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As a biology major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll explore big questions and learn to navigate faith and science in your studies. Courses will take you to diverse habitats, from studying the principles of ecology at Kings Canyon National Park to analyzing fish behavior along California’s Central Coast. You'll cover a range of topics, including molecular biology, global ecosystems, human biology and the diversity of life, preparing for a range of careers in science and beyond. Study under professors who have specialized in a wide range of topics, from bacteria to insects to trees to fluid dynamics, and explore opportunities to delve into research projects. With a B.S., you’ll gain greater depth of foundational coursework in the major as you work toward a research capstone.
Highlights
- Craft a major to suit your particular interests with Environmental, Human Health, Secondary Teaching or an Individualized emphasis.
- Off-campus summer and study abroad programs encouraged
- Join the on-campus, environmental 'Shalom Club' to work on the campus garden and take trips around California with classmates.
Career opportunities
Common careers for biologists include teacher, researcher, lab coordinator and environmental scientist. Our graduates are also well-prepared for medical and graduate studies, including teacher credential programs, master’s and doctoral research.
Transferring to Fresno Pacific
Come and experience the FPU community and finish your degree with us! Visit our Transfer page to learn more about transferring or connect with a Transfer Specialist to ensure your transition to FPU is as smooth as possible.
Course listing
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, students must complete at least 120 units. Along with completing all required courses in their selected area of study, general education requirements must be met by all graduates. See the general education summary in the undergraduate academic catalog for more information.
Select programs may not provide enough units for a student to graduate and therefore an emphasis and/or elective courses must be completed alongside the major. Please see below for emphases related to this area of study.
General Education Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 111 | General Biology: Cells and Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| MATH 210 | Calculus I | 4 |
Required Courses (45 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121 | General Biology: Diversity and Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 312 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 332 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 370 | Bioethics | 3 |
| BIOL 441 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 450 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 470 | History and Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| BIOL 485BIO | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| BIOL 496 | Biological Research | 1 - 3 |
Must be taken for a minimum of 2 units
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 310 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| MATH 205 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 206L | Introductory Statistics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 120 | General Physics I | 4 |
Program director
Andrew T. Sensenig, Ph.D.
Faculty
Alan Thompson, Ph.D.
Michael Kunz, Ph.D.
Maria A. Soria, Ph.D.
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Program details
FPU's education provided me with a well-rounded foundational education. In addition, it helped me develop a strong work ethic that served me well during the rigorous training in veterinary school, the pathology residency and the Ph.D.
Eric Snook, DVM, PhD, DACVP
- Anatomic Pathologist
- 1997 BA in Biology and Minor in Chemistry