College of Science & Engineering
The Department of Biology at SF State provides an outstanding education for undergraduate and graduate students, preparing the next generation of leaders, contributing to the nation’s future with a science-literate, educated public.
Students experience an integrated approach to biology at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population and ecosystem levels, emphasizing environmental sustainability, equity and social justice. We value and communicate the excitement of discovery through intensive laboratory and field experiences, active learning and immersion in cutting-edge investigation conducted in our own nationally-recognized research laboratories and programs.
We are committed to serving the needs of a diverse student population, a geographic region rich in ecological complexity and a developing workforce at the forefront of fundamental life science, conservation, biotechnology and health.
We offer a BA in General Biology that is appropriate for students who aspire to be teachers or who want a broad Biology degree. This could include students who are considering jobs in the health industry.
The BA is for students wishing to gain a broad exposure to different sub-disciplines in Biology. Future teachers often enroll in the BA as do students in pre-health pathways.
The BS is intended for students who wish to focus more intensely on a specific area of interest. These students are often drawn toward more research oriented pathways. Students who want a more focused degree or who are hoping to do research or continue in graduate school might want to think about one of the concentrations offered in our BS degree program.
Also see these two websites:
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy-to-follow semester-by-semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
Department of Biology
Hensill Hall Building, Room 534
Phone: (415) 338-1549
Email: biology@sfsu.edu
Website: https://biology.sfsu.edu/, https://biology.sfsu.edu/undergraduate/botany
Chair: Laura Burrus
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
First Semester Course Recommendations
- Please view the appropriate first-semester course recommendations based on the math course you selected.
- Be sure to read the Advisor Footnotes below.
|
Class & Title |
Units |
Other Requirement Area(s) Met |
|
The writing course selected from Step 1 of your Freshmen Class Planner |
3 units |
GE Area: A2 or GE Area: E |
|
The math course selected from Step 2 of your Freshmen Class Planner |
3-4 units |
GE Area: B4 classes. |
|
The course selected from Step 3 of your Freshmen Class Planner |
3 units |
GE Area: A1 or GE Area: A3 |
|
BIOL 230 Introductory Biology I #1 #2 |
5 units |
Lower-division major requirement |
|
BIOL 231 Advising for Success as a Biology Major |
1 unit |
Lower-division major requirement |
Advisor Footnotes:
-
AP Calculus AB (or AB subscore), or BC score of 4 or 5 (but not 3) satisfies Math 226 requirement (4 units)
-
1 A 1-unit Supplemental Instruction course (SCI) is offered for BIOL 230 support. These courses can be found in the SFSU Class Schedule (https://webapps.sfsu.edu/public/classservices/classsearch) by searching for the "SCI" department prefix.
-
#2 AP Biology score of a 4 or 5 (but not 3) satisfies BIOL 230 requirement.
If any of the class(es) above ends up being FULL by the time you register, consider choosing more General Education courses to build up your schedule. Do not pick General Education Area B courses, as GE Area B requirements will be fulfilled with major classes.
|
Title |
Units |
Other Requirement Area(s) Met |
|
CHEM 115 - General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry #1 |
5 units |
Major Lower-Division Core |
Advisor Footnotes:
-
#1 Prerequisites: Category I or II QR/Math placement; or Category III or IV QR/Math placement and MATH 197 with a grade of C or better or GE Area B4. Satisfactory score on the Chemistry readiness assessment. CHEM 100 is recommended for students needing additional preparation.
-
A 1-unit Supplemental Instruction course (SCI 115) is offered for CHEM 115 support. These courses can be found in the SFSU Class S
Once you have made your course choices for Steps 1-4, you may already have between 12-15 units chosen for your first semester—about 4 to 5 classes.
If more units are needed, you will proceed to "Step 5 - Choosing GE Courses" from your Orientation Advising Module after considering the following recommendations...
|
GE Area |
Advisor Notes |
|
A1 Oral Communication |
Covered in “Step 3” on Class Planner |
|
A2 Written English Communication |
Covered in “Step 1” on Class Planner |
|
A3 Critical Thinking |
Covered in “Step 3” on Class Planner |
|
B1 Physical Science |
There are major courses for this area |
|
B2 Life Science |
There are major courses for this area |
|
B3 Laboratory Science |
There are major courses for this area |
|
B4 Quantitative Reasoning |
There are major courses for this area |
|
C1 Arts |
Choose any |
|
C2 Humanities |
Choose any |
|
D Social Sciences |
Choose any |
|
D US History |
Choose any |
|
E Lifelong Learning & Self-Development (LLD) |
Covered in “Step 1” on Class Planner |
|
F Ethnic Studies |
Choose any |
|
US/CA Government |
Choose any |
AP exam (score 4 or 5)
Courses:
Biology, Biol 230, 5 units
Calculus AB or BC, Math 226, 4 units
Chemistry, Chem 115, 5 units
Computer Science A, CSC 210, 3 units
Physics AP-C Mechanics, Phys 111 or 220, 3 units (need to take lab)
- Health and veterinary careers
- Biotech
- Environmental conservation and restoration
- Education (teachers)
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.