Biological Sciences - San Jose State University

Biological Sciences from San Jose State University is a Campus Bachelor Biology degree that prepares you for a Science career. Introduction An undergraduate degree in biology prepares students for graduate work, for laboratory and field research and technical work, for health professions, and for K-12 teaching. Graduate students prepare for careers in specialized scientific areas and community college teaching. Biology faculty pay special attention to students' ability to write and speak effectively, and to cooperate with the linguistically, culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the San Jos? region. In addition, the department offers an unusually strong program in basic computer skills and statistics. All programs require strong support in chemistry, physics, mathematics and communication courses. These skills combined with a working knowledge of the biological sciences also make this degree attractive to those students who seek a strong college education but do not plan on a career as a biologist. In particular, familiarity with health and environmental issues are an asset to those seeking employment in many Bay Area companies and governmental agencies. The department offers a wide range of concentrations, with strengths in molecular biology , microbiology, physiology, conservation biology and ecology. These concentrations prepare students for careers ranging from biotechnology to health care to field biology . In recent years the department has enhanced its faculty, infrastructure and instrumentation to expand its laboratory offerings in molecular biology, immunology and microbiology. The department is housed in Duncan Hall, a seven-story building, equipped with a variety of specialized classroom and research laboratories, extensive plant and animal collections, and controlled environment rooms. Space is allocated for an undergraduate Biology Students Association. Other departmental student clubs meet regularly. There are ten to fifteen competitive departmental scholarships for students who have been enrolled for one semester or more. A successful application is based upon academic performance. An equal number of fellowships provide additional funds to support graduate student research projects. Selection is based upon a well-written research proposal including a budget and the support of the student?s faculty advisor. Although the department is large, our faculty and staff genuinely care about students and their success. Students will find a personal and friendly environment. Bachelors Degrees The Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) can be tailored through electives to meet virtually any career goal. It is a broad introduction to all of the life sciences. There is a special emphasis within the BA for students who want to become high school science teachers (BA-Biological Science-Preparation for Teaching). Two degrees are offered under the title of BA-Life Science. One, the BA-Life Science, Preparation for Teaching is designed for students interested in teaching in elementary and middle school. The second, BA-Life Science, Concentration in Biodiversity Stewardship is designed for those students seeking a broad-based curriculum in conservation. The Bachelor of Science (BS) 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 goals. New students are encouraged to begin in the BA and to discuss career plans with faculty advisors. There are no restrictions on changing degrees within those offered by the department (nor are any restrictions expected). The marine biology concentration requires at least one semester in residence at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, usually in the junior or senior year. Many students seek careers in health care. This traditionally includes medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry. In recent years, however, 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 the pharmaceutical industry. Students with an interest in environmental issues, including marine biology , botany, entomology, zoology and conservation biology often seek careers in state and federal wildlife agencies and in environmental consulting. Those students interested in health care issues and research, may specialize in microbiology, molecular biology and systems physiology. The department?s upper division lab experiences are rigorous. Faculty have found that a strong performance in these course is a good predictor for acceptance into professional health schools, PhD and graduate programs, teaching, industry and government research. View more details on San Jose State University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Biology courses.