BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Office:
Craven Hall, Sixth Floor
Telephone:
(760) 750-4103
Program Director:
Victoria J. Fabry, Ph.D.
Faculty:
Richard N. Bray, Ph.D.
Larry W. Cohen, Ph.D.
Victoria J. Fabry, Ph.D.
Denise Garcia, Ph.D.
Brian J. Norris, Ph.D.
Betsy Read, Ed.D.
Margaret Roark, Ph.D.
Victor Rocha, Ph.D.
George L. Vourlitis, Ph.D.
Thomas M. Wahlund, Ph.D.
Instructional Support Technician:
Christina Wilde
Programs Offered:
• Bachelor of Science in
Biological
–
Cell and Molecular Biology
– Ecology
– General Biology
• Minor in Biological
Sciences
• Master of Science in
Biological Sciences
Biology is the study of
living processes from the interaction of species with each other and their
environment to the operant molecular mechanisms. The CSU San Marcos Biological
Sciences Program presents a broad program of courses that deal with life on the
ecosystem, population, organismal, and molecular levels. One common principle
that extends throughout our curriculum is that biological processes should
ultimately be biochemically explainable and mathematically describable. Life is
a complicated series of chemical reactions and interactions, and we seek to
understand the relationship of organisms to each other, to their environment,
and within themselves in biochemical terms. Biological Sciences majors may
choose between: 1) a general concentration, 2) a cell and molecular
concentration, or 3) an ecology concentration. The general concentration
provides wide exposure to the range of biological sciences while the cell/molecular
and ecology concentrations offer majors the opportunity to focus their studies.
With appropriate choice of biological sciences electives and General Education
electives, graduates can meet the requirements of admission to graduate,
medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, and other professional schools.
Modern biological science has
progressed from the purely analytical to now include manipulative capability.
Recombinant DNA techniques enable the investigator to generate specified
changes in components of organisms for the purpose of better understanding some
process, and in some cases to introduce new traits that will be of practical
usefulness to society. The CSUSM program in biological sciences exposes
students to cloning techniques, illustrates the techniques involved as part of
the student’s general education, and trains students for research positions.
Society is the beneficiary of
modern technology and is also at its mercy. Products of the industrial process
and of our use of natural resources can perturb the dynamic balance in the
environment, and by leading to the extinction of species, reduce the diversity
of living forms. The CSU San Marcos
Biological Sciences Program
addresses fundamental problems in the ecological and environmental sciences.
The Biological Sciences Program has well-equipped, modern laboratories. The
academic atmosphere is enriched by a close faculty/student interaction
(reminiscent of the better, small liberal arts colleges), and by numerous field
trips to research facilities and sites in the area. Students receive training
that will enable them to gain rewarding employment in a number of areas,
including teaching, research, the health sciences, biotechnology, ecology, and
environmental science.
Preparation
First-time freshman
applicants must complete, with a grade of C or better, a comprehensive pattern
of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. For more details, see the
section on Admission Policies.
Transfer students entering
the program at the junior and senior levels will be expected to have completed
the equivalent of lower-division requirements elsewhere during their first two
years, including four semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics, and two
semesters of college-level calculus or one semester of calculus and one
semester of statistics.
Pre-health professions
students (pre-chiropractic, dental, medical, optometry, osteopathic, pharmacy,
and veterinary) are recommended to take BIOL 210, 211, 351, 352, 353, two
semesters of physics, and several chemistry courses (see the description for
the Chemistry Program for additional information).
Special Conditions for the
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and the Minor in Biological Sciences
All courses taken for the
major and the minor, including supporting courses, must be completed with a
grade of C (2.0) or better. No more than a total of six (6) units of any
combination of BIOL 489, BIOL 495 (3 units only), BIOL 496, BIOL 498, and BIOL
499 may be applied toward the major. A minimum of eighteen (18) units in
biology must be completed at CSUSM.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCES
Units
General Education* 51
units
Preparation for the Major* 40-41
units
Concentration
Requirements 34 units
General Electives 11-12 units
Total Required 128
units
Preparation for the Major
Lower-division Biology
Courses (8 Units)
BIOL 210 4
units
BIOL 211 4
units
Non-Biology Supporting
Courses (32-33 units)
Units
CHEM 150 5
units
CHEM 201 3
units
CHEM 201L 2
units
CHEM 202 3
units
CHEM 250 3
units
MATH 160 5
units
Choose one of the following
course sequences:
PHYS 101 4
units
PHYS 102 4
units
Or
PHYS 205 4
units
PHYS 206 4
units
Choose one of the following
courses:
MATH 162 4
units
MATH 240 3
units
BIOL 360** 4
units
Cell and Molecular Biology
Concentration Requirements
Upper-division (34 units)
BIOL 351 5
units
BIOL 352 4
units
BIOL 353 4
units
BIOL 354 4
units
Choice of 3 courses (at least
one must have a lab) 10-12
BIOL 367
BIOL 368 and 368L
BIOL 370 BIOL 374
BIOL 375 BIOL 376
BIOL 377 BIOL 504+
BIOL 510+ BIOL 520+
Science Electives 5-7 units
Ecology Concentration
Requirements
Upper-division (34 units)
BIOL 351 5
units
BIOL 352 4
units
BIOL 353 4
units
BIOL 354 4
units
Choice of 3 courses (at least
one must have a lab) 10-12
BIOL 360*** BIOL 362
BIOL 379 BIOL 380
BIOL 385 BIOL 386
BIOL 387 BIOL 388
BIOL 390 BIOL 502+
BIOL 540+
Science Electives 5-7
General Concentration Requirements
Upper-division (34 units)
BIOL 351 5
units
BIOL 352 4
units
BIOL 353 4
units
BIOL 354 4
units
Choice of 2 courses (at least
one must have a lab) 7-8
Choice of one course:
BIOL 367
BIOL 368 and 368L
BIOL 370 BIOL 374
BIOL 375 BIOL 376
BIOL 377 BIOL 504+
BIOL 510+ BIOL 520+
Choice of one course:
BIOL 360*** BIOL 362
BIOL 379 BIOL 380
BIOL 385 BIOL 386
BIOL 387 BIOL 388
BIOL 390 BIOL 502
BIOL 540
Science Electives 9-10 Chosen
with consent of advisor from biology courses numbered 355 to 599. With consent
of advisor may include one chemistry course or PSYC 461.
MINOR IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Lower-division (16 units)
Units
CHEM 150 5
units
CHEM 201 3
units
BIOL 210 4
units
BIOL 211 4
units
Upper-division (17 units)
Units
BIOL 351 5
units
BIOL 352 4
units
BIOL 353 4
units
BIOL 354 4
units
Total Units 33
units
+ with consent of
advisor.
* Nine (9)
lower-division GE units in Area B (Math and Science) are automatically
satisfied by courses taken in Preparation for the Major.
**BIOL 360 is highly
recommended for biology majors in the ecology concentration.
***If not taken as a
supporting course
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCES
Graduate Advisor:
Brian J. Norris, Ph.D.
The graduate program in
biological sciences leads to a research-based Master of Science degree. The
program provides the opportunity for participants to receive advanced training
in biological sciences and to pursue independent research investigations in
specialized areas of interest. Laboratory and/or field research is an integral
component of the program, which emphasizes a “hands-on” approach with close
faculty mentoring. The research experience also enables students to hone
investigative skills relating to experimental design, implementation, data
analysis, and interpretation. Another important feature of the program is the
Teaching Assistantship requirement, which is designed to give students the
opportunity to discuss and implement pedagogical strategies employed in science
education.
Graduates with an M.S. in
Biological Sciences will be prepared to continue study at the Ph.D. level, to
successfully pursue careers in private industry or government affiliated labs,
and to teach at the elementary, secondary, or community college level.
The graduate program in
biological sciences fosters the integration of many disciplines. The wide range
of faculty expertise and research interests enables the department to offer a
curriculum that spans fields of molecular genetics and development, aquatic
biology, evolution, ecology, physiology, biotechnology, microbiology,
immunology, and molecular cell biology. Students may develop a program of
courses and research tailored to their individual needs within the areas of
faculty expertise. In addition, students may choose a research supervisor
outside of the Biological Sciences Program, allowing them to pursue
interdisciplinary studies, special field research, or industrial projects.
Seminar courses focus on the primary literature and are presented as a forum
for open interchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge.
Available programs in this
degree cover a wide spectrum of biology and include both laboratory and field
study. The department has sophisticated research laboratories equipped with
state-of-the-art instrumentation. Facilities include a vivarium,
greenhouse, tissue culture laboratory, scanning electron microscope,
environmental growth chambers, a 21 foot boat, numerous aquaria, and equipment
for radioisotope and modern molecular biology work. Excellent computer
facilities are also available. The close proximity of the campus to marine,
chaparral, and desert environments provides many opportunities for field
studies.
This degree requires a thesis
based on original scientific research. A list of research areas with the names
of faculty specializing in these areas can be obtained from the Program
Director.
Admission Requirements
The Program in Biological
Sciences will consider applicants having the following qualifications:
1. The applicant must meet
the general requirements for admission to graduate studies at CSU San Marcos.
These are described in this catalog under Graduate Admission Requirements.
2. The applicant must have
earned a bachelor’s degree in the biological or related sciences, with minimum
coursework and grade point requirements equivalent to the Minor in Biological
Sciences at CSUSM.
3. The applicant must have
maintained an undergraduate grade point average in all completed science and
math courses of at least 2.75, or a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the
last 35 semester units of science and math.
The Graduate Record
Examination (GRE) Subject Test in Biology, or the Subject Test in Biochemistry,
Cell, and Molecular Biology should be taken prior to applying to the program.
Graduate students admitted without GRE subject test scores must take this
examination by the end of their second semester in residence. Under normal
circumstances, a minimally acceptable score on the GRE subject test would be
above the 50th percentile.
All applicants, regardless of
citizenship, who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary
institution where English is the principal language must take the combined Test
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE)
examination. A minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL and a minimum of 4.5 on the
TWE are required.
Application
All applicants must file a
completed Graduate and Post baccalaureate Admission form with the CSUSM Office
of Admissions, and pay the application fee. The following documents must be
submitted directly to the Biological Sciences Program secretary no later than
February 15th for the following Fall semester:
1. A completed Biological
Sciences Application Form, available from the Biological Sciences Program
office. In addition to other information, this form requires a statement of
educational and career goals.
2. Official transcripts of
all college level academic work, including that done at CSUSM.
3. Official score reports of
the GRE Subject Test in Biology or the GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell,
and Molecular Biology, if taken. If applicable, scores for the TOEFL/TWE must
be included.
4. Two letters of
recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic performance
and potential for independent research.
Review and
Acceptance
The Graduate Studies
Committee will review all files received by the deadline, and either accept the
applicant as a classified or conditionally classified graduate student or deny admission.
All accepted students who expect to enroll in the following fall semester must
schedule an interview during the week before the beginning of the semester with
the faculty member identified in the acceptance letter. This interview will
focus on counseling and orienting the applicant with special attention to any
academic deficiencies.
Admission as a
Classified Graduate Student
The Graduate Studies
Committee will admit as a classified graduate student any applicant who has:
1. met all CSUSM and Biological
Sciences Program prerequisites;
2. submitted GRE Subject Test
scores at or above the 50th percentile;
3. submitted all required
documents; and
4. obtained agreement of a
Biological Sciences faculty member to serve as the chair of the student’s
thesis committee. Graduate students admitted to classified status should meet
with their thesis committee chairs to set up a program of study (see next
page).
Admission as a
Conditionally Classified Graduate Student
Applicants who fail to meet
the criteria above for classified admission to the Program in Biological
Sciences and who fall into one of the following four categories may be
considered by the Graduate Studies Committee for admission as conditionally
classified graduate students. These would include:
1. Applicants with course
and/or unit deficiencies. The Graduate Studies
Committee will determine the
deficiencies of each applicant relative to the courses required for the CSUSM
minor in Biological Sciences. The Committee will indicate which course(s) the
applicant must take to make up those deficiencies. These courses are taken in
addition to the minimum 30 units required for the Master of Science degree and
may be included in the student’s program of study. The applicant must make up
all such deficiencies before attaining classified status.
2. Applicants with GPA
deficiencies. An applicant with an undergraduate GPA in science and mathematics
between 2.5 and 2.75 and a GPA in the last 35 semester units of science and
mathematics courses between 2.75 and 3.0 may be admitted as a Conditionally
Classified Graduate Student. The applicant must first obtain sponsorship from a
faculty member in the Program in Biological Sciences who must indicate, in
writing, to the Graduate Studies Committee a willingness to serve as the chair
of the applicant’s thesis committee and the reasons why the Graduate Studies
Committee should admit the applicant. In addition, an applicant receiving
Conditional classification must complete, with a grade of B (3.0), or better,
three approved courses totaling at least nine units acceptable to the Graduate
Studies Committee. These approved courses may appear on the student’s graduate
program of study. If the conditionally classified student receives less than a
B (3.0) in any of the three courses, he or she will be disqualified from the
Master of Science program.
3. Applicants who meet all
prerequisites but who do not yet have chairs for their thesis committee. Each
student must obtain a thesis committee chair and set up a graduate program of
study by the end of the second semester in residence following admission to the
Master of Science program. Students without a thesis committee chair and
program of study cannot be advanced to candidacy and will be dropped from the
program.
4. Applicants who have not
taken the GRE subject test in Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular
Biology, or who have failed to score at or above the 50th percentile.
Applicants may be admitted as conditionally classified students prior to
establishing minimally acceptable GRE subject test scores. Minimally acceptable
scores would normally be at or above the 50th percentile. Students will be
reclassified when evidence of acceptable GRE subject test scores is presented
to the Graduate Studies Committee. Students failing to present such evidence by
the end of their second semester in residence will be dropped from the program.
Only in unusual situations will students with GRE Subject Test scores below the
50th percentile be allowed to continue.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree
requires a minimum of 30 semester units of study at the advanced level (500-698
courses). At least 15 and preferably 21 of these units must be in courses
organized for graduate students (courses numbered 600-698). A maximum of six
(6) units of Directed Studies (BIOL 697) and six (6) units of Thesis (BIOL 698)
may be included in the 30 units required for the degree.
All of the following
requirements must be met within five years to earn the degree of Master of
Science in Biological Sciences at CSUSM:
1. Advancement to candidacy.
In order to be considered for advancement, graduate students must have obtained
approval of their program of study, have developed a thesis proposal, and have
presented the proposal to their thesis committee. On approval of their thesis
proposal, classified graduate students will be advanced to candidacy for the
Master of Science degree.
2. A completed program of
study. This program is composed of at least 30 units of graduate-level work
including seven required courses and research, all of which must have been
approved by the student’s thesis committee and must have been completed with a
GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Completion of a written
thesis based on original field or laboratory research. This thesis must be
approved by the student’s thesis committee and defended in an oral presentation
to the faculty and students of the Biological Sciences Program.
4. Completion of at least one
semester as a teaching assistant. Because effective communication is important
to success at the Master’s level, the Program in Biological Sciences requires
that a graduate student serve as a Teaching Assistant. Candidates who can
demonstrate that this requirement would pose an undue hardship may petition the
Graduate Studies Committee to waive this requirement.
Program of Study
Each graduate student must
establish a specific plan (program of study) that will lead to fulfillment of
requirements for the Master of Science degree. It must be approved before the
student advances to candidacy. This program must contain at least 30 units of
courses at the graduate level, of which at least 15 units (and preferably 21
units) are in 600-level courses, and the remaining 9- 15 units are in 500-level
courses. Additional courses for the area of study may be required. The program
of study should be developed in consultation with the chair of the student’s
thesis committee with a focus on gaining depth of knowledge in a particular subdiscipline of biological science. Required courses are:
Research Methods I and II (BIOL 610 and BIOL 611), Internship in Biology
Instruction (BIOL 685), two seminars chosen from BIOL 560-566, Directed Studies
(BIOL 697), and Thesis (BIOL 698). This plan should include a minimum of five
(5) units of Directed Studies (BIOL 697) and at least five (5) units of Thesis
research (BIOL 698). The program of study may include additional courses needed
to satisfy prerequisites for classified status. The formal program of study
must be submitted for approval to the student’s thesis committee before the end
of the second semester after admission to the program.
A typical full-time student,
enrolled in nine (9) units per semester (see Academic Regulations/Student
Course Load), is expected to complete his or her program of study after four
semesters in residence. Units earned not in residence at CSUSM may not exceed
six (6) and they must be approved by the student’s thesis committee. Part-time
students must complete their program of study within ten semesters in
residence.
Advancement to Candidacy
To be eligible for
advancement to candidacy for the Master of Science degree, a graduate student
must have attained classified status and have constituted a thesis committee.
Each student must obtain the permission of a tenured or tenure-track Biological
Sciences faculty member to serve as the chair of his or her thesis committee.
The thesis committee chair and student then recommend two additional members
for the thesis committee. A student’s research supervisor need not be a member of
the CSUSM Biological Sciences faculty, but must be a member of the thesis
committee. The Graduate Studies Committee must approve the composition of the
student’s committee. The thesis committee chair will assist the student in
establishing a program of study and in developing a thesis research proposal. A
formal written thesis proposal will be orally presented to the thesis committee
no later than the beginning of the second year of fulltime study, or after
twelve (12) units of graduate coursework have been completed. The student will
be advanced to candidacy after the official program of study has been approved
by the thesis committee, the written thesis proposal has been presented, and
the thesis committee has approved the proposal.
Continuation
Graduate students must
maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and earn at least a C (2.0) in each course,
except those graded credit/no credit (see Academic Regulations/Definition of
Terms). Students who are conditionally classified because of GPA deficiencies
may not earn less than a B (3.0) in the courses on their approved list. Any
student whose overall GPA falls below 3.0 for two semesters, or who receives
more than three grades of C (2.0) or lower, will be dropped from the program. A
full-time graduate student should be enrolled in at least nine (9) units per
semester. Full-time students serving as teaching assistants or graduate
assistants should be enrolled in at least six (6) units during the semester of
service. Each student must present a formal thesis proposal no later than the
beginning of the second full year of study, or after twelve (12) units of
graduate coursework. In addition, except in unusual circumstances, a completed
thesis must be submitted and defended not later than eight semesters following
advancement to candidacy, and normally not later than five years after entry
into the program. The student must be registered in BIOL 698 or 699 when the
completed thesis is granted final approval.
Financial Aid
Several sources of financial aid are available to graduate students. Students are responsible for identifying other sources of aid, and may wish to consult with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship.