Biology

College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences

 

 

Cellular and Molecular Biology Option

Ecology and Environmental Biology Option

Microbiology Option

 

Biology

Microbiology

 

 

John Thomlinson, Department Chair

Getachew Kidane, Graduate Program Coordinator

Katherine Bates, John Carvalho,  H.K. Choi, Helen Chun,
Robert V. Giacosie, Thomas Landefeld, Gus McCarthy,
Terrence McGlynn, Laura M. Phillips, John Roberts,
Laura Robles, Davood Soleymani

Gaby Gomez-Dominguez, Administrative Assistant

Department Office: NSM A-143, (310) 243-3381

 

David E. Brest, Lois W. Chi, Evelyn Tutt Childress, Carol Guze, Gene A. Kalland, Richard Kuramoto

 

The Biology Program at CSU Dominguez Hills is designed to provide students with intensive, progressive and balanced learning experiences in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, population and community biology, and environmental science.
The Biology Department offers students seven programs from which to choose: 1) An undergraduate program which awards the Bachelor of Arts Degree; 2) Three undergraduate major options that award the Bachelor of Science Degree: a Cellular and Molecular Biology Option, an Ecology and Environmental Biology Option and a Microbiology Option; 3) Two minor programs: a General Minor and a Microbiology Minor; 4) A Life Science Subject Matter Preparation Program for students who wish to pursue a secondary teaching credential is currently being developed; 5) A graduate program which awards the Master of Science Degree.

 

The most important feature of the Biology Department is its excellent faculty, all members of which hold the doctorate. They
are dedicated to excellence in teaching and are active in basic and applied research and other scholarly activities. The department currently has more than $1.5 million in private foundation, federal and international research grants. Another attractive feature of the department is its small class size. This allows students to interact frequently and effectively with instructors both within and outside of class. It also permits instructors to easily identify students in need of additional assistance, and to supply such assistance.

The Biology Department’s teaching and research facilities are modern and well equipped. Special facilities and equipment that are available for student use include a computer laboratory, a tissue culture laboratory, controlled temperature rooms, a vivarium,
a greenhouse and a nature preserve. In addition to on-campus facilities, students may study marine biology and desert biology through the use of facilities available in the Southern California Ocean Studies Consortium and the Desert Studies Consortium. Excellent computer and library facilities also are available.

Since the Biology faculty maintains several diverse research programs that are well supported with public and private funds, the department can provide both undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to actively participate in research. Biology students have been successful, not only in conducting research, but in presenting reports at scientific meetings, publishing their findings and in receiving national recognition for the high quality of their work.

 

The Biology Department requires that each semester prior to or during registration, students meet with their biology advisor to review their progress, select new courses, update their advisement file (departmental files are maintained for all majors and graduate students), and to discuss any special problems they may have encountered.

 

Students who plan to enter the biology program directly from high school should prepare by completing four years of English, including composition; algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus if available; and at least one year each of biology, chemistry and physics.

Students transferring from a community college should have completed one semester of calculus or, if not taken in high school, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and one year each of introductory chemistry and biology designed for the transfer major.

 

A student in the Biology Department will be prepared to pursue a variety of career opportunities, depending on the curricular program chosen. An undergraduate major may choose any of the options. The Cellular and Molecular Biology Option can fulfill the major entrance requirements for professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry and medical technology, or prepare the student for further graduate study in biology. Biology graduates from CSU Dominguez Hills have competed successfully for admission to professional and graduate schools in California and elsewhere. Students also may use the Cellular and Molecular Biology Option to prepare for careers in teaching, research, government, academia or the biotechnology industry. The Ecology and Environmental Biology option will prepare students for graduate studies or careers with federal, state, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and consultants, among others.

Students may prepare for a career in teaching science at the secondary level (junior high or high school) by completing an approved “Subject Matter Preparation Program.” Completion of such a program is the first step in meeting the state requirements for a teaching credential. As the program requirements for the “Subject Matter Preparation Program” in science have changed recently, interested students should consult the departmentally designated advisor for current information.

The Microbiology Option provides training in microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology and related courses (virology, mycology and parasitology) for students interested in a career in applied biology, biomedical research or allied fields.

The Master of Science program in Biology will provide students with an in-depth background suitable for pursuing a career in teaching and/or in biological research, or in a related field such
as public health, psychology and human services. Students may develop a program of courses and research that is tailor-made to their individual needs within the areas of expertise of their advising faculty. The graduate program also can establish a strong foundation for professional training in medicine, dentistry, paramedical areas and Ph.D. programs.

 

Students who wish to satisfy the entrance requirements of professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other medical areas usually choose to major either in chemistry or biology. Students majoring in biology and seeking admission to a medical school in California should complete the requirements for the Biology Degree and take the following courses:

CHE 310.      Organic Chemistry I (4) and

CHE 311.      Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

CHE 312.      Organic Chemistry II (3) and

CHE 313.      Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

 

Also recommended are the following courses which are suggested by many medical schools:

BIO 314.        Developmental Biology (3)

BIO 315.        Developmental Biology Laboratory (1)

CHE 230.      Quantitative Analysis (4)

CHE 450.      Biochemistry I (4)

CHE 451.      Biochemistry Laboratory I (1)

 

The following courses are not usually required for inclusion in premedical programs of study, but it is recommended that students consider them when planning their academic program. Many former students have found them to be a valuable preview of courses that must be taken in medical school.

BIO 422.    Histology (3)

BIO 424.    Histology Laboratory (1)

BIO 453.    Endocrinology (3)

BIO 483.    Human Physiology (3)

 

An undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with Honors in Biology provided the following criteria are satisfied:

1.   A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;

2.   A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all courses used
to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major;

3.   Recommendation by the Biology Department faculty.

Students who achieve Honors in Biology will have the information recorded on their transcripts and diplomas.

 

 

 

See the “Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

 

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

 

See the “General Education” requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

 

See the “Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement” in the University Catalog.

 

Students completing this major will need to complete a minor in another field.

 

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

All courses applied to the B.A. in Biology must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.

 

A.   Prerequisite Courses (40 units)

BIO 120.      Principles of Biology I (3)

BIO 121.      Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)

BIO 122.      Principles of Biology II (3)

BIO 123.      Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)

BIO 124.      Principles of Biology III (3)

BIO 125.      Principles of Biology III Laboratory (1)

CHE 110.    General Chemistry I (5)

CHE 112.    General Chemistry II (5)

CHE 316.    Survey of Organic Chemistry (3) and

CHE 317.    Survey of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)

CSC 101.    Introduction to Computer Education (3)

MAT 131.     Elementary Statistics & Probability (3)

PHY 120.     Elements of Physics I (4)

PHY 122.     Elements of Physics II (4)

 

B.  Core Upper Division Requirements (9 units)

BIO 320.      Cell Biology (3)

BIO 340.      Genetics (3)

BIO 342.      Cell and Genetics Laboratory (1)

BIO 490.      Senior Project (2)

 

C.  Additional Upper Division Requirements (13-16 units)

1.   Select one course and the respective laboratory from the
following (4 units):

BIO 310.    Plant Physiology (3)

BIO 311.    Plant Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 312.    Animal Physiology (3)

BIO 313.    Animal Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 324.    Microbiology (3)

BIO 325.    Microbiology Laboratory (1)

2.   Select three additional upper division biology courses (9-12 units).

 

 

See the “Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

 

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 or a maximum of 132 units.

 

See the “General Education” requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

 

See the “Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement” in the University Catalog.

 

Single field major, no minor required.

 

Students must select one of the options listed. The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

All courses applied to the B.S. in Biology must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.

 

A.   Lower Division Requirements (44-47 units)

BIO 120.      Principles of Biology I (3)

BIO 121.      Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)

BIO 122.      Principles of Biology II (3)

BIO 123.      Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)

BIO 124.      Principles of Biology III (3)

BIO 125.      Principles of Biology III Laboratory (1)

BIO 220.      Molecular Biology (3)

BIO 221.      Molecular Biology Laboratory (1)

CHE 110.    General Chemistry I (5)

CHE 112.    General Chemistry II (5)

CSC 101.    Introduction to Computer Education (3)

MAT 131.     Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)

MAT 171.     Survey of Calculus I (4) or

MAT 191.     Calculus I (5)

PHY 120.     Elements of Physics I (4) and

PHY 122.     Elements of Physics II (4) or

PHY 130.     General Physics I (5) and

PHY 132.     General Physics II (5)

 

B.  Upper Division Requirements (36 units)

1.   Required courses (22 units):

BIO 320.    Cell Biology (3)

BIO 340.    Genetics (3)

BIO 342.    Cell and Genetics Laboratory (1)

BIO 421.    Advanced Molecular Biology (3)

BIO 490.    Senior Project (2)

CHE 310.  Organic Chemistry I (4) and

CHE 311.  Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1)

CHE 312.  Organic Chemistry II (3) and

CHE 313.  Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

 

2.   Select one course and the respective lab from the following (4 units)

BIO 310.        Plant Physiology (3)

BIO 311.        Plant Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 312.        Animal Physiology (3)

BIO 313.        Animal Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 314.        Developmental Biology (3)

BIO 315.        Developmental Biology Laboratory (1)

BIO 324.        Microbiology (3)

BIO 325.        Microbiology Laboratory (1)

3.   Select a minimum of 10 additional units of upper division Biology or Chemistry Courses (10 units)

 

A.   Lower Division Requirements (44-47 units)

BIO 120.    Principles of Biology I (3)

BIO 121.    Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)

BIO 122.    Principles of Biology II (3)

BIO 123.    Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)

BIO 124.    Principles of Biology III (3)

BIO 125.    Principles of Biology III Laboratory (1)

BIO 220.    Molecular Biology (3)

BIO 221.    Molecular Biology Laboratory (1)

CHE 110.  General Chemistry I (5)

CHE 112.  General Chemistry II (5)

CSC 101.  Introduction to Computer Education (3)

MAT 131.   Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)

MAT 171.   Survey of Calculus I (4) or

MAT 191.   Calculus I (5)

PHY 120.   Elements of Physics I (4) and

PHY 122.   Elements of Physics II (4) or

PHY 130.   General Physics I (5) and

PHY 132.   General Physics II (5)

B.  Upper Division Requirements (36 units)

1.   Required courses (17 units):

BIO 310.    Plant Physiology (3)

BIO 311.    Plant Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 312.    Animal Physiology (3)

BIO 313.    Animal Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 332.    Ecology (3)

BIO 333.    Ecology Laboratory (1)

BIO 340.    Genetics (3)

BIO 490.    Senior Project (2)

2.   Restricted elective courses. Select a series from the following (4-10 units):

CHE 310.  Organic Chemistry (4) and

CHE 311.  Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) and

CHE 312.  Organic Chemistry II (3) and

CHE 313.  Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2) or

CHE 316.  Survey of Organic Chemistry (3) and

CHE 317.  Survey of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)

3.   Open elective courses. Select a minimum of 9-15 additional units of upper division Biology, Chemistry or Earth Science courses. (9-15 units).

 

A.   Lower Division Requirements (40-43 units)

BIO 120.    Principles of Biology I (3)

BIO 121.    Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)

BIO 122.    Principles of Biology II (3)

BIO 123.    Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)

BIO 124.    Principles of Biology III (3)

BIO 125.    Principles of Biology III Laboratory (1)

CHE 110.  General Chemistry I (5)

CHE 112.  General Chemistry II (5)

CSC 101.  Introduction to Computer Education (3)

MAT 131.   Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)

MAT 171.   Survey of Calculus I (4) or

MAT 191.   Calculus I (5)

PHY 120.   Elements of Physics I (4) and

PHY 122.   Elements of Physics II (4) or

PHY 130.   General Physics I (5) and

PHY 132.   General Physics II (5)

 

B.  Upper Division Requirements (31 units)

BIO 320.    Cell Biology (3)

BIO 324.    Microbiology (3)

BIO 325.    Microbiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 340.    Genetics (3)

BIO 342.    Cell and Genetics Laboratory (1)

BIO 425.    Medical Bacteriology (2)

BIO 435.    Medical Bacteriology Laboratory (2)

BIO 426.    Immunology (3)

BIO 436.    Immunology Laboratory (1)

BIO 490.    Senior Project (2)

CHE 310.  Organic Chemistry I (4)

CHE 311.  Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

CHE 312.  Organic Chemistry II (3)

CHE 313.  Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

 

C.  Electives: Select a minimum of 13 units from the following:

BIO 420.    Histotechnique (1) and

BIO 419.    Histotechnique Laboratory (2)

BIO 421.    Advanced Molecular Biology (3)

BIO 422.    Histology (3) and

BIO 424.    Histology Laboratory (1)

BIO 428.    Virology (3)

BIO 458.    Human Parasitology (3) and

BIO 459.    Human Parasitology Laboratory (1)

CHE 450.  Biochemistry I (4) and

CHE 451.  Biochemistry Laboratory I (1) or

CHE 456.  Clinical Chemistry (3)

 

 

 

 

The Biology Minor requires 19-21 units: 7-9 units are lower division requirements, which may also be used, where allowed, to satisfy General Education requirements; 12 units of upper division biology courses are required.

 

A.   Lower Division Requirements (7-9 units)

BIO 102.      General Biology (3) and

BIO 103.      General Biology Laboratory (1) or

BIO 120.      Principles of Biology I (3) and

BIO 121.      Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)

CHE 102.    Chemistry for the Citizen (3) or

CHE 110.    General Chemistry I (5)

 

B.  Upper Division Requirements (12 units)

      Select any 12 units of upper division biology courses; BIO 250 or BIO 254 may be included in the 12 units. At least three courses, or nine of the 12 units required must be upper division and at least six units must be taken in residence. No more than three units may be from BIO 394, Independent Study.

      Students who have not taken BIO 120 and CHE 110 should choose from the list below:

BIO 250.      Elements of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3) or

BIO 254.      Human Biology (3)

BIO 336.      Environmental Biology (3)

BIO 346.      Human Heredity (3)

BIO 370.      Biological Bases of Human Behavior (3)

BIO 374.      Drug Abuse (3)

BIO 380.      Biology of Childhood and Adolescence (3)

BIO 386.      Human Aging (3)

BIO 395.      Special Topics in Biology (2,3)

 

      Students may select from the list above and any 300 and 400 level biology courses for which they have met the prerequisites.

 

The Microbiology Minor requires 44-47 units: 18 units are lower division courses, which also may be used, where allowed, to satisfy General Education requirements; 26-29 units of upper division biology and chemistry courses are required.

A.   Lower Division Requirements (18 units)

BIO 120.      Principles of Biology I (3)

BIO 121.      Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)

BIO 122.      Principles of Biology II (3)

BIO 123.      Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)

CHE 110.    General Chemistry I (5)

CHE 112.    General Chemistry II (5)

 

B.  Upper Division Requirements (26-29 units)

1.   Required Courses (18-21 units)

BIO 320.    Cell Biology (3) or

CHE 450.  Biochemistry I (4) and

CHE 451.  Biochemistry Laboratory I (1)

BIO 324.    Microbiology (3)

BIO 325.    Microbiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 426.    Immunology (3)

BIO 436.    Immunology Laboratory (1)

BIO 428.    Virology (3)

CHE 310.  Organic Chemistry I (4) and

CHE 311.  Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1) or

CHE 316.  Survey of Organic Chemistry (3) and

CHE 317.  Survey of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)

 

2.   Select two courses from the following (8 units):

BIO 310.    Plant Physiology (3)

BIO 311.    Plant Physiology Laboratory (1)

BIO 425.    Medical Bacteriology (3)

BIO 435.    Medical Bacteriology Laboratory (1)

BIO 458.    Human Parasitology (3)

BIO 459.    Human Parasitology Laboratory (1)

CHE 452.  Biochemistry II (4)

 

 

 

 

 

The Single Subject Waiver Program is no longer recognized by the State of California Credentialing Committee. A Subject Matter Preparation Program in Integrated Sciences with a concentration in Life Science is currently being developed. Interested students should contact the departmentally designated advisor for current information.

 

 

 

 

The Master’s Program in Biology is a two-year program in which a student must complete a required core of courses and additional elective courses. The academic program is expected to culminate in a thesis. During the first semester of the program, the student should choose a major advisor who will assist him or her in the choice of elective courses. The major advisor will chair the student’s advisory committee for the thesis. Two additional members of the student’s graduate advisory committee will need to be selected.

The graduate program can provide a strong background for future study in a doctoral program. It also provides graduate training as preparation for professional studies in medicine, dentistry or other health science fields. Students with a master’s degree in biology are also prepared for a career in teaching and/or research.

Many graduate classes are scheduled to accommodate late afternoon and evening students.

 

Requirements for admission as a classified graduate student are a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in the last 60 upper division semester (90 quarter) units of upper division course work, completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) at the graduate level and completion of courses equivalent to the CSU Dominguez Hills’ degree in biology. Specifically, a student must have completed an upper division course in each of the subject areas listed below with a grade of “B” or better.

Subject Area                                   CSUDH Course Equivalent

Cell Biology                                    BIO 320

Genetics                                          BIO 340

Experimental Laboratory              BIO 342

Animal or Human Physiology     BIO 312/BIO 313 or BIO 483

Evolution or Ecology                     BIO 230 or BIO 332/BIO 333

Statistics                                         MAT 131 or equivalent

 

Students who do not satisfy all these requirements may be admitted as a second baccalaureate student while they complete the requirements. Students who meet all but one requirement may be admitted as a conditionally classified graduate student at the discretion of the Biology Graduate Committee. They must meet any conditions by the end of the first semester in that status.

Final decision on admission to the graduate program is made by the Biology Graduate Committee.

 

Prospective graduate students must:

1.   Submit an application to the University for admission (or readmission) with graduate standing, and official transcripts of all previous college work following the procedures outlined in the Admissions section of the University Catalog.

2.   Submit to the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator:

a.   a second set of official transcripts;

b.   a letter to the department describing interests, goals and expectations in pursuing the master’s degree in biology;

c.   three letters of recommendation sent directly from individuals who can evaluate potential for graduate study;

d.   verification of completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) either by passing the Graduation Writing Examination (GWE) with a grade of eight or better or passing an approved course with a grade of “B” or better, before the student has completed 9 semester units.

 

The Master of Science Degree in Biology requires completion of 30 units, at least 15 of which must be graduate (500-level) courses in biology.

A.   Required Courses (19 units)

BIO 421.      Advanced Molecular Biology  (3) or

BIO 440.      Molecular Genetics (3)

BIO 501.      Biological Literature (3)

BIO 502.      Biostatistics (3)

BIO 503.      Biological Instrumentation (3)

BIO 520.      Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology (3)

BIO 590.      Graduate Seminar (2,2)

 

B.  Electives (11 units)

Select from the following:

1.   Other graduate (500 level) courses in biology. A required course indicated as being repeatable may be used both as a required course and as an elective.

2.   Upper division (400 level) courses in biology.

 

3.   BIO 597.       Directed Reading (1-3)

BIO 598.        Directed Research (1-3)

BIO 599.        Thesis (1-4)

NOTE: Students completing a thesis may count a maximum of nine units of BIO 597, BIO 598 and BIO 599. However, no more than six units of BIO 599 may be applied to the degree.

4.   Any of the following courses:

CHE 320.      Physical Chemistry I (5)

CHE 450.      Biochemistry I (4)

CHE 451.      Biochemistry Laboratory I (1)

CHE 452.      Biochemistry II (4)

CHE 453.      Biochemistry Laboratory II (2)

Students must take all courses within five years of the date of graduation. If approved by the Graduate Committee and the Graduate Dean, a student may revalidate a limited number of courses. However, under no circumstances can a course taken more than seven years before graduation be revalidated and counted in the program.

Grades

An overall “B” average is required in courses in the student’s program and all courses must be passed with a grade of “B-” or above.

C.  Thesis

Each student should select a major advisor to guide them in their program. The student and the major advisor will select two more faculty to serve as the student’s graduate committee. At least two of the committee, including the chair, must be full-time faculty from the CSUDH biology department. When additional expertise is required, the third member may be a faculty member from another department, or other academic institution.

The thesis is appropriate for all students and a necessity for those who plan a career in research and plan to continue to a doctoral program. The student and his or her major advisor will prepare a one or two page hypothesis-based proposal of the thesis research along with the time line of no more than two years to completion. This proposal is also to be approved by the two other members of the student’s thesis committee and submitted to the Biology Graduate Committee for review and approval.

Upon the completion and acceptance of the thesis, the student and his or her advisor will arrange for an oral defense of the thesis. This ordinarily takes the form of a seminar to which the faculty, students and public are invited to attend.

 

D.  Continuing Student Status

Students must maintain continuous enrollment throughout their time in the graduate program. Students who miss a semester will have to reapply to the university and to the program.

Students who have completed their course work and are working on their thesis may enroll in BIO 600 Graduate Continuation Course (0 units) to maintain continuous attendance. Students must be enrolled the semester they graduate.

 

E.  Biology Graduate Program Policy on Revalidation of Outdated Course Work

The Biology Department requires that all course work taken in the master’s degree program be completed within the five years immediately preceding the date of graduation.

Revalidation of outdated course work may be requested from the University Graduate Studies Office through the Biology Graduate Coordinator. Outdated course work means courses that were completed earlier than five years, and no more than seven years, immediately preceding the date of graduation. The request must be accompanied by a petition from the Biology Graduate Program committee that verifies that the student has done one of the following:

1.   repeated the course and passed it with a grade of “B”
or better;

2.   taken the exams and completed the assignments of the course as it is currently offered and earned a grade of “B”
or better;

3.   taken and passed a special section of the written comprehensive which covers the course contents.

The choice of the revalidation method is at the discretion of the Biology Graduate Committee.

 

F.   Classified Standing

If a student has been admitted as conditionally classified, he or she must fulfill the conditions for classified standing by the end of the first semester after admission. The student must submit an application for classified standing to the Dean of Graduate Studies, who will forward the request to the Biology Graduate Coordinator. To receive classified standing, the student must have:

1.   completed all prerequisite courses and requirements including the GWAR;

2.   a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all courses taken at CSUDH and received a grade of B- or better in all courses.

 

G.  Advancement to Candidacy

An application for advancement to candidacy is submitted when the student has completed most of the course work and is completing the thesis. Application is made through the Biology Graduate Coordinator and must be done before the student can complete the thesis. This application will list the student’s program of courses and other requirements which must be completed for the degree.

The student should have:

1.   classified standing;

2.   completed all required courses;

3.   taken the GRE by the semester he/she applies for graduation;

4.   maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all courses taken in the graduate program; and received a grade of B- or better in all courses;

5.   approval of his or her thesis proposal by the graduate advisor and committee.

The Graduate Program Coordinator sends the advancement to candidacy form to the College Dean and Graduate Dean who forwards it to the graduation unit of the Registrar’s Office. It is used for the degree check after the student has submitted an Application for Graduation form to the Office of the Registrar.

 

H.  Master’s Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master’s degree. Students should consult the section of the catalog entitled “Requirements for the Master’s Degree.”

 

The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.