Biological Sciences Department — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Biological Sciences Department

Committed to becoming Northern California’s premier facility for the education of students, the creation of insightful researchers, skilled professionals, and knowledgeable citizens who will have the capacity to meet biological challenges of the future and will continue to contribute towards our understanding of life.

Our mission is to prepare biology majors for the next step in their careers, to educate and train the next generation of biological scientists, to provide all students at Chico State with an opportunity to:

  • learn how science is done and learn about important, significant, and relevant biological knowledge needed by citizens
  • contribute to the expansion of our knowledge about biology
  • serve as a resource of biological expertise for the campus and surrounding community.

Our Programs

  • A student looks at a petri dish.

    Biological Sciences BA

    Whether you want to treat disease, work in pharmacology, or be an environmental scientist, it all starts with a foundation in biological sciences. With a BA in this field, you’ll understand biology from the smallest cells to the biggest ecosystems and expand from there—exploring the ways those organisms interact with the world and the world with them.

  • Two students are outside on a sunny day at Table Mountain collecting samples with tools.

    Biological Sciences BS

    Biological sciences is a topic as big as life itself—and opens as many doors to your future. By first understanding the cellular mechanisms behind plant and animal life, and then the ways those organisms interact with each other, you’ll build a platform from which you can explore your world.

  • Student collecting water sample out of Big Chico Creek

    Biological Sciences Minor

    From the smallest cells to the biggest ecosystems, a minor in biological sciences gives you a broad understanding of living organisms, their structure, function, evolution, and interactions.

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    Biological Sciences MS

    Our MS degree program offers a comprehensive background in the biological sciences, equipping you with a deep understanding of how life works—from microscopic cells to vast ecosystems.

  • students learn about functions in higher plants; water and soil relations, photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme action, and growth in their Plant Physiology (BIOL 414) class

    Biology Pre-Professional Programs

    Prepare for medical, dental, or veterinary school with rigorous coursework, personalized support, and hands-on experience in biological sciences.

  • Chemistry and Biochemistry Department (CHEM) student works on bioluminescence

    Microbiology BS

    Microbiology allows you to see and study the world of tiny organisms around us that support life on our planet. As a student in the major, you’ll conduct fieldwork in creeks and valleys, experiments in state-of-the-art labs, and receive mentorship from faculty dedicated to your success.

About Us

Facilities

  • Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

    Covering 7,835 acres of diverse habitats, the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve provides Chico State students and researchers a living laboratory for education, conservation, and outreach.

  • Butte Creek Ecological Preserve

    The 93-acre Butte Creek Ecological Preserve, now owned by the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, protects vital salmon habitat and supports education, research, and habitat restoration.

Discover Stories and More

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