Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Dr. Isabelle G. Haithcox
Chair
(650) 508-3540
naturalsciences@ndnu.edu

The Biology program is structured to provide interdisciplinary study in the Natural Sciences and to promote interaction among faculty and students in all fields. The Biology major provides students with the breadth of knowledge and strong skills necessary for careers in the biological sciences. By choosing elective courses with their advisor, Biology majors can focus their studies in Cell and Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science.

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Learning Outcomes

At the completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a graduate will have:

  • Developed the ability to communicate effectively through oral and written formats;
  • Acquired an appreciation of the impact of science on society;
  • Identified, explored, and developed a career and continuing education plan;
  • Developed critical thinking skills and laboratory techniques so as to be capable of designing, carrying out, and interpreting scientific experiments;
  • Developed a thorough understanding of and be able to describe the relationship between structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level.

Degree Requirements

In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum requirements and General Degree requirements. Students anticipating graduate study should consult the individual schools to which they intend to apply for specific undergraduate course requirements.

Prerequisites   Units
     
BIO1101/1101L General Biology I with Lab (3/1) 4
BIO1103/1103L General Biology II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE1202/1202L General Chemistry I with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE1204/1204L General Chemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2203/2203L Organic Chemistry I with Lab (3/1) 4
CHE2205/2205L Organic Chemistry II with Lab (3/1) 4
MTH1216 Precalculus with Trigonometry 4
   
One Mathematics course from the following: 3–4
MTH1320 Calculus I (4)  
MTH1322 Applied Calculus (4)  
MTH2502 Statistics  
     
Two semesters of College Physics or two semesters of Physics for Scientists, with Labs: 8
PHY1203/1203L College Physics I with Lab (4)  
PHY1205/1205L College Physics II with Lab (4)  
PHY1304/1304L Physics for Scientists I with Lab** (4)  
PHY1306/1306L Physics for Scientists II with Lab** (4)  
     
**Highly recommended for future medical, dental, veterinary medicine, or graduate students.  
     
Total Prerequisites 39-40
     
Major Requirements Units
     
BIO2200/2200L Developmental Biology with Lab (3/1) 4
BIO2210/2210L Human Physiology with Lab (3/2)/td> 5
BIO2215/2215L Genetics with Lab (3/1) 4
BIO2275/2275L General Microbiology with Lab (3/2) 5
     
One course and Lab, from the following: 4
BIO2277/2277L Immunology with Lab (3/1)  
CHE2370/2370L Biochemistry I with Lab (3/1)  
     
Upper-division electives in Biology, approved by the advisor*** 8
     
Total Major Requirements 30
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives 57
* Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g . U.S. History).
Total Unit Requirement  124

***Biology Elective Courses

BIO2108/2108L Contemporary Environmental Issues (3/1)
BIO2114/2114L An Introduction to the Diverse World of Plants (3/1)
BIO2124 Forensic Science (4)
BIO2132/2132L General Ecology (3/1)
BIO2138/2138L Environmental Toxicology (3/1)
BIO2143/2143L Invertebrate Zoology (3/1)
BIO2148/2148L Vertebrate Zoology (3/1)
BIO 2205/2205L  Human Anatomy (3/1)
BIO2252/2252L Cellular and Molecular Biology (3/1)
BIO2354 Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists
BIO2465  Natural Sciences Seminar (1)
BIO2884 Research (1-3)
BIO2994 Laboratory Assistant (1-3)
BIO2997 Honors Thesis Research (2-4)
BIO2999 Independent Study in Biology (1-3)
CHE2210/2210L Chemical Analysis and Instrumental Methods (3/2)
CHE2312/2312L Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3/1)
CHE2370/2370L Biochemistry I (3/1)
CHE2375/2375L Biochemistry II (3/1)
NSC2012 Introduction to Nutrition
PHY2000/2000L Science in Action (3/1)

Minor in Biology

Required Courses Units
BIO1101/1101L General Biology I with Lab (3/1) 4
BIO1103/1103L General Biology II with Lab (3/1) 4
     
One of the following Chemistry options: 3-8
CHE1101 Introductory Chemistry   
One year of General Chemistry, with Labs  
CHE1202/1202L General Chemistry I with Lab (3/1)  
CHE1204/1204L General Chemistry II with Lab (3/1)  
Upper-division units in Biology, approved by Department Chair 12
     
Total Unit Requirement  31