Practical experience
The Department of Biological Sciences is comprised of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to the teaching of biology and discovering new biological truths for society. Biology, as a scientific discipline, functions through the integrated use of a knowledge base (i.e. fundamentals and unifying concepts) with process (i.e., scientific method). The department endeavors to provide an academic program that supports this integration. The academic curriculum should reflect this approach through teaching of fundamental and unifying concepts integrated with the practice of analysis and discovery. In this way, students learn to think like scientists, using concept-based knowledge in biology, rather than to only focus on mastering facts that have become increasingly unwieldy as the knowledge base grows. Essential to the success of the department is faculty-driven original research programs that provide valuable research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and that keep the department abreast of current innovations in biological sciences. An academic program infused with research provides students with the tools necessary for effective, analytical scientific thinking. Research-active faculty integrate the latest trends and discoveries of their field into the curriculum. Quality faculty research creates a positive academic reputation and associated opportunities for the department.
Course description
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and their interactions with humans, other organisms, and the environment. This degree, with the inclusion of appropriate classes, may be utilized by pre-professional students who are preparing for medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary school.
A major in microbiology prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities in clinical and public health fields, biotechnology, environmentally related fields, and industries concerning food, water quality, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment and supplies. There is a core of courses for each of these varied educational and employment opportunities and specific programs can be arranged by counseling with microbiology advisors in the department.
This undergraduate major is recognized by the American Society for Microbiology as meeting their core curriculum for the baccalaureate degree program in microbiology. This major requires 83-84 units, of which 37-38 are in the lower division and 46 are in upper division. All students must achieve at least a 2.0 grade-point average in each of the following: 1. the entire college record, 2. all units attempted at CSULB, 3. all courses in the major, and 4. all upper division courses in the major completed at CSULB.
