B.S. in Biology, 2024-2025 Catalog (2024)

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B.S. in Biology, 2024-2025 Catalog (6)

Four Year Degree Worksheet for: B.S. in Biology - CSULB Catalog (2024-2025)

This degree worksheet is intended to help you develop a balanced course schedule while completing your degree within 4 years. The same sequence of courses (with fewer courses each semester) is also recommended for students completing their degree in 5 or 6 years.

This worksheet is not intended to replace academic advising with your assigned advisor. Students should consult with their assigned advisor to determine the appropriate sequence of required courses and electives based on their academic goals.

CSULB Enrollment Services prepares the Academic Requirements Report, which is the official graduation verification.

Major-Specific Degree Requirements

Major-Specific Degree Requirements are listed as an "MSDR" in the notes column. These courses must be completed in order to declare your major. All students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the STEM MSDR suite. For more information, please see: Major-Specific Degree Requirements for CSULB Students.

Pre-Biology first-time freshmen must complete CHEM 111A and MATH 119A or higher within one year of matriculation. Some students may need to take courses during Summer Session to meet these requirements. Students who have not met the requirements by the required semester must either declare another major or meet with an Academic Advisor to determine if the student's performance in the courses merits an additional semester to complete.

Additional Notes

Students should take the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement Placement Examination (GPE) after Year 1.

The "elective (1)" entries below are placeholders for the extra units needed for graduation if only the listed courses are taken. All students should make sure they take at least 120 units to meet graduation requirements.

Year 1 - Semester 1

Courses to Take in Year 1 - Semester 1
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
CHEM 111AGeneral Chemistry (5)Appropriate Placement, Pre/Corequisite: MATH 112A or 112B or higher; CHEM 95 if neededMSDR
MATH 119A (area B4)Survey of Calculus I (3)Appropriate placement; MATH 112B or 113MSDR
GE (area A2)Written Communication (3)MSDR
GE (area C,D,E,F)Other Exploration (3)
NSCI 190AExperience Success Program 1 (1)Fall only

Year 1 - Semester 2

Courses to Take in Year 1 - Semester 2
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
BIOL 211Intro. to Evolution and Diversity (4)Pre/Corequisite: CHEM 111AMSDR
CHEM 111BGeneral Chemistry (5)CHEM 111A, MATH 112B or higherMSDR
GE (area A1)Oral Communication (3)MSDR
GE (area A3)Critical Thinking (3)MSDR
ElectiveElective Requirement (1)

Year 2 - Semester 3

Courses to Take in Year 2 - Semester 3
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
BIOL 212Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (4)BIOL 211; CHEM 111A, Pre/Corequisite: CHEM 111B
BIOL 260Biostatistics (3)BIOL 211, MATH 111, 113, 119A, or 122
CHEM 220AOrganic Chemistry I (3)CHEM 111B, Corequisite: CHEM 223A
CHEM 223AOrganic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)CHEM 111B, Pre/Corequisite: CHEM 220A
GE (area C,D,E, F)Other Exploration (3)
ElectiveElective Requirement (1)

Year 2 - Semester 4

Courses to Take in Year 2 - Semester 4
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
BIOL 213Introduction to Ecology and Physiology (4)BIOL 211 and 212, CHEM 111B
BIOL 340Molecular Cell Biology (3)BIOL 211 and 212
CHEM 220BOrganic Chemistry II (3)CHEM 220A, Corequisite: CHEM 223B
CHEM 223BOrganic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)CHEM 220A and 223A, Pre/Corequisite: CHEM 220B
GE (area C,D,E,F)Other Exploration (3)
ElectiveElective Requirement (1)

Year 3 - Semester 5

Courses to Take in Year 3 - Semester 5
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
BIOL 312Evolutionary Biology (3)BIOL 211, 212, 213, and 260
BIOL 342 & BIOL 342L;
OR
BIOL 345 & BIOL 345L;
OR
BIOL 447
Human/Mammalian Physiology (3) & Human/Mammalian Physiology Lab (1);
OR
Comparative Animal Physiology (3) & Comparative Animal Physiology Lab (1);
OR
Molecular Plant Physiology (3)
BIOL 211, 212, 213 & Pre/Corequisite: BIO 342;
OR
BIOL 211, 212, 213 &
Pre/Corequisite: BIO 345;
OR
BIOL 340, 370
PHYS 100A;
OR
PHYS 151
General Physics (4)
OR
Mechanics and Heat (4)
MATH 109, 111, 112A, 113, 119A, or 122;
OR
Pre/Corequisite: MATH 122,123, or 224
GE (area C,D,E,F)Other Exploration (3)
ElectiveElective Requirement (1)

Year 3 - Semester 6

Courses to Take in Year 3 - Semester 6
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
BIOL 350General Ecology (3)BIOL 211, 212, 213, 260; MATH 119A or 122
BIOL 370General Genetics (4)BIOL 211, 212, and either BIOL 260 or CHEM 251, GE FoundationGE AREA UD-B
PHYS 100B;
OR
PHYS 152
General Physics (4);
OR
Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 100A or 151, MATH 109, 111, 112A, 113, 119A, or 122;
OR
PHYS 151, Pre/Corequisite: MATH 123
GE (area C,D,E,F)Other Exploration (3)
ElectiveElective (1)

Year 4 - Semester 7

Courses to Take in Year 4 - Semester 7
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
ElectiveBiology Diversity Course (4)
Upper Division ElectiveBiological Science (3)
400 Level ElectiveBiological Science (3)
GE Upper Division (area C-UD, D-UD)Upper Division (3)GE Foundation
GE Upper Division (area C-UD, D-UD)Upper Division (3)GE Foundation

Year 4 - Semester 8

Courses to Take in Year 4 - Semester 8
Course #Course Title (Units)PrerequisitesNotes
BIOL 480Seminars (1)Must take in last semester, department consent required
400 Level ElectiveBiological Science (3)
ElectiveBiology Diversity Course (3)
GE (area C,D,E,F)Other Exploration (3)
GE (area C,D,E,F)Other Exploration (3)
ElectiveElective (1)

B.S. in Biology, 2024-2025 Catalog (7)

B.S. in Biology, 2024-2025 Catalog (8)

B.S. in Biology, 2024-2025 Catalog (2024)

FAQs

Is biology a tough major? ›

One of the most common questions high school students ask is, “Is biology a hard major.” College biology courses go into each topic in far more depth and cover the material far more quickly than a high school class. As noted, the way in which the material is tested can be challenging.

Is BS biology a good course? ›

A BS biology degree is your ticket to entry into research and academia. Common career opportunities for you include being a research scientist or laboratory manager. These roles involve heavy analysis and specialized skills to understand organisms up close.

Is BS biology a pre-med? ›

Yes, biology is a great major for pre-med. Biology is the study of life and all living organisms. By looking into the chemical makeup of humans, animals, plants and all environments, biology majors will be taught the skills necessary to pursue a graduate degree or career in medicine.

What are the subjects in BS biology? ›

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is a four-year program that offers a general education in different biological sciences such as zoology, botany, physiology, genetics, histology, microbiology and ecology.

What is the hardest class in biology degree? ›

This is in line with the research carried out by Fauzi & Fariantika (2018) that the causal factors of genetics are considered the most difficult branch of biology because it has abstract concepts, difficult to understand, the material has been studied too much and contains many foreign terms that are difficult to ...

Is biology BA or BS harder? ›

Pursuing a biology degree with a BS will require more math and science courses, allowing you to really hone in on classes related to your major. A BA will allow you to participate in a wider variety of courses in the arts while still focusing on your biology degree.

Can you become a doctor with a human biology degree? ›

The Human Biology BS is an excellent option for students pursuing pre-professional education in the fields of medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, physician assistant, nursing, nutrition, kinesiology, biomechanics, human evolution, primatology, evolutionary biology, etc.

Why do most doctors major in biology? ›

Biology programs emphasizing practical applications through lab work and research provide a more formidable footing for entry into medical school. These real-world experiences are integral to pre-med programs, ensuring you receive a relevant, well-rounded education.

Is a BA or BS in biology better for medical school? ›

BA students usually still go on to med school, but some prefer to go into other fields like teaching or software engineering. BS students typically take fewer general education requirements and more science and math courses. Additionally, BS students have the option to specialize.

How long is BS biology? ›

Bachelor of Science in Biology is a four-year program that provides its students the opportunity to integrate, interpret, and translate biological phenomena through scientific observations and environmental observations, and use this information to make meaningful decisions, with emphasis on its applications in the ...

Which is the best field in biology? ›

Some of the best careers are Medical Doctor, Biotechnologist, Pharmacist, Nurse, Genetic Counselor, Environmental Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, and Forensic Scientist.

Can I be a surgeon with a biology degree? ›

Surgeons need a bachelor's degree and a medical degree to become licensed to perform surgery. Before applying to medical school, they must first complete a bachelor's degree and take the MCAT. Most aspiring surgeons choose an undergraduate major in biology, biochemistry, or human physiology.

What is the hardest major? ›

20 Hardest Majors: The Ultimate Guide
  • Materials Engineering. ...
  • Biomedical Engineering. ...
  • Aerospace Engineering. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Chemical Engineering. ...
  • Architecture. ...
  • Chemistry. ...
  • Conclusion: Hardest Majors. It is important to know that your mileage will vary depending on your personal interests and the school you attend.

Is biology harder than chemistry? ›

The answer to this question really depends on your strengths and interests. For some, Chemistry may be considered more difficult due to the amount of math and abstract concepts involved, while others might find Biology challenging because of the amount of memorization required.

Is biology major a lot of math? ›

Biology requires far less math than other subjects, especially other fields of science like chemistry, physics, or engineering.

Is bio major harder than CS? ›

Although biology and organic chemistry are much harder then CS anything, they can be learned in school and from school resources only.

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