BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

B. Required Upper Division Core Courses (16 units)

(3)	BIO 121	Cell Physiology (BIO 10, BIO 11, BIO 12, or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 161)
(4)	BIO 139	General Microbiology (BIO 10 or BIO 20 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 6B, CHEM 20 or CHEM 24)
(3)	BIO 160	General Ecology (BIO 10, BIO 11 and BIO 12 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; STAT 1). Not required in the Clinical Laboratory Technology concentration.
(3)	BIO 184	General Genetics (BIO 10, BIO 11 and BIO 12 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; BIO 139)
(3)	CHEM 161	General Biochemistry (CHEM 20 or CHEM 124; one year of biological science recommended)

Notes:

• CHEM 161 is not counted toward the 36 upper division unit requirement in the major.
• CHEM 160A and CHEM 160B may be taken in lieu of CHEM 161.
  Three units may be counted toward the 36 upper division unit requirement for the major.
• BIO 106 and BIO 108 are not acceptable toward a BS in Biological Sciences.

Additional Requirements for Concentrations

Units required: 23-30

No Concentration (23 units)

This degree program provides a broad background in biological sciences and the opportunity to select electives that meet individual needs and interests. The BS in Biological Sciences (with three supplemental geoscience courses) meets requirements leading to the Biology Subject Matter Competency Teaching Credential, satisfies requirements for admission to health professional schools, (with additional course work in Math and Chemistry), and provides necessary preparation for most graduate programs and selected entry level technical positions in industry and government. Requirements are one upper division course in plant biology and one upper division course in animal biology and enough additional upper division elective units to total 23. See "BA Major Requirements: C. Upper Division Electives."

The curriculum in Biological Conservation is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of fisheries and wildlife biology/management, conservation biology, natural resource conservation, environmental impact assessment and related areas. This curriculum meets the educational requirements for various entry level career positions with state and federal agencies. Students majoring in this concentration are urged to obtain on-the-job training with conservation agencies (such as California Department of Fish and Game) through summer or part-time employment, or through internships (BIO 195).

Notes:

• BIO 160 is not required in the Clinical Laboratory Science concentration.
• CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.
• A minor in Chemistry may be attained if either CHEM 20L or CHEM 25 is taken.

Forensic Biology (30 units)

The curriculum in Forensic Biology is designed to prepare students for careers as criminalists specializing in the analysis and interpretation of serological and DNA evidence. This curriculum meets the educational requirements for entry level career positions with city, county, and federal agencies. Students selecting this concentration are urged to pursue internship opportunities (BIO 195), such as those available through the Sacramento County Coroner's Office, and/or directed research (BIO 199A or BIO 199B) with a faculty member in Biological Sciences or Chemistry who utilizes molecular biology techniques and instrumentation.

Note: CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.

Microbiology (28 units)

The concentration in Microbiology is designed to prepare students for entry level technical positions in industry and graduate programs in Microbiology leading to careers in research and teaching. By taking specified elective courses, the concentration will satisfy the course work requirements of the State for eligibility to take the California Public Health Microbiologist Certificate Examination. Eligibility to take the examination also requires six months as a trainee at an approved Public Health Laboratory. Completion of BS degree requirements does not guarantee admission to a trainee program. Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist Certificate is a requirement for employment in both California State and County Public Health Laboratories. Concentration includes a minor in Chemistry.

Note: CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.

(16)	Elective courses selected from the following list: A total of 36 upper division units is required for the concentration. CHEM 161 is required but is not counted in the 36 upper division unit requirement. Electives should be selected in consultation with an advisor.
	BIO 134*	Medical Mycology (BIO 139)
	BIO 143	General Virology (BIO 139, CHEM 161)
	BIO 144*	Pathogenic Bacteriology (BIO 139)
	BIO 145	The Diversity of Micro-organisms (BIO 139)
	BIO 152*	Human Parasitology (BIO 11 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2)
	BIO 155	Immunobiology (BIO 149A)
	BIO 156	Food Microbiology (BIO 139)
	BIO 180	Molecular Biology Lecture (BIO 184)
	BIO 181	Molecular Biology Laboratory (BIO 139, BIO 184; BIO 180 recommended)
	BIO 185	Topics in Biology (BIO 10, BIO 11 and BIO 12 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 20)
	BIO 186A	Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar (BIO 10, BIO 11 and BIO 12 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2)
	BIO 195	Biological Internship (Department chair and instructor -- representing the appropriate biological discipline -- permission)
	BIO 199A	Undergraduate Laboratory Field Research (Department Chair and instructor permission)
	HLSC 148*	Epidemiology (BIO 10, CHEM 1A, STAT 1 or instructor permission)

* Required to qualify for Public Health Microbiology Traineeship.

Molecular Biology (27 units)

The concentration in Molecular Biology provides a foundation for research and teaching activity in recombinant DNA technology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, and immunology. There are no current professional certifications for most research technologists in molecular biology, so requirements for employment vary. In most cases, further laboratory and academic preparation is desirable for challenging employment opportunities in hospitals, universities and private industry.

Note: CHEM 162 can be included in the 36 upper division unit requirement for this concentration.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
(Work Experience)

Biology majors can participate in the University's Cooperative Education Program. This program provides biology-related, paid, off-campus work experience in government agencies or private industry. The experience can enhance the student's employment prospects upon graduation. Participants in this program will complete at least one six-month period. During the work period, the participant generally will not attend classes on the Sacramento State campus but will enroll in BIO 194, Biology-Related Work Experience. (BIO 194 units do not replace the curricular requirements of the Biological Sciences degree programs). Students interested in this program should contact the Biological Sciences Department or the campus Cooperative Education Program Office for further information.

REQUIREMENTS - HONORS PROGRAM
(with either BA or BS Degree Program)

Biological Sciences Honors Program provides undergraduate students with an in-depth research experience. An undergraduate research experience is highly recommended for entry into many graduate and professional programs. Culmination of the Honors Program will consist of an undergraduate thesis and an undergraduate seminar. To enter this program, students must have an overall GPA of 3.25 and a minimum of 3.0 GPA in biology courses with at least 15 units of biology and have completed at least 6 units of upper division biology courses, excluding BIO 106, BIO 195, BIO 197A, BIO 197B, BIO 197C, BIO 199A, and BIO 199B.

The curriculum of the Honors Program is designed to be coupled with the BA or BS degree programs. The Honors Program requires the following courses, completed with a grade of "B" or better, for the BA or BS degree:

Units required for Minor: 20 units

The minor in Biological Sciences is designed to provide students in other majors with the opportunity to broaden their exposure to and understanding of the biological sciences. The minor complements several majors that require course work in biological sciences, including Chemistry, Nursing, Environmental Studies, Health Science, Kinesiology, and Family and Consumer Sciences.

The minor requires 20 units. The 20 units must include a minimum of 10 upper division units at least one of the upper division courses must have a laboratory component. Three units of biochemistry may be counted toward the minor. Six upper division units must be earned in residence. No more than two units of BIO 186A, BIO 186B, BIO 194, BIO 195, BIO 197A, BIO 197B, BIO 197C, BIO 199A, and BIO 199B may be counted toward the minor.

Note: All prerequisites for all courses will be enforced.

Biological Sciences majors who intend to pursue a teaching credential must complete the science subject matter program which is described in this catalog. Successful completion of this program fulfills the subject matter competence program in the College of Education. The Single Subject Credential in General Science/Biology allows graduates to teach all four of the sciences (Geoscience, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) at the General Science level in 7-12 grades, and Biology at an advanced level in high school.

Currently there is a great need for K-12 teachers educated in science. Changes in State Board of Education Standards and increasing interest in Biological Sciences have created significant demands for students with this credential. Biological Sciences majors who have an interest in teaching should contact one of the credential advisors in the Biological Sciences Department, Melanie Loo or Jennifer Lundmark.

Note: Due to policy changes from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the federal No Child Left Behind mandate, the Science Subject Matter program was under review at the time of this catalog printing and is subject to revision. As a result, it is important to consult a credential advisor for current details.

REQUIREMENTS - CERTIFICATE - ISSUES IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Units required for Certificate: 15, in addition to requirements for BS (see below)

The Academic Achievement Certificate in Issues in Natural Resource Management is designed to provide an interdisciplinary perspective on the conflicts, controversies and biopolitical issues that natural resource biologists must deal with in their careers, and to introduce students to the non-biological considerations that influence decision making processes in natural resource utilization and management.

A minimum of 15 units selected from the following list in addition to requirements for the BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biological Conservation. The certificate may also be awarded to students completing the BS in General Biology with the approval of the Biological Conservation advisors.

(3)	ECON 120	Economics and Environmental Degradation
(3)	ECON 123	Resource Economics (ECON 1B)
(3)	ENVS 110	Contemporary Environmental Issues
(3)	ENVS 112	International Environmental Problems (Passing score on WPE)
(3)	ENVS 128/GOVT 128	Environment and the Law (ENVS 110, ENVS 111 or instructor permission)
(3)	GEOG 161	California's Water Resources
(3)	GEOL 140	Geology and the Environment
(3)	GOVT 170	Public Policy Development (GOVT 1 or equivalent, passing score on WPE)

GRADUATE PROGRAM

The graduate program in Biological Sciences leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree and provides an opportunity for students to receive advanced training and to pursue independent investigations in particular fields of biology. It allows students to upgrade their qualifications for educational advancement to doctoral programs or for professional advancement in teaching, laboratory work, or fieldwork. The MS degree requires completion of a thesis and has concentrations in Biological Conservation and in Molecular and Cellular Biology to provide advanced training and research experience in these fields.

All students are required to complete a thesis involving field and/or laboratory research. The thesis research may be conducted on campus with a biology faculty member or at an off-campus location. In either case, the student's research must make a new contribution to the field of biology. If the research is conducted off campus, a biology faculty member must be identified as the student's thesis advisor. Following admission to the program, students are advised by a temporary faculty advisor or by the faculty member who has agreed to supervise the student in their thesis research. Students should plan their academic programs in consultation with a faculty advisor as early as possible, preferably in the semester prior to the one in which graduate study will begin.

For additional information regarding the Biological Sciences Graduate Program, students may contact the Biological Sciences Department Office or consult the Biological Sciences Graduate Program Handbook, available online at the Department's website.

Admission as a classified graduate student to the MS program in Biological Sciences requires:

• a baccalaureate degree;
• completion of a major in biological sciences or closely related field; or completion of 24 units of upper division biological sciences courses or courses in closely related fields, each of which must be passed with a "C-" or better;
• GRE General Test scores;
• GRE Subject Test scores (either Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology scores are acceptable);
• a faculty member who has agreed to serve as their thesis advisor;
• two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential for successful graduate study; and
• a statement of purpose.

It is important to note that meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program. Students who have deficiencies in admission requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation, or who have not been accepted by a major professor, may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Admission as a conditionally classified graduate student does not guarantee fully classified status. Fully classified graduate status is conferred when all deficiencies identified at the time of admission are removed and a biology faculty member has agreed to serve as their thesis advisor. Any deficiencies in admissions requirements will be noted on a written response to the admission application.

All prospective classified graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following application materials with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470:

• an online application for admission; and
• two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.

In addition, all prospective graduate students must submit the following application materials directly to the Department of Biological Sciences:

• an online departmental application for admission;
• one set of unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State;
• GRE General Test scores;
• GRE Subject Test scores (either Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology scores are acceptable);
• two letters of recommendation;
• a statement of purpose.

Deadlines for receipt of all application materials are March 15 for admittance in the fall semester and October 1 for admittance in the spring semester. Approximately eight weeks after receipt of all items listed above, a decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant.

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

• removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
• completed at least 12 units in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including at least one course at the 200-level;
• begun a preliminary study for the thesis; and
• passed the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) or secured approval for a WPE waiver.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her Biological Sciences advisor. After approval by the Biological Sciences Graduate Committee and the student's thesis committee, the completed form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

REQUIREMENTS - MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Units required for MS: 30 includes units required in areas of concentration.
Minimum GPA: 3.0