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
FPU is a partner school with Transferology, a web-based tool that allows you to match the courses you’ve already taken with FPU programs. Visit Transferology.com to create an account and get started.
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 (43 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 Must by taken for a minimum of 2 units | 1 - 3 |
Supporting Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM 310 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
MATH 205 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
PHYS 120 | General Physics I | 4 |
Environmental Emphasis Courses (15 Units Minimum)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 311 | Field Botany | 4 |
BIOL 321 | Vertebrate Zoology | 4 |
BIOL 322 | Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
CHEM 340 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
Course substitutions may be made with program director approval.
Human Health Emphasis Required Courses
Select 16 units from the following
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 220 | Healthcare in the United States | 2 |
BIOL 331 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
BIOL 340 | Microbiology | 4 |
BIOL 421 | Biochemistry | 4 |
BIOL 482 | Practicum in Biology | 1 - 3 |
CHEM 311 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHEM 312L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
CHEM 313L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
MATH 220 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 121 PHYS 131 | General Physics II or University Physics II | 4 or 4 |
Other coursework approved by the Biology Program Director
Pre-medical students should enroll in PHYS 121 - General Physics II, CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry II and BIOL 421 - Biochemistry.
Secondary Teaching Emphasis Required Courses (15 Units Minimum)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
LA 385 | Critical Approaches to Teaching | 3 |
PHYS 121 | General Physics II | 4 |
PHYS 150 | Earth Science | 3 |
PHYS 160 | Space Science | 3 |
Select 2 additional units of upper-division biology courses.
Teacher Education Program Information
Students who are interested in applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program should refer to the Graduate School description of admissions requirements for the program and obtain academic advising from the program at least two semesters prior to completion of their degrees.
LA 385 - Critical Approaches to Teaching is recommended to students, as it provides school-based experiences with youth.
Individualized Emphasis Courses (15 Units Minimum)
Electives chosen in consultation with the program director to address specific interests of the student. Courses from field institutes or other institutions may be used. Examples of possible emphases include marine biology, plant science, animal science and bio-psychology.
Program director

Andrew T. Sensenig, Ph.D.
Faculty

Alan Thompson, Ph.D.

Michael Kunz, Ph.D.

Krista Edmiston, Ph.D.

Karen Cianci, Ph.D.

Maria A. Soria, Ph.D.