Biology Information
Credential Advisor
Jeffrey White, Ph.D.
(707) 826-5551
Department Chair
Casey Lu, Ph.D.
Department
of Biological Sciences
Science Complex B 221
(707) 826-3245
Geoscience Information
Department Chair
Sue Cashman, Ph.D.
Department
of Geology
Founders Hall 7
(707) 826-3931
Prepare to teach science (biology or geoscience) in junior high school and high school. (For information on the preliminary and professional clear teaching credentials, see Education.)
Biology
Humboldt has the largest greenhouse in the California State University system, where students can examine a variety of plants in a variety of microclimates.
The university also has an extensive herbarium plus vertebrate and invertebrate museums. Students gain hands-on experience using plant growth chambers and electron microscopes.
In addition, Humboldt State has a marine laboratory in the nearby town of Trinidad.
Geoscience
Besides teacher preparation, this program is suitable for students with an interest in earth science who want a broader background than they would receive in the professional geologist career option.
Humboldt's natural setting offers many field opportunities for geologic instruction and research. Students work on projects directly with faculty, who encourage their involvement. Humboldt has extensive laboratory space, with modern equipment available for student use.
Biology: High school students should take biology, chemistry, and physics (with laboratories), plus algebra (beginning and intermediate), trigonometry, and geometry.
Geoscience: High school students should take mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Students should prepare to write effectively. Competence in a language other than English is desirable.
Students who receive a grade below a C- in any prerequisite course will require instructor approval for enrollment.
Please note: Degree requirements listed here do not include professional education courses required for the credential. Students earning this degree may waive CSET assessments before entering the credential program.
Before applying to the secondary education credential program, students must meet the prerequisite of 45 hours early field experience or enroll in SED 210/410.
Courses listed here are subject to change. Please see an advisor.
BIOL
105 Principles of Biology
BIOM
109 Introductory Biometrics
BOT
105 General Botany
CHEM
109 General Chemistry
GEOL
109 General Geology
MATH
105 Calculus for the Biological Sciences & Natural Resources (A full year of calculus (MATH 109 & MATH 110) may substitute for MATH 105.)
PHYX
106 College Physics: Mechanics & Heat
PHYX
107 College Physics: Electromagnetism & Modern Physics
ZOOL
110 Introductory Zoology
BIOL 307 Evolution
BIOL
330 Principles of Ecology
BIOL
340 Genetics
BIOL
412 General Bacteriology
BIOL
440 Genetics Laboratory
CHEM
328 Brief Organic Chemistry
GEOL
375 Planet Earth
BOT
310 General Plant Physiology or
ZOOL
310 Animal Physiology
BOT
350 Plant Taxonomy or
ZOOL
352 Natural History of the Vertebrates
BIOL
105 Principles of Biology
CHEM
109/110 General Chemistry
GEOL
109 General Geology
MATH
105 Calculus for the Biological Sciences & Natural Resources
OCN
109 General Oceanography
PHYX
104 Descriptive Astronomy
PHYX
106 College Physics: Mechanics & Heat
PHYX
107 College Physics: Electromagnetism & Modern Physics
BOT
105 General Botany or
ZOOL
110 Introductory Zoology
GEOL
310 Mineralogy & Optical Crystallography
GEOL
311 Petrography
GEOL
320 Invertebrate Paleontology
GEOL
322 Stratigraphy & Sedimentation
GEOL
330 Structural Geology
GEOL
350 General Geomorphology
GEOL
470 Field Methods
PHYX
380 Micrometeorology