An undergraduate student in biology prepares for graduate work, for laboratory and field research and technical work, for health professions, and for K-12 teaching. This degree is also a good general college education for someone who does not plan to work as a biologist, because it prepares graduates to face challenges in environmental management and in incorporating new discoveries in molecular biology into such fields as medicine and agriculture. Graduate students prepare for careers in specialized scientific areas and in community college teaching.
Biology faculty pay special attention to students' ability to write and speak effectively, especially to non-science audiences, and to cooperate with the linguistically, culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the San José region. Employers and professional and graduate programs continually tell us how important communication and people skills are for today's scientists. The department also offers an unusually strong program in basic computer skills. All programs require strong support in chemistry, physics, math and communication courses.
The department has historical strengths in field biology, conservation and entomology as well as preparing students for health careers (clinical laboratory science, medicine, dentistry, etc.). Recent enhancements of infrastructure and instrumentation have allowed the department to expand its laboratory offerings in molecular biology, immunology and microbiology to prepare students at all levels for careers in the local biotechnology industry. In addition to regular session BS, MS and MA degree programs in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, the new Master of Biotechnology (MBT) program (www.science.sjsu.edu/mbt) is offered through Special Sessions: it combines technical training with MBA-level business courses.
The BA - Biology can be tailored through electives to meet virtually any career goal. It is a broad introduction to all life sciences, with focus upon the breadth aspects of education. There is a special emphasis within the BA for students who want to become high school science teachers.
The Bachelor of Science concentrations are technically more demanding, with more courses required in the lab or in the field. The BS is recommended for students who are sure of their career directions. New students are encouraged to begin in the BA and to discuss career plans with faculty advisors. There are no restrictions on changing to the BS, nor are any restrictions expected. The marine biology concentration requires at least one semester in residence at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, usually the junior or senior year.
Many students seek careers in medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry; however, in recent years job opportunities have increased with more graduates entering osteopathy, optometry, physical therapy, podiatry, pharmacy and physician's assistant programs. Other popular career choices for undergraduates are entry-level technical and research jobs in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Students concerned about environmental issues, including marine biology, seek careers in state and federal wildlife agencies and in environmental consulting. Some students specialize in entomology, clinical laboratory science (medical technology), physiological research, and through special majors, even in science writing and illustration. While the department is large, our faculty and staff genuinely care about students and their success. Students will find a personal and friendly environment.
Students from both bachelor's and master's programs are regularly accepted into professional health schools, PhD and graduate programs, teaching, industry and government research.
The department offers both the Master of Arts, the Master of Science, and the Master of Biotechnology degrees, with emphases in the specialty areas of the department. The MA culminates in written and oral examinations based upon 30 units of coursework. The MS requires both coursework and an intensive research project directed by three scientists, at least two of whom are SJSU faculty. The MBT program requires coursework in the College of Science and the MBA program in the College of Business, in addition to an internship and other business-related curriculum. Acceptance to department graduate programs is by contact with individual faculty, who agree to serve as program directors. Contact the department for additional information and the names of those directors.
At the undergraduate level, the BA - Natural Science and the BA - Biological Sciences prepare students for careers as K-12 science teachers and specialists. At the graduate level, the MA - Natural Science offers science teachers an opportunity to study a subject in depth; and to enhance their teaching skills.
The department occupies a fairly modern seven-story building, equipped with electron microscopes, DNA fingerprinting and related molecular biology tools, extensive plant and animal collections, controlled environment rooms and a host of specialized laboratories. Space is allocated for a Biology Students Association. Other departmental student clubs meet regularly.
There are about 15 competitive departmental scholarships for students who have been enrolled for one semester or more; many are available to both undergraduates and graduate students, and a few graduate fellowships provide funds for research.
There are courses of study related to this department's curricula at the Overseas Study Centers of the CSU International Programs. See index.
Students may apply for the honors program in Biology in BS - Biological Sciences, Concentration in Systems Physiology.
Students wishing to complete the honors program must:
1. Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in courses required in the major,
2. Have an overall SJSU GPA of 3.0 or higher, and
3. Complete Biology, Botany, or Zoology 186 "Senior Thesis".
Senior thesis courses involve the student in the completion of a research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member. As such, the research project must be on a mutually agreed upon topic. It is recommended that the student submit a proposal for research to the faculty member and have that proposal approved in the last semester of his/her junior year. The student is required to present the results of the research in written form and as a seminar.
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