Biology

College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler

Department of Biology
HH 534
415-338-1548
Web Site: www.sfsu.edu/~biology
Chair: John Hafernik

Graduate Coordinator: Robert Patterson

Graduate Advisers:
Cell and Molecular Biology/Microbiology—R. Ramirez
Conservation Biology/Ecology and Systematic Biology—R. Patterson
Marine Biology—S. Bollens
Physiology and Behavioral Biology—C. Moffatt

Faculty

Professors—Antipa, Auleb, Arp, Barnes, Bayliss, Bernstein, Bollens, Breckler, Carnal, Connor, Desjardin, Goldman, Hafernik, Larson, Markowitz, Morelli, Niesen, Parker, Patterson, Randall, Rothman, Stubbs, Whalen, Williams

Associate Professors—Burrus, Márquez-Magaña, Ramirez, Routman, Spicer

Assistant Professors—Carpenter, Crocker, Denetclaw, Domingo, Fuse, He, LeBuhn, Martinez, Moffatt, Pasion, Weinstein

California Academy of Sciences Research Professors—Almeda, Daniel, Drewes, Fisher, Fritsch, Gosliner, Griswold, Jablonski, Kavanaugh, Kociolek, Leviton, McCosker, Mooi, Roopnarine, Steiner, Williams

Adjunct Faculty—Allen, Beck, Cipriano, Cochlan, Daily, Dickinson, Dugdale, Ferrari, Greenleaf, Irwin, Julian, Kimmerer, Layman, Lee, Lenarz, Lowenstein, McGowan, Nur, Obrebski, Orrego, Parry, Prager, Race, Ralston, Reynolds, Robinson, Sydeman, Weiss, Wilkerson, Williams

Programs

B.A. in Biology, General
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Botany
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Ecology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology and Limnology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Physiology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Zoology
B.S. in Clinical Science
Minor in Biology
Certificate in Biotechnology
M.A. in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
M.A. in Biology: Concentration in Conservation Biology
M.A. in Biology: Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology
M.A. in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology
M.A. in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology
M.A. in Biology: Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology
Certificate in Genetic Engineering

Program Scope

The Department of Biology provides a broad range of programs to meet student needs. Course work ranges from introductory biology to specialized courses in subdisciplines of modern biology. The department has grouped courses into "concentrations" to help advise students of appropriate programs of study for various biology subdisciplines. The intent of these concentrations is to provide breadth of background in basic biological concepts as well as depth in the discipline of choice. Students should consult with an adviser to design an individualized program of study within the concentration of interest. Lists of advisers are available from the Biology departmental office.

The B.S. in Clinical Science provides a strong background for students interested in medical technology. The program cooperates with the Center for Biomedical Laboratory Science which sponsors the Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science and advanced post-baccalaureate course work and training for clinical laboratory scientist trainees.

The department also sponsors the Master of Arts in Biology. This graduate degree program builds upon the baccalaureate degree programs through research and a written thesis in the areas of cell and molecular biology, ecology and systematic biology, marine biology, microbiology, or physiology and behavioral biology. The master’s degree provides substantial educational depth and training, giving the student a sound foundation for employment or for study in doctoral programs.

Joint Program with California Academy of Sciences in Systematics, Ecology, and Conservation Biology. The Department of Biology and California Academy of Sciences have instituted a joint graduate program in biology. This program builds on the complementary strengths of each institution to address the national and international imperative to train a new generation of biologists in systematics, ecology, and conservation biology. Research staff of the California Academy of Sciences have joined the Department of Biology as research professors. The research professors contribute to the teaching program and develop seminars and other courses offered at the California Academy of Sciences.

Cooperative Doctoral Program with University of California. A cooperative doctoral program with the University of California, Davis and the University of California, San Francisco allows for provisional admission to one of nineteen Ph.D. programs at the University of California, Davis or one of thirteen Ph.D. programs at the University of California, San Francisco. The program is designed to increase the numbers of underrepresented minorities and women in a range of areas in biology and chemistry. Contact the graduate adviser for the master’s degree program of interest.

Career Outlook

The Bachelor of Science in Biology leads to professional careers in biology including (1) laboratory and field work in applied biology such as that conducted at many civil service agencies and research organizations; (2) teaching at secondary and college levels; and (3) research positions or management positions in government agencies, academic institutions, and industry. Graduate work is commonly required for professional work in biology and the Bachelor of Science in Biology is designed to prepare students for graduate work in biology. Students may elect a curriculum in general biology designed to give breadth of background or they may choose one of the curricular concentrations offered.

The rapid maturation of recombinant biology has resulted in the need for highly skilled and specially trained individuals to produce and recover the products of genetic engineering. The San Francisco Bay Area is the major center in the world for this technology. Many employment opportunities exist for individuals who have earned the Certificate in Biotechnology and/or Genetic Engineering.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN BIOLOGY

General Information

All major course work must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable) and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all course work applicable to the major. Students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology must earn a grade of "C–" or better in all prerequisite courses and be prepared to provide copies of transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisites. Candidates entering the bachelor of science programs should have completed three years of high school mathematics and a year of high school chemistry to allow completion of the curriculum in normal time. At least twelve upper division units in biology must be completed at this university. Early in the first semester, and at regular intervals thereafter, students must consult with an adviser to plan a program of study. For the most current advising information, consult the SFSU Biology home page at www.sfsu.edu/~biology.

The department does not permit multiple concentrations within the biology degree program. All of the curricula require preliminary work in physics and chemistry because many important biological concepts are based squarely upon principles in the physical sciences. Also, each curriculum includes upper division work in the most fundamental and well-developed segments of biological knowledge so that students who select a concentration also are assured of receiving background of reasonable breadth. Because of the sequential arrangement of courses that is intrinsic to any science curriculum, students are urged to consult descriptions for the prerequisites of courses in which they expect to enroll. Students planning professional careers in biology should become proficient in mathematics through calculus and in English.

The Department of Biology is formally affiliated with the California Academy of Sciences. The facilities and collections of the academy are available for selected students pursuing research in the biological sciences. The Sierra Nevada Field Campus near Sierra City and the Romberg Tiburon Center in Marin County, components of the university, and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories operated by a consortium of the California State University are also accessible for class and research use.

On-line course descriptions are available.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GENERAL BIOLOGY

The curriculum in general biology provides breadth of exposure to fundamental areas of biology. Since basic principles of physical science are central to many biological concepts, course work in physics and chemistry is included in the lower division requirements. Students who are considering teaching life sciences should see a credential adviser in the Biology Department before planning the major. Students are required to complete additional courses that specifically prepare them to teach in the California secondary school system. The program is subject to changes imposed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

NOTE: SCI 510 (Search for Solutions), an interdisciplinary science capstone course is especially recommended as an elective for students preparing to teach at the high school or middle school levels. This course meets the teaching credential subject matter preparation requirement for an interdisciplinary science course.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN BOTANY

The program provides opportunities for study in ecological, systematic and taxonomic, physiological, morphological, anatomical, molecular, and genetic aspects of botany. Course work in an array of plant groups is offered, including vascular plants, algae, fungi, mosses, and lichens. Where applicable, field work in courses is emphasized, including instruction at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus and at the Romberg Tiburon Center.

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all Biology students.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Fundamental course work in allied sciences and mathematics prepares the student for advanced studies in cell and molecular biology. The program is also recommended for pre-medical students because it includes many of the courses required for admission to medical school. (For more information, see Pre-Health Professions.)

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all Biology students.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN ECOLOGY

This program offers a flexible but rigorous plan of study in the plant and animal sciences for students interested in ecology, natural history, conservation, and population biology; students interested in entomology, botany, or zoology may also find this concentration appropriate. The program stresses firm foundations in ecological theory, ecological technique, and natural history.

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all Biology students.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN MARINE BIOLOGY AND LIMNOLOGY

Undergraduates may elect a general emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology, marine vertebrate zoology, marine botany, marine microbiology, or limnology. Graduate work may also be general or follow specific strengths such as ecology, systematics, functional morphology, physiology, ethology, estuarine, or freshwater biology. The curriculum and facilities of San Francisco State University are strongly supported by the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and the Romberg Tiburon Center.

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN MICROBIOLOGY

The student may select courses emphasizing general microbiology or medical microbiology. The selection of an appropriate program not only prepares the student for careers in research, industry, public health, clinical laboratory, or state or federal service but also provides the basis for post-graduate study which may lead to the Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology.

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN PHYSIOLOGY

This program is designed to provide a firm foundation in physiology. Students interested in vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant physiology will find this concentration appropriate. The program is especially suited for preparation for advanced study at the postgraduate level or to prepare for careers in the health professions. In addition to major curricula in physiology, service courses are provided for nursing, clinical science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and physical therapy majors.

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

NOTE: Any courses taken to fill the physiology requirements may not also be used as elective credit. No more than one BIOL 699 or BIOL 865 may be used as an elective.

Students interested in pursuing graduate study in physiology should take the one-year organic chemistry sequence (CHEM 333/335) and the one-year biochemistry sequence (CHEM 340/341) in place of CHEM 130 and CHEM 349.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN ZOOLOGY

This program provides students with a broad background in animal biology through course work in evolutionary biology, ecology, behavior, anatomy, and physiology of both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Upper division electives may be chosen from one of four emphases: general zoology, vertebrate zoology, entomology, or animal behavior. It is recommended that no matter which of the emphases a student selects, that a background in both vertebrate and invertebrate biology be obtained through selection of appropriate elective courses; e.g., students electing an emphasis in vertebrate zoology should also take course work in invertebrate zoology or entomology. Electives may be selected from those listed below or from alternatives not used in fulfilling the upper division requirements.

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL SCIENCE

The Clinical Science Program is specifically designed for students intending to enter the career field of Clinical Laboratory Science (Medical Technology). It leads to the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science. This four-year academic program must be followed by a 12-15 month training period as a clinical laboratory scientist trainee. The Center for Biomedical Laboratory Science offers a post-baccalaureate clinical training program and accepts up to 16 students each January and July. Graduates of the training program are then eligible to take the licensing examination given by the California State Department of Health Services and the professional certification examination offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry. Successful completion of these steps allows one to serve as a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist in a hospital or in other medical laboratories which deal with the analysis of human specimens.

Candidates for the B.S. in Clinical Science program should have had high school chemistry and three years of mathematics with a grade of B or better in order to complete the curriculum in normal time. All major course work must be completed with a letter grade (i.e., CR/NC option not applicable to major course work except as noted below for CLEP equivalency credit). A minor in chemistry is encouraged.

MINOR IN GENERAL BIOLOGY

The minor requires a minimum of 23 units in biology, of which at least one-half must be upper division units.

All courses in the minor must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable).

At least one course must be selected, on advisement, from each of the following areas:

• Ecology (including field work)
• Genetics or evolution
• Physiology

CERTIFICATE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

This fourteen- to nineteen-unit program is designed to allow students who are pursuing an undergraduate major in biology or biochemistry to learn the theoretical basis of bioprocessing/fermentation technology. An integral part of the program is a supervised internship to be served in a Bay Area biotechnology company laboratory. Laboratory-oriented students will find an expanding demand for their skills upon completion of the program both in the Bay Area and nationwide.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses, and be prepared to provide copies of transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisites.

MASTER OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY

A student interested in pursuing an advanced degree in any of these programs must meet the general requirements as outlined as well as any additional requirements specified by the major field of study.

For current advising information, including research and funding opportunities, consult the SFSU Biology Department home page at www.sfsu.edu/~biology/.

General Admission Requirements

An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and the equivalent major course work for the program area to which application is made. To evaluate an applicant, the Biology Department requires the following: (1) transcripts of all undergraduate work; (2) Graduate Record Examination scores for the general test (the biology subject test is strongly recommended); (3) a statement of purpose; (4) two or more letters of recommendation, preferably from science faculty. When the Biology Department Office receives this information, the completed file is forwarded to the faculty coordinator of the program area chosen by the applicant. The faculty in the program area evaluate the applicant’s file and recommend admission or denial based on the following criteria:

• Grade point average in the undergraduate major—minimum required GPA in science courses is 2.75.
• Completion of course work equivalent to the SFSU B.S. degree requirements in biology.
• Statement of purpose.
• GRE scores.
• Letters of recommendation.

In addition to inadequacy in any of the above criteria, denial of admission may also be based on:

• Applicant’s interests are not represented by current faculty, or
• Faculty in the applicant’s area of interest are unable to support additional students.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Each graduate student is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of written English proficiency at two points. Level One: during the first semester's enrollment the student must pass a proctored essay test administered by the department. Level Two:  prior to filing the Graduate Approved Program (GAP), the student must prepare a thesis prospectus, which is read and approved by the student's thesis committee.

Course Requirements

The general requirements of all students are as follows:

• All courses taken by graduate students in Biology for use on the Graduate Approved Program (GAP) or to satisfy conditional requirements must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not applicable).
• Thirty units of upper division and/or graduate credit (may include up to six units of experimental courses in biology).
• A minimum of sixteen units of credit in graduate level courses.
• A minimum of two department seminars requiring student presentations.
• After initiating a research program, a graduate student must enroll each semester in BIOL 897 or 898 (for which a student can only be enrolled once) until the research is completed or the Graduate Approved Program is filed.
• In the absence of course conflicts, each graduate student must enroll in at least one graduate course per semester (in addition to BIOL 897 or 898).

M.A. by research and thesis (for students completing one of the six concentrations).

• Students who elect this program must complete a minimum of three and a maximum of six units of BIOL 897 to be counted toward the 30 required units.
• Four units of BIOL 898, Thesis.
• An oral defense of the thesis research.

On-line course descriptions are available. Most upper division courses offered in the six biology programs may be acceptable for the master's in biology upon approval of the graduate adviser. Students are reminded to check the individual program areas for additional requirements.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

The program is designed for students preparing for future graduate work as well as for those wishing to increase their competency in the fields of cell and molecular biology. It emphasizes the study of cells, cell organelles, macromolecules, and the regulation of their production and interaction. As such, it represents an expanding frontier of research that integrates biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, and cell ultrastructure.

See the Master of Arts in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

The specific course requirements shall be determined by the student's committee and are based upon consideration such as goals, interests, and undergraduate preparation. A strong background in chemistry is highly recommended.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Conservation Biology

Students can select areas of specialization within the framework of conservation biology. Every faculty member serves as adviser and major professor for students working on research programs in the faculty member's area of specialization. The graduate program is tailored by advisement to the interests and needs of each student. The areas of emphasis in the conservation biology program are: conservation, evolution, and population biology of rare and endangered species; ecology of invasive species; management and conservation of natural communities; restoration ecology; applied ecology. For additional details, contact the program graduate coordinator.

See the Master of Arts in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology

The program offers the Master of Arts in Biology with a Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology. Students can select areas of specialization within the framework of ecology, systematics, behavior, and evolutionary biology. Every faculty member serves as adviser and major professor for students working on research programs in the faculty member's area of specialization.

The graduate program is tailored by advisement to the interests of each student. The areas of emphasis in this program are: systematics, evolution, population genetics, and behavior of organisms; community, population, reproductive, behavioral, physiological, and evolutionary ecology; taxonomy, biodiversity, and biogeography. For additional details, contact the program graduate coordinator.

See the Master of Arts in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology

Programs in this area reflect the fact that marine biology is a meeting place for all the biological sciences and some of the physical sciences. Graduate work may be broad or follow specific program areas as ecology, systematics, functional morphology, physiology, and ethology.

The marine program and facilities of San Francisco State University are strongly supported by the Tiburon Research Center and by the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML), a modern seashore laboratory which is operated cooperatively in a consortium with a number of other state universities. Courses offered at Moss Landing can be found in alphabetical sequence under Marine Science as well as a description of the Master of Science in Marine Science administered by MLML.

Students interested in study in the M.A. in Biology program are urged to observe the general requirements in the Bulletin as well as the specific requirements stated here. For further information contact the program's graduate coordinator.

The applicant must have the equivalent of the Bachelor of Arts in Biology at San Francisco State University, supplemented with additional training in marine biology that indicates the capability to pursue graduate study.

See the Master of Arts in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

In addition to the M.A. in Biology requirements, the student is required to take a minimum of one course at an approved marine biology station as part of the 30-unit requirement. The program of studies may vary and shall be determined by the student's committee or graduate adviser.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology

The study of microbes and viruses is central to the fields of molecular biology, pathogenesis, immunity, and biotechnology; they are also important in the study of the biochemical and genetic properties of cells and organisms, as well as their ecology. The M.A. program provides course work and research opportunities for students who have career goals in research or industry or who wish to obtain a Ph.D. after completing the master's degree.

Students interested in the M.S. in Biomedical Laboratory Science should contact the graduate coordinator in the Center for Biomedical Laboratory Science (CBLS).

Admission to Program

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in biological or physical sciences, with at least two laboratory courses in microbiology, one year of general physics, one year of general chemistry, and one year of organic chemistry. Acceptance to fully classified status will be determined by departmental evaluation.

See the Master of Arts in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

The following additional requirements are to be included.

Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology

The program offers the Master of Arts in Biology with a Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology. The program is flexible and, with a program adviser, the student may plan a program to fit his/her particular interests, such as preparation for employment or a Ph.D. program when the Master of Arts is required.

Admission to Program

In addition to the baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent, in biological sciences, the program requires that the applicant have the equivalent of one semester of upper division physiology with laboratory, two semesters of college physics, two semesters of general college chemistry, and one semester of organic chemistry.

See the Master of Arts in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

CERTIFICATE IN GENETIC ENGINEERING

This thirteen-unit program is designed to allow students who have completed an undergraduate degree in basic science with a molecular biological emphasis to learn the techniques and principles of genetic engineering by both lecture and laboratory/project experience, balanced with an integrated presentation of both ethical concerns and safety considerations. This program will further prepare students to make transitions into careers in the area of biotechnology or to enter advanced degree programs. Graduate students intending to secure both a master's degree and the certificate may pursue these objectives concurrently with consultation and approval of the graduate degree faculty adviser. All course work used to satisfy the requirements must be taken on an A–F graded basis and must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Due to laboratory space limitations, total enrollment in the program will be restricted.

Before being considered for acceptance to this certificate program, the student must first be eligible in accordance with all university requirements as outlined in the section Certificate Programs. This same section also includes university program guidelines and procedures to be followed in filing for the award of the certificate when it is completed.

Admission to the Program

To be admitted to the program an applicant must have completed a baccalaureate degree and must be admitted to classified graduate standing in the university in accordance with standard admissions requirements and procedures. In addition to application procedures specified by the university, applicants must:

1. Submit to the certificate coordinator a copy of transcripts used for the baccalaureate degree, transcripts of other relevant study, and evidence of graduate standing in the university. The following courses from San Francisco State University, or their equivalents, are prerequisites and must be completed before the program is initiated.
1. BIOL 401/402, General Microbiology and Laboratory, or
   BIOL 350/351, Cell Biology and Experiments in Cell Biology and Genetics
2. BIOL 355, Genetics
3. BIOL 357, Molecular Genetics
4. CHEM 340 and 341, Biochemistry I and II, and
   CHEM 343, Biochemistry I Laboratory
2. Submit to the coordinator a letter of application for admission to the certificate program. This letter should include a description of any relevant experience not evident in the transcripts.
3. Make arrangements to have a minimum of two letters of recommendation sent to the coordinator.
4. Applications should be addressed to Genetic Engineering Coordinator, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132.

The program consists of a series of laboratory and lecture courses designed to provide competence in recombinant DNA methodology and allied areas.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Students must demonstrate an appropriate level of writing competency. This shall be accomplished by satisfactory preparation of written laboratory reports in BIOL 744 which demonstrate competency in scientific report writing and analysis of data. The instructor of this course shall determine whether reports have met those criteria and so specify on the Certificate Approved Program form. If the student's work is unsatisfactory, additional course work directed to achieving English competency may be specified after consultation with the coordinator.

Footnotes

1. Students who plan to study for a Ph.D. should complete at least two semesters of calculus and one semester of physical chemistry.
2. Graduate seminar courses may be taken by qualified seniors with consent of instructor.