Bulletin

Academic Programs: Biology (Continued)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN ZOOLOGY

This program provides students with a broad background in animal biology through course work in evolutionary biology, ecology, behavior, anatomy, and physiology of both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Upper division electives may be chosen from one of four emphases: general zoology, vertebrate zoology, entomology, or animal behavior. It is recommended that no matter which of the emphases a student selects, that a background in both vertebrate and invertebrate biology be obtained through selection of appropriate elective courses; e.g., students electing an emphasis in vertebrate zoology should also take course work in invertebrate zoology or entomology. Electives may be selected from those listed below or from alternatives not used in fulfilling the upper division requirements.

Lower Division Requirements (37 units)

										Units
BIOL 230	Introductory Biology I						  5
BIOL 240	Introductory Biology II						  5
CHEM 111	General Chemistry I						  5
CHEM 113/114	General Chemistry II and Laboratory (3-2)			  5
CHEM 130	General Organic Chemistry					  3
Two courses selected from the following:					6-7
	MATH 124	Elementary Statistics
	MATH 220	Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
	MATH 221	Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
	MATH 222	Calculus and Analytic Geometry III
	CSC 210		Introduction to Computer Programming
	BIOL 458	Biometry (4)
PHYS 111/112	General Physics I and Laboratory (3-1)				  4
PHYS 121/122	General Physics II and Laboratory (3-1)				  4
		Total lower division requirements				 37

Upper Division Requirements (30 units)

Students must see an adviser in order to work out a suitable program from choices given below.

BIOL 355	Genetics							  3
BIOL 337	Evolution							  3
One course from:								  3
	BIOL 350	Cell Biology
	BIOL 450	Biology of the Protozoa
One course from:								  5
	BIOL 612	Human Physiology and
		BIOL 613	Human Physiology Laboratory (2)
	BIOL 630	Animal Physiology and
		BIOL 631	Animal Physiology Laboratory (2)
One course from:								  4
	BIOL 482	Animal Ecology (4)
	BIOL 529	Plant Ecology (4)
	BIOL 585	Marine Ecology (4)
One course from:								  4
	BIOL 460	General Entomology (4)
	BIOL 492	Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (4)
	BIOL 555	Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Upper division electives selected in consultation with an adviser from one 
of the following areas of emphasis:						  8

General Zoology Emphasis
Select at least one course from each of the following areas:
Entomology
	BIOL 460	General Entomology (4)
	BIOL 461	Insect Taxonomy
	BIOL 464	Medical Entomology
	BIOL 466	Preparation for Field Studies in Entomology (1)
	BIOL 467	Field Studies in Entomology (1-3)
Invertebrate Zoology
	BIOL 453/454	General Parasitology and Laboratory (3-1)
	BIOL 555	Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4)
	BIOL 556	Natural History of Marine Invertebrates (4)
Vertebrate Zoology
	BIOL 470	Natural History of Vertebrates (4)
	BIOL 570	Biology of Fishes (4)
	BIOL 600	General Animal Behavior (4)
	BIOL 620	Endocrinology
	BIOL 621	Reproductive Physiology

Vertebrate Zoology Emphasis
BIOL 380	Embryology (4)
BIOL 470	Natural History of Vertebrates (4)
BIOL 475	Herpetology
BIOL 478	Ornithology
BIOL 480	Mammalogy (4)
BIOL 570	Biology of Fishes (4)
BIOL 600	General Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL 620	Endocrinology
BIOL 621	Reproductive Physiology

Entomology Emphasis
Note: Graduate level entomology courses may be taken by qualified seniors.
BIOL 460	General Entomology (4)
BIOL 461	Insect Taxonomy
BIOL 464	Medical Entomology
BIOL 466	Preparation for Field Studies in Entomology (1)
BIOL 467	Field Studies in Entomology (1-3)
BIOL 514	Plant Taxonomy (5)

Animal Behavior Emphasis
Students emphasizing in animal behavior are required to take BIOL 600, General 
Animal Behavior (4), in addition to 4-6 units of electives taken from:
	BIOL 603	Behavior of Captive Wild Animals
	BIOL 604	Behavior of Captive Wild Animals Laboratory (1)
	BIOL 606	The Behavior and Physiology of Marine Mammals
	BIOL 640	Neurosciences I
	BIOL 641	Neurosciences Laboratory (1)
		Total upper division requirements				 30
		Total for major							 67

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL SCIENCE

The Clinical Science Program is specifically designed for students intending to enter the career field of Clinical Laboratory Technology (Medical Technology). It leads to the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science. This four year academic program must be followed by a 12-month training period as a clinical laboratory technologist trainee. This may be done at the Center for Advanced Medical Technology which offers a post-baccalaureate clinical training program taking 16 students each January and July. Students are then eligible to take the licensing examination given by the California State Department of Public Health and the registry examination offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry. Successful completion of these steps allows one to serve as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in a hospital or in other medical laboratories which deal with the analysis of specimens, usually of human origin.

Candidates in this program should have had three years of high school mathematics and chemistry with a grade of B or better in order to complete the curriculum in normal time. All major course work must be completed with a letter grade (i.e., CR/NC option not applicable to major course work except as noted below for CLEP equivalency credit). A minor in chemistry is encouraged.

Lower Division Requirements (34-35 units)

										Units
BIOL 230	Introductory Biology I						    5
BIOL 240	Introductory Biology II						    5
CHEM 111	General Chemistry I						    5
CHEM 113/114	General Chemistry II and Laboratory (3-2)			    5
CHEM 130	General Organic Chemistry					    3
PHYS 111/112	General Physics I and Laboratory (3-1)				    4
PHYS 121/122	General Physics II and Laboratory (3-1)				    4
MATH 220	Calculus and Analytical Geometry I or
	MATH 124	Statistics or
	BIOL 458	Biometry (4)						  3-4
		Total lower division requirements				34-35

Upper Division Requirements (41-43 units)

BIOL 355	Genetics							    3
BIOL 401/402	General Microbiology and Laboratory (3-2)			    5
BIOL 430	Medical Microbiology						    5
BIOL 435	Immunology							    3
BIOL 436	Immunology Laboratory						    2
BIOL 453/454	General Parasitology and Laboratory (3-1)			    4
BIOL 612	Human Physiology						    3
BIOL 625	Hematology							    3
CHEM 320	Modern Methods of Quantitative Chemical Analysis		    4
CHEM 347	Clinical Biochemistry						    2
CHEM 348	Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory				    2
CHEM 349	General Biochemistry						    3
Upper division electives from the following:					  2-4
	BIOL 420	General Virology (2)
	BIOL 421	General Virology Laboratory (2)
	BIOL 439	Medical Mycology (4)
	CHEM 334	Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (2)
		Total upper division requirements				41-43
		Total for major							74-77

MINOR PROGRAM IN GENERAL BIOLOGY

The minor requires a minimum of 23 units in biology, of which at least one-half must be upper division units.

All courses in the minor must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable).

At least one course must be selected, with advisement, from each of the following areas:

Ecology (including field work)
Genetics or evolution
Physiology

CERTIFICATE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

This fourteen to nineteen unit program is designed to allow students who are pursuing an undergraduate major in biology or biochemistry to learn the theoretical basis of bioprocessing/fermentation technology. An integral part of the program is a supervised internship to be served in a Bay Area biotechnology company laboratory. Laboratory-oriented students will find an expanding demand for their skills upon completion of the program both in the Bay Area and nationwide.

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses, and be prepared to provide copies of transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisites.

Prerequisites

										Units
BIOL 355	Genetics							    3
BIOL 401	General Microbiology						    3
BIOL 402	General Microbiology Laboratory					    2
BIOL 442	Microbial Physiology						    3
BIOL 443	Microbial Physiology Laboratory					    2
CHEM 340	Biochemistry I							    3
CHEM 341	Biochemistry II							    3
		Total prerequisites						   19

Required Courses

CHEM 343	Biochemistry Laboratory						    3
BIOL 694	Cooperative Internship in Biology (to be taken in final 
		semester)							    3
		Total required courses						    6

Elective Courses (Choose two lecture and two laboratory courses)		 8-13
	BIOL 350	Cell Biology and
	BIOL 351	Experiments in Cell Biology and Genetics (4)
	BIOL 357	Molecular Genetics and
	BIOL 358	Microbial Genetics Laboratory
	BIOL 411	Environmental and Industrial Microbiology (4)
	BIOL 420	General Virology (2) and
	BIOL 421	General Virology Laboratory (2)
	BIOL 343	Cellular and Molecular Immunology or
	BIOL 435	Immunology and
	BIOL 436	Immunology Laboratory (2)
		Total for certificate (excluding prerequisites)			14-19

MASTER OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY

A student interested in pursuing an advanced degree in any of these programs must meet the general requirements as outlined as well as any additional requirements specified by the major field of study.

General Admission Requirements

The applicant should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and the equivalent major course work for the program area to which application is made. The grade point average in the major for fully classified status must be at least 2.75. To evaluate an applicant, the Biology Department requires the following: (1) transcripts of all undergraduate work; (2) Graduate Record Examination scores for the general test; (3) a statement of purpose; (4) two or more letters of recommendation preferably from science faculty. Evaluation of applicants in each program area is made by a committee of faculty. An applicant may be admitted as a classified graduate student, a conditionally classified graduate student, or may be denied admission. Classified graduate students must have a satisfactory GPA in the undergraduate major; the course equivalent of our bachelor's degree in biology for the chosen program area; a score on the GRE that demonstrates scholastic competence; a satisfactory statement of purpose; and strong letters of recommendation. Conditionally classified graduate students must essentially meet the above criteria except for minor inadequacies in the GPA or in course equivalency for the undergraduate major. A conditionally admitted student may take courses but may not file a Graduate Approved Program until the conditions have been fulfilled. Denial of admission is based on one or more of the following: (1) low GPA in the undergraduate major; (2) insufficient undergraduate preparation; (3) unsatisfactory scores on the GRE; (4) weak letters of recommendation describing the applicant's potential for graduate study; (5) non-availability of faculty expertise or facilities in the area of the applicant's interest; (6) a statement of purpose which is not within the goals and objectives of the chosen program area.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Each graduate student is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of written English proficiency at two points. Level One: during the first semester's enrollment the student must take and pass the proctored essay test administered by the department. Level Two: prior to filing the Graduate Approved Program (GAP), the student prepares a thesis prospectus which is read and approved by the student's thesis committee.

Courses for this discipline are listed in alphabetical sequence (see Biology discipline in the "Announcement of Courses" section). Most upper division courses offered in the five biology programs may be acceptable for the master's in biology and clinical science upon approval of the graduate adviser. Students are reminded to check the individual program areas for additional requirements.

The general requirements of all students are as follows:

All courses taken by graduate students in Biology for use on the Graduate Approved Program (GAP) or to satisfy conditional requirements must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not applicable).
Thirty units of upper division and/or graduate credit (may include up to six units of experimental courses in Biology).
A minimum of sixteen units of credit in graduate level courses.
A minimum of two department seminars requiring student presentations.
After initiating a research program, a graduate student must enroll each semester in BIOL 897 or 898 (for which a student can only be enrolled once) until the research is completed or the Graduate Approved Program is filed.
In the absence of course conflicts, each graduate student must enroll in at least one graduate course per semester, excluding BIOL 897 or 898.

Alternate 1

M.A. by research and thesis (for students completing one of the five concentrations).

Students who elect this program must complete a minimum of three and a maximum of six units of Biology 897 to be counted toward the 30 required units.
Four (4) units of Biology 898, Thesis.
An oral defense of the thesis research.

Alternate 2

M.A. by research and examinations (for students completing the general biology program)

A maximum of four units of Biology 897, Research.
A written examination taken during the student's first or second semester. This exam may be repeated with a three-semester time limit for satisfactory passage.
A comprehensive oral examination. If portions of this exam are unsatisfactory, they may be repeated one time.

Students wishing to elect Alternate 2, must follow the procedural guidelines formulated by the Biology Graduate Committee. These are available from the Biology graduate secretary.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

The program is designed for students preparing for future graduate work as well as for those wishing to increase their competency in the fields of cell and molecular biology. It emphasizes the study of cells, cell organelles, macromolecules, and the regulation of their production and interaction. As such, it represents an expanding frontier of research that integrates biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, and cell ultrastructure.

See "Master of Arts in Biology" for core requirements.

The following course is to be included in the thirty-unit requirement:

BIOL 700	Biological Literature						2 units

The specific course requirements, which may vary, shall be determined by the student's committee and are based upon consideration such as goals, interests, and undergraduate preparation. A strong background in chemistry is highly recommended.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Conservation Biology

Students can select areas of specialization within the framework of conservation biology. Every faculty member serves as adviser and major professor for students working on research programs in the faculty member's area of specialization. The graduate program is tailored by advisement to the interests and needs of each student. The areas of emphasis in the conservation biology program are: conservation, evolution, and population biology of rare and endangered species; ecology of invasive species; management and conservation of natural communities; restoration ecology; applied ecology. For further details contact the program graduate coordinator.

Basic Requirements								Units
BIOL 700	Biological Literature						  2
BIOL 897	Research							3-6
BIOL 898	Master's Thesis							  4

Concentration Requirements
BIOL 843	Population Biology						  3
BIOL 840	Community Ecology						  3
BIOL 830	Conservation Biology						  3
BIOL 812	Systematic Biology						  3
BIOL 861	Computer Simulations in Biology					  4

Electives
Upper division or graduate courses on advisement				2-5
		Minimum total							 30

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology

The program offers the Master of Arts in Biology with a Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology. Students can select areas of specialization within the framework of ecology, systematics, behavior, and evolutionary biology. Every faculty member serves as adviser and major professor for students working on research programs in the faculty member's area of specialization.

The graduate program is tailored by advisement to the interests of each student. The areas of emphasis in this program are: ecology, systematics, behavior, and evolution as related to the areas of biology, botany, mycology, and zoology; community, population, reproductive, behavioral, physiological, and evolutionary ecology; taxonomy, biodiversity, and biogeography; classical and molecular systematics. For further details, contact the program graduate coordinator.

See "Master of Arts in Biology" for core requirements.

The following course is to be included in the thirty-unit requirement:

BIOL 700	Biological Literature						2 units

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology

Moss Landing Coordinator�R. Larson

Programs in this area reflect the fact that marine biology is a meeting place for all the biological sciences and some of the physical sciences. Graduate work may be broad or follow specific program areas as ecology, systematics, functional morphology, physiology, and ethology.

The marine program and facilities of San Francisco State University are strongly supported by the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, a modern seashore laboratory which is operated cooperatively with four other state universities. Courses offered at Moss Landing can be found in alphabetical sequence (see Marine Science discipline in the "Announcement of Courses" section).

Students interested in study through this program are urged to observe the general requirements in the Bulletin as well as the specific requirements stated here. For further information contact the program's graduate coordinator.

The applicant must have the equivalent of the Bachelor of Arts in General Biology at San Francisco State University, supplemented with additional training in marine biology that indicates the capability to pursue graduate study.

See "Master of Arts in Biology" for core requirements.

In addition to the M.A. in Biology requirements, the student is required to take a minimum of one course at an approved marine biology station as part of the 30-unit requirement. The program of studies may vary and shall be determined by the student's committee or graduate adviser.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology

The study of microbes and viruses is central to the fields of molecular biology, pathogenesis, immunity, and biotechnology; they are also important in the study of the biochemical and genetic properties of cells and organisms, as well as their ecology. The M.A. program provides course work and research opportunities for students who have career goals in research or industry or who wish to obtain a Ph.D. after completing the master's degree.

Students interested in the M.S. in Clinical Science (Medical Technology) should contact the graduate coordinator in the Center for Advanced Medical Technology (CAMT).

Admission to Program

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in biological or physical sciences, with at least two laboratory courses in microbiology, one year of general physics, one year of general chemistry, and one year of organic chemistry. Acceptance to fully classified status will be determined by departmental evaluation.

See "Master of Arts in Biology" for core requirements.

The following additional requirements are to be included.

										Units
A minimum of eighteen units of credit in graduate level courses which 
must include:
	BIOL 700	Biological Literature					  2
	BIOL 884	Seminar: Microbiology					  1
	BIOL 864	Advanced Microbiology					  2
	At least one graduate laboratory course in microbiology chosen from 
		BIOL 739, 741, 744, and 755					3-4

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology

The program offers the Master of Arts in Biology with a Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology. The program is flexible and, with a program adviser, the student may plan a program to fit his/her particular interests, such as completion of a teaching credential when the Master of Arts is required, or preparation for employment or further education.

Admission to Program

In addition to the baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent, in biological sciences, the program requires that the applicant have the equivalent of one semester of upper division physiology with laboratory, two semesters of college physics, two semesters of general college chemistry, and one semester of organic chemistry.

See "Master of Arts in Biology" for core requirements.

The following course is to be included in the thirty-unit requirement:

BIOL 700	Biological Literature						2 units

CERTIFICATE IN GENETIC ENGINEERING

This thirteen-unit program is designed to allow students who have completed an undergraduate degree in basic science with a molecular biological emphasis to learn the techniques and principles of genetic engineering by both lecture and laboratory/project experience, balanced with an integrated presentation of both ethical concerns and safety considerations. This program will further prepare students to make transitions into careers in the area of biotechnology or to enter advanced degree programs. Graduate students intending to secure both a master's degree and the certificate may pursue these objectives concurrently with consultation and approval of the graduate degree faculty adviser. All course work used to satisfy the requirements must be taken on an A�F graded basis and must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Due to laboratory space limitations, total enrollment in the program will be restricted.

Before being considered for acceptance to this certificate program, the student must first be eligible in accordance with all university requirements as outlined in the section "Certificate Programs." This same section also includes university program guidelines and procedures to be followed in filing for the award of the certificate when it is completed.

Admission to the Program

To be admitted to the program an applicant must have completed a baccalaureate degree and must be admitted to classified graduate standing in the university in accordance with standard admissions requirements and procedures. In addition to application procedures specified by the university, applicants must:

Submit to the certificate coordinator a copy of transcripts used for the baccalaureate degree, transcripts of other relevant study, and evidence of graduate standing in the university. The following courses from San Francisco State University, or their equivalents, are prerequisites and must be completed before the program is initiated.

	BIOL 401-402	General Microbiology and Laboratory, or
		BIOL 350-351	Cell Biology and Experiments in Cell Biology and Genetics
	BIOL 355	Genetics
	BIOL 357	Molecular Genetics
	CHEM 340-341	Biochemistry I and II, and
	CHEM 343	Biochemistry Laboratory

Submit to the coordinator a letter of application for admission to the certificate program. This letter should include a description of any relevant experience not evident in the transcripts.
Make arrangements to have a minimum of two letters of recommendation sent to the coordinator.
Applications should be addressed to Genetic Engineering Coordinator, Department of Biology, San Francisco, CA 94132. Applications for admission in the Fall semester should be received by July 1, and by December 1 for the Spring semester.

Program										Units
BIOL 743	Recombinant DNA Techniques					 3
BIOL 744	Experiments in Genetic Engineering				 4
Minimum of six units from the following:					 6
	BIOL 358	Microbial Genetics Laboratory
	BIOL 420/421	General Virology and Laboratory (2-2)
	BIOL 739	Cell and Tissue Culture (4)
	BIOL 745	Genetic Engineering Special Projects Laboratory (4)
		Minimum total							13

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Students must demonstrate an appropriate level of writing competency. This shall be accomplished by satisfactory preparation of written laboratory reports in BIOL 744 which demonstrate competency in scientific report writing and analysis of data. The instructor of this course shall determine whether reports have met those criteria and so specify on the Certificate Approved Program form. If the student's work is unsatisfactory, additional course work directed to achieving English competency may be specified after consultation with the coordinator.

Bulletin 1994-96 Table of Contents, SFSU Home Page

last modified May 26, 1995