Biological sciences include all areas of scientific endeavor centered around the general question of the nature of life. Such diverse areas as genetics, genomics, physiology, cell biology, marine biology, ecology, and animal behavior are all part of the biological sciences. The disciplines of the biological sciences represented in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are in the Department of Biological Sciences, which offers five degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, a Master of Science in Biology, and a Master of Science in Microbiology. The B.S. in Biology has, in addition to a general option, three specialized options in Biology Education, Zoology, Botany & Ecology and Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology. See below the specific requirements for each of these degrees and options. The Department of Biological Sciences also participates in the Desert Studies Consortium and the Ocean Studies Institute. Information on the latter program is listed in this catalog under Ocean Studies Institute. This option is designed primarily for those interested in careers that involve biology at the cell, molecular and organ system levels and is particularly appropriate for those contemplating graduate work in these fields or entering one of the health professions, such as medicine and physical therapy. Students in this option might also want to pursue the Certificate in Biotechnology described elsewhere in this Catalog. This option requires approximately 77-80 units in the major, of which 44-47 are in lower division courses and 32-33 are in upper division courses.<br><br>All students must achieve at least a 2.0 grade-point average in each of the following: 1. the entire college record, 2. all units attempted at CSULB, and 3. all courses in the major. In addition, students must receive a “C” or better in all upper division major courses.