Biology Undergraduate Advising

We offer B.S. and B.A. degrees in Biology and Microbiology. We also offer emphases in both B.S. degrees. Please see the catalog for more information. Summary sheet of course requirements for emphases here. What's an Emphasis? An emphasis is a formal program of study within a general major and indicates specialization in a certain area of study. Essentially, an emphasis indicates the focus or concentration of your upper division electives, e.g., an Emphasis in Zoology is the similar to a major in Zoology. While students may earn a degree in biology without selecting an emphasis, we strongly urge that an emphasis be considered. However, this decision does not need to be made now - all the emphases and programs are essentially alike for the first two years (39 units of lower division courses). But we want you to be aware of their existence! You can earn the Biology B.S. with the following emphases. Emphasis in Bioengineering. This is a new emphasis in Biology, prepared in collaboration with the College of Engineering. Students who complete this emphasis are expected to find employment in the thriving biotech industry of San Diego County. This is one of the first programs of its kind in San Diego. This emphasis prepares students for specialized careers in the biotechnology industry. Emphasis in Cell and Molecular Biology.  Cell and molecular biology is the study of the macromolecules and mechanisms involved in basic biological processes. This discipline crosses traditional boundaries between genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, physics, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. This emphasis will supply students with the necessary background for careers in cell and molecular biology and graduates will have adequate training to obtain entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry. For students who wish to continue their studies at the graduate level, this emphasis provides the prerequisites for cell and molecular biology graduate programs. Emphasis in Marine Biology.  The Emphasis in Marine Biology provides education and training for students planning to enter marine professions with the BS degree as well as those planning advanced degrees. At the bachelor level students will be qualified for research technician positions in university and government laboratories and positions involving marine biological research and resource development and management. Government agencies employing marine biologists include the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state fish and game departments, water quality agencies and local planning and management agencies. The private sector may also offer positions in such areas as environmental studies and the seafood industry. The emphasis is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in marine biology. Emphasis in Ecology.  Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and the various factors in their environment. Training in ecology, besides giving a broad perspective of the biological sciences, is preparation for careers in teaching, research, public relations and administration in educational institutions, government agencies and private companies involved with environmental activity. Students intending to become teachers or researchers at an advanced level should plan on further study in graduate school. Emphasis in Zoology.  The Emphasis in Zoology includes the core courses of the biology major, emphasis electives selected from particular groups of animal biology courses that include areas such as embryology, physiology, behavior and evolution, and general electives from biology. As with graduates emphasizing evolution and systematics, graduates with an emphasis in zoology may work in universities, museums, and zoos, or with federal, state, and private agencies. The major difference between these two emphases is the specific concentration on animals in zoology. Emphasis in Evolution and Systematics.  Systematicists and evolutionary biologists are interested in understanding the patterns of evolutionary relationships among species and the evolutionary processes underlying these patterns. Systematics entails the detailed study of a group of organisms in order to determine their evolutionary relationships (phylogeny), clarify their classification, and assess trends in ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary processes. Evolutionary biology deals with the mechanisms of evolutionary change, including the study of natural selection, migration, mating systems, and genetic drift. Graduates can work in universities, museums, botanical gardens, and zoo's, or with federal, state, and private agencies. Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science.  Although our Single Subject Teaching Credential Program is not an emphasis it is a formal program of study to prepare students to be middle and high school biology teachers. It follows both State of California requirements and those of this department's faculty. This program is more broadly based than the emphases and gives future teachers a strong academic background in a variety of areas including animal and plant biology, physiology, oceanography, concept development and integration of these and other fields. Graduates are certified by the department as qualified for the College of Education's postgraduate teacher preparation program. You can earn the Microbiology B.S. with the following emphasis. Emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science and Public Health Microbiology. The emphasis in clinical laboratory science and public health microbiology is a State of California approved program of study that prepares students for Public Health Microbiologist and Clinical Laboratory Scientist academic certification and licensing examinations. (Note that a hematology course is required for students seeking certification as a Clinical Lab Scientist.)  Students interested in this emphasis should check with the emphasis adviser before beginning coursework regarding the availability of required internships and other considerations. Note: The statements found on the Biology Advising Web Pages are for informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate, authoritative information can only be found in official University Publications. Free Site Counters