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2000-2001 General Catalog
University of California, Riverside
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Subject abbreviation: BLSC
Faculty | Program | Transfer Students
________________, Chair
Faculty, see listings for Biological Sciences is an interdepartmental major drawing on more than 100 faculty from several departments (see list above) and offers the Bachelor of Science degree. The major is unified by a core curriculum and provides eight areas of specialization (tracks). These are Biology; Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology; Conservation Biology; Evolution and Ecology; Entomology; Environmental Toxicology; Microbiology; and Plant Biology. Each track provides the opportunity to combine broad basic training in biological sciences with emphasis in an area of particular interest to the student.
The track structure allows organized programs of instruction that could not be provided by a single department, and it is anticipated that the Biological Sciences major will replace several departmentally based majors. Thus both new and continuing students are encouraged to consider the benefits of this major.
Because the core curriculum occupies most of the first two years of study, Biological Sciences majors need not select their area of specialization (track) until the beginning of the junior year. However, students are encouraged to identify a track sooner if they so desire.
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.70 in transferable college courses.
See Degree Requirements, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences in the Undergraduate Studies Section, for requirements that students must satisfy.
Major Requirements
Some of the following requirements for the major may also fulfill the College's breadth requirements. Consult with a department advisor for program planning.
The major requirements for the B.S. in Biological Sciences are as follows:
1. Biological Sciences core requirements (65-69 units)Students must complete all required courses with a grade of "C-" or better and with a cumulative GPA in the core courses of at least 2.0. Grades of "D" or "F" in two core courses, either separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are grounds for discontinuation from the major.
2. As specified in the individual tracks, at least 36 upper division units for the major and 16 units of substantive course work related to the major. Courses in Statistics and Biochemistry taken as part of the core may be included.
A student is subject to discontinuation from the major whenever the GPA in upper-division course work is below 2.0. Students finding themselves in this circumstance must meet with an advisor.
The Biology track provides up-to-date preparation for postgraduate study and careers in health science, teaching and research. These options require understanding and integration of the different levels of biological organization: cellular/molecular, development, structure and function of organisms, ecology, and population. An overview of processes at all these levels is presented in the introductory courses (BIOL 005A, BIOL 005B, BIOL 005C), and emphasis is placed on the unifying principles of the discipline.
The upper-division courses are more specialized and provide in-depth examination of specific subfields of biology. From a list of courses in each area, students select three upper-division courses in cellular/molecular biology, three courses in the structure and function of organisms, and two courses in a subfield with the following integrated and overlapping topics: ecology, evolution, systematics, and behavior. Hands-on learning is encouraged so that students can participate rather than just observe science in this age of technology. Among the upper-division biology courses, there must be at least two courses that have a laboratory/field component.
Students in this track also select two courses from a number of options in computer science and statistics. Statistics is needed to plan and carry out experiments, read and understand scientific literature, and interpret data in medicine and other fields of science. Computers facilitate communication and data processing and storage, and computer technology is now an integral part of modern life.
The biology track provides a foundation in the main subfields of biology and thus prepares students for more specialized study before and after graduation. Courses in this track enable students to test their interest and aptitude, so that further specialization and career choices are based on information and experience. Students may decide to transfer to another more specialized track or major, or continue in the biology track, taking additional course work to strengthen areas of interest. Additional upper-division courses may be taken in any of the required fields of the track, and a list of elective biology courses is provided below.
1. Upper-division requirements [at least 36 units from the following, including two courses with laboratory or field component (indicated by *)]
2. Statistics/Computer Science requirement (two courses)
CS 010, CS 012, CS 014, CS 061, CS 120A/EE 120A, CS 143/EE 143, STAT 100A, STAT 100B, STAT 120A, STAT 120B
3. Additional courses in biological sciences (upper division) and related areas from the approved list to bring total units to 52. Eight of these units may be from a declared minor in one of the science colleges, or additional lower-division science requirements for the teaching credential (advisor's approval required).
Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Track
Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology is an important subdiscipline in the Biological Sciences. Many basic biological, medical, and agricultural breakthroughs have been made in this area during the past 20 years and the discipline continues to grow and flourish. This track is designed to build on the strong scientific base provided by the core curriculum and offers students a comprehensive understanding of the field through lecture, laboratory, and seminar courses. Students will then build on this background by taking at least one upper-division laboratory course which will acquaint them with the basic techniques used in this field, introduce them to experimental design in the laboratory, and teach them how to interpret laboratory data. Students will build depth in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology by taking additional upper-division lecture courses from a diverse menu that may be tailored to suit each student's interests. Students add breadth to their science training by completing additional courses.
Students completing the track will be familiar with how scientific questions are asked and answered in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. Training in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology will prepare students for numerous educational opportunities upon graduation including medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, and graduate school. In addition, numerous positions are available in teaching (for secondary level see Biology track), business, biotechnology, forensics, law, biomedical and basic research, agriculture, and government for graduates with expertise in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology.
1. Upper-division requirements [must include at least one laboratory course (indicated by *) from either category]
2. Additional courses in biological sciences (upper division) and related areas from the approved list to bring total units to 52. Must include at least 8 units not listed above.
The emergence of conservation biology stems from the recognition that Earth's ecological systems face critical problems from rapid growth of human populations and per capita resource consumption. A major focus of conservation biology is the study of human impacts on biodiversity, with special emphasis on management processes that prevent species extinctions and ameliorate anthropogenic damage to ecosystems. We rely on a healthy biosphere for most of our basic requirements for food, medicines, chemicals, fibers, and building materials. Ecosystem processes are dependent on biodiversity and are critical for nutrient recycling, degradation of human wastes and pollutants, and maintenance of the chemical composition of the atmosphere. Biodiversity also provides important aesthetic benefits, as well as a vast genetic library that provides vital resources for the developing enterprise of biotechnology.
Students earning a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences under the Conservation Biology track are trained to help society understand the extent and consequences of biodiversity loss, and to provide objective scientific data to resource managers and social planners. Students who are broadly trained in fields relevant to Conservation Biology, such as ecology, population genetics, evolutionary biology, soil science, geography, and other disciplines, will be prepared for careers in conservation science, education, preserve management, policy making, consultancy, science writing, and others. The Conservation Biology track prepares students for not only careers in the public (local, state, and federal governments) and private conservation industry but also graduate studies in conservation science.
1. Additional lower-division requirements
2. Upper-division requirements
Entomology Track
Entomology is an independent scientific discipline strongly rooted in the biological sciences. It is the study of insects, involving their ecology, physiology, behavior, and often their control in relation to their environment and to man. Since insects are human's greatest competitors for natural resources, applied scientists with an entomology background are involved in reducing harmful species of insects that destroy food, housing, plants, clothing, or cause disease to humans and livestock. Others may develop methods to increase the number and spread of insects that provide food, pollinate crops, or control harmful insects. Entomologists also are able to use insects to answer basic research questions in the fields of behavior, ecology, toxicology, genetics, evolution, physiology, and molecular biology, just to name a few. Students earning a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences under the Entomology track will be trained and prepared for several technical career options including pest control advisors and consultants, survey entomologists, laboratory and field biological technicians and consultants, and agricultural inspectors within both the public (local, state, and federal governments) and private sectors. Additionally, students specializing in the Entomology track will be prepared to continue their studies at the graduate level, teach (for secondary level see Biology track), or continue their studies in a professional school (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry).
1. Upper-division required courses
2. Additional upper-division requirements (at least 6 units from the following)
3. Related areas (at least 7 units from the following)
4. Additional courses in biological sciences (upper division) and related areas from the approved list to bring total units to 52.
Environmental Toxicology Track
The effect of environmental pollutants on human health and other biological systems, and the impact of human activity on the environment, is a growing source of public concern. These concerns have led to a greater appreciation of the scientific approaches used to understand and address these problems. Consequently, there is an increasing demand on government, industry and academia for scientists trained in a variety of environmental disciplines.
The Environmental Toxicology curriculum fills this need and provides students with a strong foundation in biology and biochemistry, as well as training in environmental toxicology. All Environmental Toxicology track students are required to complete a series of courses designed to provide a broad, fundamental understanding of environmental toxicology. This curriculum design reflects the academic needs of the field, as well as a commitment to broad-based undergraduate training so that students will retain a number of academic and career options. Graduates will be positioned to pursue careers in environmental toxicology and other environmental life sciences, and have the required background for entry into graduate, medical, dental, or veterinary programs.
1. Upper-division required courses
2. Additional upper-division requirements (four courses from the following, with at least one from Chemical Fate and one from Health/Ecology)
3. Additional courses in biological sciences (upper division) and related areas from the approved list to bring total units to 52.
Evolution is perhaps the most important central unifying concept linking all areas of the Biological Sciences. Ecology is the study of the inter-relationships and interactions between organisms and their environment.
An area of specialization in Evolution and Ecology primarily serves students who are interested in entering graduate school in one of these fields or in directly entering a career in a related area, such as in an environmental consulting firm or local, state, or federal agency that deals with ecological issues.
Besides a solid background in Evolution and Ecology, due to the flexible nature of the Biological Sciences degree, students can focus their training within the track such that they may prepare themselves for 1) further graduate study in numerous areas of the Biological Sciences, 2) further study in a number of health related professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry), and 3) biological sciences career within private industry, local, state, or federal government.
1. Upper-division requirements [at least 36 units from the following, including one course with laboratory or field component (indicated by *)]
2. Statistics requirement (minimum of one course)
3. Additional courses in biological sciences (upper division) and related areas from the approved list to bring total units to 52.
Microorganisms are ubiquitous from the stratosphere to the depths of the ocean. They encompass the greatest metabolic diversity of all life forms. Many are important in conversion of food products, and more yet, in their spoilage. Some produce important medicinal products, while others, the most potent toxins known. Many are beneficial as symbionts to animals and plants, yet others effect their demise. The importance of microorganisms in public health and in their application to beneficial uses has been recognized since the establishment of the discipline by its two co-founders Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur. Students earning a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences under the Microbiology track will be trained for technical careers in a broad spectrum of the medicinal, agricultural, and environmental fields as consultants and technicians. The newly established industries in biotechnology will also be an outlet for their talents. Students specializing in the Microbiology track will also be prepared to continue studies at the graduate level, earn teaching credentials, or enter professional schools in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.
1. Upper-division core requirements
2. Additional upper-division requirements (at least three courses from the following)
3. Additional courses in biological sciences (upper-division) and related areas from the approved list to bring total units to 52.
The track in Plant Biology is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge in the natural sciences with an emphasis in plant biology and is built on the premise that students with training in plant biology fill unique and diverse niches in academia, industry, medicine, business, law, biotechnology, government and agriculture. The track is a flexible one that can be tailored to an individual's interests and career goals. Students should consult with a faculty advisor to clarify educational goals and to plan an appropriate program of study.
With guidance from faculty, students choose a selection of classes within the track to prepare themselves for careers in teaching, research and other employment opportunities where training in basic sciences and/or plant biology is an asset. The Plant Biology track can prepare students for a wide array of graduate or professional training programs or employment positions in the fields of agronomy, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, cell biology, conservation biology, developmental biology, ecology, ethnobotany, evolution, dentistry, genetics, horticulture, medicine, molecular biology, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant physiology, systematics, and veterinary medicine. While plant biology is not considered a traditional track for students who plan careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry, professional schools may view the individuality of training in plant biology as an asset.
1. Upper-division core requirements
2. Additional upper-division requirements (24 units must come from one of the following four areas of specialization)
3. Additional upper-division courses in biological sciences and related areas from any of the above lists, and students may apply a maximum of six units of BPSC 190 and/or BPSC 197 (alone or in combination) to bring total units to 52.
2004-2005 Cultural Events
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