Biological Sciences

www.cpp.edu/~sci/biological-sciences/

Craig LaMunyon, Chair

The Biological Sciences Department offers bachelor’s degree programs in Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, and Biology with subplans in Botany, General Biology, Microbiology and Zoology. In addition, minors in Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology are offered, and the department participates in interdisciplinary minors in Environmental Health Specialist and Physiology. Concurrent enrollment in two of the majors offered by the Biological Sciences Department is not allowed.

For those planning a career as a secondary school teacher either middle school or high school, a Single Subject Credential in science is required. Before entering into a single subject credential program, students must demonstrate subject matter competency by either passing the appropriate state-approved examination (CSET) or completing a state approved subject matter preparation program in Biology.  Prospective teachers are encouraged to contact the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (CEMaST) early in their academic programs at cemast@cpp.edu or 909-869-4063.

Departmental facilities include molecular biology laboratories, greenhouses, controlled environmental units, a radiation biology laboratory, plant and animal collections, a confocal microscopy room, BioTrek Rainforest and Ethnobotany Learning Centers, and the Mesozoic Garden Learning Center. Interdisciplinary research and education in computational and experimental techniques applied to molecular and material modeling, surface science, and engineered materials are supported by the university-wide Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Materials Design (CM3D). Ecological studies are facilitated by accessibility to natural habitats on campus and by the university’s proximity to desert, mountain, and seashore areas. Courses in terrestrial, marine and fresh water biology provide preparation for teaching, conservation, wildlife management, or graduate research in biology. Additional courses in the marine sciences are accessible through the CSU Ocean Studies Institute. A variety of field biology courses utilize the CSU Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx, near Baker, California. Students majoring in biological sciences and who have at least a 3.0 GPA have the opportunity to join Beta Beta Beta, an honorary society in the Biological Sciences. In addition, students can join any of the other student organizations such as the Biological Sciences Club, Zoologists of Cal Poly, Microbiology Club, Pre-Pharmacy Club, Biotechnology Club, and Journal Clubs.  For additional information contact the department office.

A cumulative 2.0 GPA is required in core courses in all Biological Sciences majors in order to receive a degree in that major.

Programs

• Biology, B.S. - Botany Subplan/Option: 180 units
• Biology, B.S. - General Biology Subplan/Option: 180 units
• Biology, B.S. - Microbiology Subplan/Option: 180 units
• Biology, B.S. - Zoology Subplan/Option: 180 units
• Biotechnology, B.S.: 180 units
• Environmental Biology, B.S.: 180 units

• Botany Minor
• Microbiology Minor
• Zoology Minor

• Biological Science, M.S.
• Biotechnology, M.Bt. - Program for Applied Biotechnology Studies (PABS)

Courses

NOTE: For all courses which have both a lecture component and a laboratory component (e.g. MIC 201/201L ), both components are corequisites; that is, they must be taken concurrently.

When appropriate, the names of faculty associated with each course are specified, otherwise, “Staff” is noted. 

• MIC 444L - Hematology Lab (1)
• MIC 445 - Immunohematology (3)
• MIC 445L - Immunohematology Lab (1)
• MIC 499/499A/499L - Special Topics for Upper Division Students (1-4/1-4/1-4)

For all courses which have both a lecture component and a laboratory component (e.g. ZOO 237/237L ), both components are co-requisites, that is, they must be taken concurrently.

When appropriate, the names of faculty associated with each course are specified; otherwise, “Staff” is noted. 

• ZOO 201/201L - Animal Biology (3/1)
• ZOO 234/234L - Human Anatomy (3/2)
• ZOO 237/237L - Introduction to Invertebrate Zoology (3/2)
• ZOO 238/238L - Introduction to Vertebrate Zoology (3/2)
• ZOO 299/299A/299L - Special Topics for Lower Division Students (1-4)
• ZOO 422/422L - Histology (2/3)
• ZOO 425/425L - Medical Parasitology (3/2)
• ZOO 426/426L - Entomology (3/1)
• ZOO 428/428L - Animal Physiology (4/1)
• ZOO 429/429L - Herpetology (3/2)
• ZOO 430/430L - Mammalogy (2/2)
• ZOO 435/435L - Ornithology (3/1)
• ZOO 439/439L - Evolutionary Ecomorphology (2/2)
• ZOO 441/441L - Ichthyology (2/2)
• ZOO 499/499A/499L - Special Topics for Upper Division Students (1-4/1-4/1-4)