Biology BS

The Department of Biology offers a program that provides a thorough preparation for graduate or professional school, the laboratory training necessary for entry into advanced programs in biotechnology, or a supplement to other major studies needing a broad background in biology. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experience, not only to acquaint the student with the working methods of science, but also to foster inquiry and creativity. Moreover, in recognition that all biological understanding has its origin in research, and this fundamental activity is as exciting as it is enlightening, all biology majors are required to include a Research Experience in their program of study. The Research Experience can be fulfilled in several ways, including research on campus under faculty supervision (see Undergraduate Research) or off-campus through our internship program. The following high school preparation is strongly recommended for students planning a major in biology at USD: elementary algebra, plane geometry, intermediate algebra, trigonometry, chemistry, physics and biology.

Students are urged to consult departmental advisors early in their college career in order to select a program of courses most suitable to their future goals. The high faculty-to-student ratio allows each student to receive individualized assistance in course selection and career planning. The flexible structure of the biology major allows each student to focus their studies in one or more areas of interest. To assist those students preparing for careers in the health sciences, the university offers a Pre-Health Advising office within the Dean’s office of the College of Arts and Sciences. By working together with the Pre-Health advisor and their academic advisor within the Biology Department, pre-health students can design a course of study that best prepares them for their chosen professional school.

Interested in Teaching?

Students interested in earning a Single Subject Teaching Credential for teaching at the middle or high school level may elect the Certificate in Secondary Education, which will also assist them and their advisor in tracking the required coursework. Interested students should contact the Liberal Studies Program Director for information.

Undergraduate Research

Deeper exposure to the research process can be a valuable component of the undergraduate experience. All biology students are invited to participate in the research programs of our faculty members. Alternatively, a student may wish to design a project of their own with faculty supervision. Either of these options can earn upper division biology units (BIOL 496) and fulfill the Research Experience requirement of the biology major. Students interested in graduate school will find the research experience an instructive preview of what lies ahead, and students applying to professional schools will find it a significant asset. USD students often publish their findings and/or present them at scientific meetings, including the annual USD undergraduate research conference “Creative Collaborations.”

Special Emphases within the Biology Major

Several model programs of study are listed below and should serve to illustrate the adaptable nature of the biology curriculum. Specific programs of study other than those listed below can be designed with the aid of an advisor from the biology faculty.

Pre-Health Sciences Emphasis

The biology major provides an excellent preparation for those students interested in pursuing future studies in one of the health professional programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, nursing, physical therapy, etc.). Our curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in biological concepts as well as the analytical and communication skills needed by health professionals. To assist students preparing for a career in the health sciences, the university’s Pre-Health Advising Office can provide students with specific graduate program prerequisites, help locate volunteer and community service opportunities, and help students understand the professional school application process.

Most of the prerequisite courses for the pre-health programs are included in the preparatory courses required for the biology major. In addition, many programs now strongly recommend or require additional courses in genetics (BIOL 300), cell/molecular biology (BIOL 480, BIOL 482), statistics (BIOL 301), and biochemistry (CHEM 331); an increasing number of dental, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, and physical therapy programs require human anatomy & physiology (BIOL 212, BIOL 213). Additional biology courses that would likely be of interest to those students planning to pursue a career in the medical field include Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (BIOL 320), Microbiology (BIOL 342), Animal Development (BIOL 376), Vertebrate Physiology (BIOL 478), and Immunology (BIOL 484). By working together with the pre-health advisor and their academic advisors within the biology department, pre-health students can design a course of study within the Biology major that best prepares them for their chosen professional school.

Molecular and Cellular Biology Emphasis

An emphasis in molecular and cellular biology (MCB) provides a student with a broad understanding of biological principles while focusing on cellular and subcellular biology. An emphasis in MCB can prepare students for entry-level careers or graduate/professional studies in the health professions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, higher education, government, and many other areas. These include traditional graduate programs in the biological sciences as well as Professional Science Masters degree (PSM) programs for those interested in leadership roles in biotech/pharma companies. Recommended upper-division biology courses include Molecular Biology (BIOL 482), Techniques in Molecular Biology (BIOL 330), Cell Physiology with Lab (BIOL 480 & BIOL 480L), Immunology (BIOL 484), Microbiology (BIOL 342), Animal Development (BIOL 376), and Biostatistics (BIOL 301). Addition of Biochemistry (CHEM 331) and Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 435) should also be considered. Students with an interest in physiology should also consider taking Plant Physiology (BIOL 472), Invertebrate Physiology (BIOL 477), and/or Vertebrate Physiology (BIOL 478). MCB students should also consider taking additional mathematics and a basic computer programming course. Biology majors pursuing this emphasis can meet their Research Experience requirement by participating in research in the lab of a Biology or Biochemistry faculty member with a research program in these areas, or in the lab of an off-campus researcher through our internship program.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis

A specialization in ecology and evolution (EE) provides a broad understanding of biological principles that can be applied to a variety of career paths. Graduates may take positions with local, state and federal government agencies (wildlife and fisheries management, natural resource management, park rangers, and game wardens), enter consulting firms (environmental consulting or environmental law), or continue with graduate studies for an academic career at colleges, universities, museums, or other research organizations such as zoological parks and aquariums. Students will have the option of tailoring their course and lab requirements to emphasize animal, plant, or ecological studies with an emphasis on field studies. Recommended upper-level division course include: Plant Systematics and Evolution (BIOL 344), Vertebrate Natural History (BIOL 346), Insect Biology (BIOL 348), Conservation Biology (BIOL 364), Desert Biology (BIOL 340), Ecological Communities of San Diego (BIOL 361), and Biological Oceanography (BIOL 451). Students with a particular interest in comparative physiology should take courses in Invertebrate Physiology (BIOL 477), Plant Physiology (BIOL 472), and Vertebrate Physiology (BIOL 478). Students interested in environmental consulting should consider taking courses in Geographic Information Systems (EOSC 314) and (EOSC 415). All students pursuing an EE path should take Biostatistics (BIOL 301). Biology majors pursuing this emphasis can meet their Research Experience requirement by engaging in research in the lab of a Biology or Environmental and Ocean Science faculty member with a research program in these areas, or in the lab of an off-campus researcher through our internship program.

Marine Biology Emphasis

Developing an emphasis in marine biology is ideal for those planning to focus on the biological dimension of life in the sea, either in preparation for graduate school or for a career in the care or study of marine life. In addition to the general program, Biostatistics (BIOL 301), Vertebrate Natural History (BIOL 346), Invertebrate Zoology (BIOL 350), and Biological Oceanography (BIOL 451) are recommended. Students with an interest in marine biology should also consider including courses from the Environmental and Ocean Sciences (EOSC) Department to complement their foundation in general biology. This program also offers a major in Environmental and Ocean Sciences, with a pathway in Marine Ecology. A minor in Environmental and Ocean Sciences is recommended for those students interested in field applications in biology that include a marine element. Biology majors pursuing this emphasis can meet their Research Experience requirement by engaging in research in the lab of a Biology or EOSC faculty member with a research program in this area, or in the lab of an off-campus researcher through our internship program.