COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the biological sciences while offering flexibility to specialize in areas of personal or professional interest. The program emphasizes understanding the relationships between structure and function across all levels of biological organization, including cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and population and ecosystem biology. Lower-division requirements include foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Core biology courses, BIOL 2010 and 2020, introduce students to principles of life, while general chemistry (CHEM 2100 and 2200, with corresponding laboratories) provides the essential chemical framework. Students also complete a year of organic chemistry through one of several course sequences, alongside math courses in calculus or applied modeling. Physics courses, either introductory or general physics sequences, ensure a solid understanding of physical principles relevant to biological systems.Upper-division requirements total 30 units and include BIOL 5000, a biology seminar, and a minimum of 29 units of advanced biology coursework, with students selecting courses from three key areas: cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and population and ecosystem biology. This structure allows students to tailor their studies to their interests while ensuring broad exposure to all major fields of biology. Students may repeat upper-division courses only once, and failing two upper-division courses disqualifies continuation in the program.The B.S. in Biology prepares students for diverse career pathways, including positions in academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations, as well as advanced study in graduate or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. The program also offers a competitive Early Admission Program in collaboration with Western University of Health Sciences, providing a pathway to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program for students who meet GPA and prerequisite criteria. Nearly all courses are conducted in-person, with limited hybrid or online alternatives to accommodate scheduling flexibility. The degree’s combination of rigorous foundational courses, specialized upper-division electives, and professional development opportunities ensures graduates are well-prepared for both scientific careers and advanced academic pursuits.