COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biology major at California Lutheran University requires a minimum of 41 credits, including at least 28 upper-division credits, along with 27-29 supporting credits, totaling 68-70 credits overall. At least 16 biology credits must be completed at Cal Lutheran. Core courses provide a foundation in key biological concepts, including Introduction to Ecology and Populations (BIOL 120), Introduction to Cells and Organisms (BIOL 121), Introduction to Metabolism, Genes & Development (BIOL 122), and two laboratory courses on biological experimentation (BIOL 123L and BIOL 124L). Evolution (BIOL 311) is also a required course.Students must select one from Scientific Literature (BIOL 463) or participate in Junior/Senior Honors Capstone projects (BIOL 399/498/499). Additionally, students choose four upper-division courses, with at least one from each of the three categories: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Organismal Biology and Ecology, and Functional Biology. These categories cover a range of subjects such as Genetics, Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Environmental Ecology, Marine Biology, Animal Behavior, Comparative Anatomy, Vertebrate Physiology, and more, often including associated labs.Supporting courses are essential for the major and include General Chemistry I and II with labs (CHEM 151/151L, CHEM 152/152L), Organic Chemistry with lab (CHEM 331/341), and a physics sequence where students select either General Physics I and II with labs (PHYS 201/201L, PHYS 202/202L) or Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II with labs (PHYS 211/211L, PHYS 212/212L). Mathematics support requires a choice between Essential Statistics (MATH 131) or Calculus I (MATH 251).This comprehensive curriculum blends foundational knowledge, specialized electives, laboratory work, and supporting sciences, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, education, or advanced graduate studies. The typical duration to complete this undergraduate degree is four years.