help students understand basic cellular phenomena and to analyze complex multicellular biological systems in preparation for medical, clinical, academic or research careers that require physiology as a foundation. The ultimate goal of physiology is to understand, in physical and chemical terms, the mechanisms that operate in living organisms. This option encompasses three major branches of physiology: cellular; systemic; and whole organism. Physiology is one of the central disciplines in biology and is of particular importance in the health professions and agriculture. This option offers excellent preprofessional preparation for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, various careers requiring physiology, and for advanced graduate study. Students planning to enter professional and graduate programs should elect CHEM 1A-B and 128A-B rather than CHEM 3A and 8, and should consult an adviser about additional mathematics requirements as well.
Major requirements (42 units)
A. Select one course from each of these three lines (9-12 units)
1. Anatomy: BOT 133; PHYAN 130, 134, 135; ZOOL 132, 141
2. Molecular and Cellular Biology: BOT 137; GENET 172; MICRO 161; PHYAN
160 and 160L
3. Organismal Physiology: BOT 130; PHYAN 151
B. Select two additional courses from the following list or from other courses
listed in category A (6-8 units)
GENET 172; PHYAN 64 or 65, 140, 158, 163, 165, 172
C. Biological Science Electives (5 units)
Select sufficient Biology Department courses to complete the option. Only
one elective course may be lower division.
Additional requirements (32-41 units)
1. CHEM 3A or 1A-B, 8 or 128A-B, 109 or 129A, 150 or 155 (13-22 units)
2. PHYS 2A-B (8 units)
3. MATH 70 or 75 (4 units)
4. MATH 101 or PSYCH 42 (4 units)
General Education (51 units)
Electives and remaining degree requirements* (2-11 units)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward
a dual major or minor.
Total (124 units)
_________
* It is anticipated that 9 units of the General Education requirement will
be met by the following major and additional required courses: MATH 75,
CHEM 1A, and BIOSCI 1A. Consult your major academic adviser for details.
This degree program is intended for students who wish to study the interrelationships between living things and their environments. This option has a strong field component that takes full advantage of the outstanding natural environments conveniently located near our campus. Students in this program gain an in-depth understanding of ecology and evolution, and acquire the skills to apply that understanding to important question in fresh-water, marine, and terrestrial systems, in fisheries and wildlife management, or other branches of applied ecology. Students completing this option are well prepared for entry into a wide range of environmental careers with governmental field research agencies, in agriculture-related areas, environmental microbiology, environmental law and consulting firms, or for graduate programs leading to advanced degrees in ecology, management, and evolution. Students may obtain an emphasis in marine science by selecting electives offered at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Faculty advising plays an important role in this program. Students must consult an adviser for help in selecting courses appropriate to their interests and career objectives.
Major requirements (47 units)
A. Ecosystem Ecology: Select one course from the following (4 units)
ECOL 151, 152; M SCI 103**
--- At least one botany (BOT) or microbiology (MICRO) course must be
selected from the following categories B-E. ---
B. Physiology: Select one course from the following (3-4 units)
BOT 130; MICRO 161; PHYAN 151
C. Morphology and Classification: Select one course from the following (3-4
units)
BOT 131, 132, 142, 144; MICRO 140; ECOL 174; ZOOL 120, 132, 141, 150; M
SCI 124**, 131**
D. Autecology and Population Ecology: Select one course from the following
(3-4 units)
ECOL 162, 171, 172, 174; ZOOL 152; M SCI 110**, 161**
E. Biological Science Electives (9-12 units)
Select sufficient Biology Department courses, including those listed in
categories A, B, and C, to complete the option. Only one elective course
may be lower division.
Additional requirements (21-22 units)
1. CHEM 3A, 8, and 150 (10 units)
2. MATH 70 or 75 (4 units)
3. MATH 101 or PSYCH 42 (4 units)
4. Consult your adviser to select one course from the following (3-4 units)
PHYS 2A; M SCI 142**, 143**; GEOL 1,112; SW 101
General Education (51units)
Electives and remaining degree requirements* (13-14 units)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward
a dual major or minor.
Total (124 units)
________
* It is anticipated that 9 units of the General Education requirement will
be met by the following major and additional required courses: MATH 75,
CHEM 1A, and BIOSCI 1A. Consult your major academic adviser for details.
** M SCI courses are offered only at Moss Landing Marine Laboratory.
The following comments on timing and sequence are intended for full-time
students who plan to complete the B.S. degree in four years. Students with
extensive extracurricular obligations should make appropriate timing adjustments
to avoid overloads. See your adviser for assistance.
A total of 124 units must be completed for all Biology B.S. degree options.
In addition to courses required for the major, full-time students should
add General Education requirements and electives to bring semester totals
to 15-17 units. Electives may include minor and credential requirements.
During the first two years, both resident and transfer students should complete
most General Education requirements, BIOSC 1A and 1B, all lower-division
additional requirements for the option they have selected, and any lower-division
electives that might be selected within that option. BIOSC 130, 140A-B,
and statistics should be completed as early as possible but no sooner than
the term in which 60 units of coursework are completed and preferably no
later than the end of the third year. The remainder of the third and fourth
years should be spent completing requirements for the selected option, for
General Education, and for the electives in biology and other fields. BIOSC
180 is a senior requirement and must be taken during the fourth year.
The Minor in Biology may be earned by completing the 22-unit biology
core:
BIOSC 1A, 1B, 130, 140A-B, 180.
Teaching Credential - Biology Emphasis
The B.A. in Natural Sciences serves as a waiver program for the Single Subject
Teaching Credential in Science. This degree program is designed for students
who wish to become high school science teachers. The full program is described
in the Natural Science section in this catalog. The program consists of
two parts. The Core requirements are courses required of all natural science
students and the Emphasis provides training in biology, chemistry, earth
science, or physics. Students may also earn the credential while obtaining
a degree in biology. The B.A. in Natural Sciences with the Biology Emphasis
is as follows.
Core requirements (37-38 units)
Biology (see note 1) (12-13 units)
BIOSC 1A or BIOL 15 (see note 1), BIOSC 1B, BIOSC 130
Chemistry (10 units)
CHEM 1A, 1B
Geology (see note 1) (8 units)
GEOL 1 and 3 (or 15), GEOL 168
Natural Science (3 units)
N SCI 106
Physical Science (4 units)
P SCI 21
Biology Emphasis (42-44 units)
CHEM 8 or 128A (3 units)
PHYS 2A, 2B (see note 2) (8 units)
P SCI 168 (3 units)
MATH 70 or 75 (4 units)
MATH 101 or PSYCH 42 (4 units)
BIOSC 140A, 140B, 180 (10 units)
MICRO 140 (4 units)
Select one course: BOT 131, 132, 144; MICRO 171; ECOL 151, 152, 162; ZOOL
120, 141, 148, 150, 174, 177 (3-4 units)
Select one course: BOT 130; MICRO 161; PHYAN 151, 163 (3-4 units)
General Education (51 units)
Electives and remaining degree requirements (see notes 3,4) (0-6 units)
Total (124 units)
The Biology Department offers the Master of Science degree in Biology
with the opportunity for specialization in several areas of study. Among
these areas are ecologically oriented field studies; molecular and cellular
biology; physiology at both invertebrate and vertebrate levels; entomology;
microbiology; parasitology; botany; systematics; animal behavior. The program
also prepares candidates for teaching various biological science disciplines
at the primary and secondary education levels. A further objective of the
master's program is to provide a foundation for those seeking advanced education
at universities offering the doctorate or other professional degrees. The
Biology Department has further informational materials available upon request.
The Biology Department and the university are located in a region uniquely
suited to the pursuit of projects that are environmentally oriented. High
Sierra, foothill, coastal, and forest environments are all within three
hours drive of California State University, Fresno. Facilities are available
at the campus for studies involving genetic recombination, electron microscopy,
use of radioactive materials, and metabolic studies on all living forms.
Cooperation with local physicians and hospitals provides additional opportunities
to pursue medically oriented research.
The Biology Department is a member of a consortium that manages and operates
the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory (MLML). MLML is located on the California
coastline between Santa Cruz and Monterey. A master's candidate interested
in pursuing marine science studies must meet California State University,
Fresno Biology Department master's candidate requirements as well as those
of MLML. Such candidates are encouraged to consult the Biology Department's
MLML coordinator for information and to read the MLML information presented
at the end of this section.
The Master of Science degree program in Biology assumes preparation equivalent
to a California State University, Fresno undergraduate major in biology.
Students having undergraduate majors in fields other than the biological
sciences may enter the program, but may reasonably expect additional requirements
to produce equivalent preparation.
There are five steps that must be completed for the Master of Science degree
in Biology:
Normal progress toward the Master of Science degree in Biology requires
that classified graduate standing be achieved in the first semester of graduate
study and that advancement to candidacy be granted the following semester.
Completion of the thesis and all other program requirements will normally
require two additional semesters of study. Procedures for completing these
steps are outlined in the following sections. Students should meet with
the departmental graduate coordinator at the earliest possible date. Students
are personally responsible for ensuring that all graduate degree requirements
have been met in sequence; therefore, each student should read the procedures
thoroughly to be sure all requirements are understood.
Admission to the university is handled through the Admissions Office
of California State University, Fresno. For admission to postbaccalaureate/graduate
standing, a student must have completed a four-year college program and
hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with
a grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 units.
To be considered for classified standing in biology, the following additional
steps are required of students planning to enter the biology graduate program.
Admission to classified graduate standing constitutes official admission
into the graduate program in the Department of Biology and requires the
approval of the Biology Department. Classified standing must be attained
no later than the semester in which a student completes 10 units, including
transfer and postbaccalaureate credit, to be used toward the master's degree;
students should attempt to obtain classified graduate standing as early
as possible in their graduate careers to avoid possible loss of units. Normal
progress toward the degree requires that this be accomplished in the first
semester of graduate work.
Students applying for classified standing should be sure they have submitted
an "Approved Preliminary Program" form to the departmental graduate
coordinator.
Admission to classified graduate standing must be recommended by the graduate
coordinator in consultation with the Graduate Committee of the Biology Department.
To be recommended, the student must demonstrate competency in verbal or
written communication, quantitative analytical skills and disciplinary knowledge.
Competencies may be demonstrated in the following manner:
On recommendation, students will be assigned to one of the following three categories:
Students recommended for classified graduate standing may proceed with
the completion of requirements for advancement to candidacy, the next step
in the graduate program. Students granted conditional classified status
or denied admission (remaining in postbaccalaureate unclassified standing)
will not have been admitted to the graduate program in biology and must
attempt to increase their classification score to gain classified standing.
The graduate coordinator will provide further information on how this may
be accomplished.
When any requirements for a change in graduate standing have been completed,
the student must see the graduate coordinator and file appropriate forms
with the graduate division.
Acceptance to classified graduate standing indicates that the
student's academic background and perceived ability are sufficiently high
to merit admission into the biology graduate program. Advancement to
candidacy signifies that the student has developed a coherent program
of study for the Master of Science degree that meets with the approval of
the Biology Department. Advancement to candidacy requires the establishment
of the Thesis Committee, identification of the thesis topic, and the approval
of all coursework that must fit within the following framework:
Courses in 200-series (21 units)
Electives (9 units)
(May be 100- or 200-series)
Total (30 units)
No less than 18 units of the approved coursework must be in the biological
sciences. Nine units must be completed prior to advancement to candidacy.
The Biology Department also requires that at least 10 units of approved
coursework be completed after advancement to candidacy.
Units completed during the semester that advancement is achieved will be
considered to have been completed after advancement to candidacy. Students
must also show competence in writing skills through an appropriate examination
or course. Normal degree progress requires that advancement to candidacy
be achieved in the semester following admission to classified standing.
A student must be advanced to candidacy, possess a GPA of 3.0 or better,
and file a Thesis Committee Assignment Form before enrolling in thesis (BIOL
299).
A complete list of the steps required for advancement to candidacy is available
from the departmental graduate coordinator.
The Master of Science in Biology requires completion of a research thesis
(BIOL 299). The thesis must show originality, appropriate organization,
clarity of purpose, critical analysis, and accuracy and completeness of
documentation where needed. Critical and independent thinking are required.
The finished thesis must meet standards appropriate for publication in the
scholarly journals of the field. A colloquium is required of all students
before graduation. Additional information on the completion of the thesis
is available from the departmental graduate coordinator.
In addition to the above requirements, in order to receive the Master of
Science in Biology the student must:
Marine Science Major
This degree program to be offered as an interdepartmental degree in cooperation
with Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) provides the opportunity for
students to acquire a practical and theoretical education in the marine
sciences to prepare them for careers as marine specialists, scientists,
and teachers. The program at Moss Landing provides extensive field and laboratory
work for advanced study in the marine sciences, which is not duplicated
on individual CSU campuses.
The Master of Science in Marine Science degree program is administered through
MLML and a consortium campus with emphasis on biology, geology, or other
department, depending on the choice of the student. The prospective student
must meet the entrance requirements for the home campus department and will
be accepted into classified or conditionally classified status by normal
procedures at that campus (see previous information for biology procedures
summary). Conditionally classified students must become classified by home
campus procedures. MLML may impose additional requirements for classification.
The Thesis Committee will be composed of at least three members, including
one faculty member from MLML (who is ordinarily the thesis adviser) and,
at the discretion of the home campus, a representative of that campus. The
other member or members of the Thesis Committee may be from MLML, the home
campus, or elsewhere with the approval of the thesis adviser. The final
colloquium must be given at the home campus.
Additional MLML Degree Requirements Including Coursework. A student
becomes eligible for the master's degree in marine science after the following
requirements have been satisfied:
Courses in 100-series (requires any three of the following five courses:
M SCI 103, M SCI 141, M SCI 142, M SCI 143, M SCI 144) (12 units)
Courses in 200-series (including 2 units of M SCI 285T, 286T or 287T, and
4 units of M SCI 299) (15 units)
Electives (course[s] in the 100- and/or 200-series) approved by Thesis Committee
(3 units)
Total (30 units)
Note: Quantitative Marine Science, M SCI 104, does not count toward
the degree.
California State University, Fresno offers a Certificate of Advanced
Study Program in Biotechnology. This intensive one-year postbaccalaureate
program emphasizes molecular biology and a wide range of laboratory skills
at the forefront of modern biotechnology. The biotechnology field is growing
rapidly and, as new products and applications are commercialized, there
is increased need for highly skilled personnel capable of working in both
research and production areas. Enrollment is limited to 12 to 15 students
per year who work closely with faculty in a variety of lecture and laboratory
courses. Among the techniques studied are purification of biological macromolecules,
gene splicing, DNA sequencing, culturing of mammalian cells, hybridoma production,
and plant cell culturing and cloning.
The certificate program can lead to potential careers in expanding fields,
such as drug and hormone production in the pharmaceutical industry, monoclonal
antibody production for medical diagnostics and therapeutics, crop improvement,
industrial bioprocessing, forensic science, bioremediation, and medical
research. The program also provides a background for further postgraduate
studies in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and agricultural
biotechnology. Some of the courses may also be used at California State
University, Fresno as components of master's degree programs in biology,
chemis try, plant science, and related departments.
Program courses include: Molecular Biology (BIOL/CHEM 241A-B), Techniques
in Protein Purification (BIOL/CHEM 242), Nucleic Acid Technology Lab (BIOL/CHEM
243), Cell Culture/Hybridoma Laboratory (BIOL/CHEM 244), Micropropagation
(PLANT 102), and Seminar in Molecular Biology/Biotechnology (BIOL/CHEM 248).
Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA
and science GPA of 3.0 or better. Upper-division courses in genetics (minimum
3 units), biochemistry with a laboratory (minimum 5 units), and microbiology
with a laboratory (minimum 4 units) are also prerequisites for entrance
into the program. Consult with the Biotechnology Program coordinator for
determining recommended or equivalent courses.
Biology Department upper-division course numbers provide information
on course level and scheduling. Courses with higher numbers have more prerequisites.
Courses with numbers less than 120 are not intended for use on biology majors.
Numbers in the range 120 to 149 are third year courses requiring only lower-division
prerequisites; 150 to 169 courses require some part of the upper-division
core as prerequisite; and course numbers 170 or greater are more specialized
fourth year courses. For schedule planning, in general: odd numbered
upper-division courses are generally offered in the fall; even numbered
courses are generally offered in the spring; course numbers ending in
zero are offered both fall and spring; and courses offered irregularly end
with a nine.
