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Biology and Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, algae and protozoa. These microorganisms are important in their effect on the health and well being of all living creatures, including humans, and they are the key to the biological revolution in genetic engineering. In addition, they are vital to studies involving maintenance of the environment, food production, and the marine environment. Program Overview
Field-oriented classes are supported by a wide array of field instruments and a strikingly varied set of natural "laboratories" near the campus. The Pacific Ocean, with its rocky inter-tidal zone, sandy beaches, and estuaries is only seven miles away. Twenty-five miles to the east are the pine and oak forests of the Laguna Mountains, and just beyond is the desert, which harbors surprisingly rich flora and fauna. The campus itself is located in a chaparral zone of canyons and mesas with natural drainages, reservoirs, and vernal pools. Regional field studies are also carried out along the Colorado River and in nearby Baja California. Microbiology majors follow the lower division core for the biology program. Upper division courses are selected so that students get a basic education in the field as a whole and at the same time are able to specialize in a wide variety of academic areas including general microbiology or an emphasis in clinical laboratory science and public health microbiology. The Biology and Microbiology majors are impacted programs. Find out more information regarding the impaction. Special FeaturesBiological Field Stations at ocean, mountain, and desert field sites, are available for classes and student research projects. Laboratory and field experience. A large number of individualized research projects are available within the department and with faculty at local institutions such as the Museum of Natural History andScripps Institute of Oceanography.
Transmission and scanning electron microscopes are available for student instruction and research. Seminars by renowned scientists are offered weekly by the Biology Department and by the Molecular Biology Institute (an interdisciplinary group of biologists and biochemists). The Molecular Biology Institute's outstanding work has made it a leader in the California State University system and a designated site for training other CSU faculty in the techniques of biotechnology research. The Preprofessional Advising Office provides special advising for pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinarian, and pre-osteopathic students. SDSU also offers a certificate program in Biotechnology, to introduce students to state-of-the-art techniques used in research laboratories and qualify certificate recipients for employment in various sectors of the biotechnological arena. Faculty HighlightsStudents have direct access to the faculty. There is opportunity to become involved in special studies with faculty members in both field and laboratory research. Students may conduct independent research during their junior and senior years under the supervision of a faculty member. The faculty is highly active and nationally recognized for significant research. Federal and state agencies and institutions support our research efforts. Cellular and Molecular Biology Faculty Research Interests Ecology Faculty Research Interests Evolutionary Biology Faculty Research Interests Career OpportunitiesStudents graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology or microbiology have a great variety of career possibilities. These include positions such as:
Many biology and microbiology majors take a course of study that prepares them for medical, dental, veterinary and allied health schools. Others go on to graduate schools to earn masters and doctoral degrees in various fields of biology that qualify them for teaching and research positions in universities, colleges, government agencies, and private industries. Microbiology graduates find positions with federal, state, and local agencies. They conduct applied and fundamental research, disease control and diagnosis in humans and animals, and environmental quality control assessment. Microbiologists also work in private industry (e.g., biomedical or pharmaceutical research and production, food and beverage manufacturing, and quality and safety control capacities) and in the research laboratories of private, academic, or endowed foundations. The emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science and Public Health Microbiology prepares students to become licensed clinical laboratory scientists or certified public health microbiologists. To further explore career options in this field, visit the Careers in Biology or Career Services Web site for more information. General CatalogYou can view more complete information regarding the Biology program in the General Catalog. All students are responsible for reading and knowing the information pertinent to their areas of study available in the General Catalog. It contains requirements for all academic majors, course descriptions, policies, and regulations governing progress at the University. Catalogs are distributed at all Academic Orientation programs. To order a catalog, call (619) 594-7535. Contact InformationMailing address:Biology
Department Email: bioundergrad@sunstroke.sdsu.edu |
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