California State University San Marcos

Biology is the study of living processes from the interaction of species with each other and their environment to the operant molecular mechanisms. The California State University San Marcos Biological Sciences Department presents a broad program of courses that deal with life on the ecosystem, population, organismal, and molecular levels. Life is a complicated series of chemical reactions and interactions, and we seek to understand the relationship of organisms to each other, to their environment, and within themselves in biochemical terms. Biological Sciences majors may choose between: 1) a general concentration, 2) a molecular and cellular biology 3) an ecology concentration and 4) a physiology concentration. The general concentration provides wide exposure to the range of biological sciences while the cell/molecular, ecology, and physiology concentrations offer majors the opportunity to focus their studies. With an appropriate choice of biological sciences electives and General Education electives, graduates can meet the requirements of admission to graduate, medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, and other professional schools.

Modern biological science has progressed from the purely analytical to now include manipulative capability. Recombinant DNA techniques enable the investigator to generate specified changes in components of organisms for the purpose of better understanding some process, and in some cases to introduce new traits that will be of practical usefulness to society. The Cal State San Marcos program in biological sciences exposes students to cloning techniques, illustrates the techniques involved as part of their general education, and trains them for research positions.

Society is the beneficiary of modern technology and is also at its mercy. Products of the industrial process and of our use of natural resources can perturb the dynamic balance in the environment, and by leading to the extinction of species, reduce the diversity of living forms. The Biological Sciences Department addresses fundamental problems in the ecological and environmental sciences.

The Biological Sciences Department has well-equipped, modern laboratories. The academic atmosphere is enriched by a close faculty/student interaction (reminiscent of prestigious, small liberal arts colleges), and by numerous field trips to research facilities and sites in the area. Students receive training that will enable them to gain rewarding employment in a number of areas, including teaching, research, the health sciences, biotechnology, ecology, and environmental science.