BS in Microbiology

The Department of Biological Sciences is 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 contributing towards our understanding of life. We introduce our majors to current research and techniques in biological sciences and prepare them for employment opportunities, graduate education, or professional programs of study. Students are strongly encouraged to become involved in faculty research projects in the laboratory and the field.

Students who pursue a BS in Biological Sciences choose one of four options. The Cellular and Molecular Biology Option prepares students for professional programs, graduate studies in cellular and molecular biology, or entry-level positions into the biotechnology industry. The Ecological, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology Option prepares students for positions within environmental and resource management or graduate studies in ecology and evolutionary biology. The Plant Biology Option prepares students for positions in habitat restoration, field botany, forestry or range management, agricultural biotechnology or graduate studies in plant biology.

The BA in Biological Sciences is for those students who want a broad background in the biological sciences. For students who intend to become secondary school teachers, this option offers the necessary preparation for earning a single subject credential. This option also allows students to tailor a curriculum to specific needs.

The BS in Microbiology is for majors whose choose either the Option in General Microbiology or Clinical Laboratory Science. The General Microbiology Option is designed to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, environmental or industrial microbiology, pharmaceutical and biomedical research, or graduate studies. The Clinical Laboratory Science Option prepares students for an internship to become a clinical laboratory scientist or public health microbiologist.

Mission

The Department of Biological Sciences at CSU, Chico is 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.

Goals & Objectives

• To prepare biology majors for the next step in their careers and help train the next generation of biological scientists.
• To provide all students at CSU, Chico with an opportunity to learn how to conduct and criticize scientific investigations, and contribute to the expansion of our biological knowledge.
• To learn significant and relevant biological facts and, serve as a resource of biological expertise for the campus and surrounding community.
• To contribute to the pool fully trained clinical lab scientists and other scientists with expertise in microorganisms.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students can demonstrate knowledge of cell structure and metabolism.
2. Students can demonstrate knowledge of evolutionary forces and their consequences.
3. Students can demonstrate knowledge as to how microorganisms interact with their environment.
4. Students can demonstrate knowledge of the interaction between humans and microorganisms.
5. Students can describe and use new and existing methods and technologies in and out of the laboratory setting.
6. Students can formally communicate the results of biological investigations using both oral and written communication skills.
7. Students can demonstrate an understanding, and ability to use, the scientific method including observation, hypotheses testing, data collection, and analysis.