Biology
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In the biological sciences department, you can choose a major or minor in Biology, Botany, or Zoology. All majors emphasize hands-on learning and personal interaction with faculty members. Many courses take advantage of the outstanding natural environment surrounding Humboldt State. Programs are structured to allow latitude for student choice in developing a program suitable to individual needs. Furthermore, students who major in Biology may elect to specialize in several emphases: Marine Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Environmental Biology, Ecology, General Biology, Life Science Teacher Preparation, Microbiology, or Special Major (this last option allows you to work with an advisor to create your own biology major). There are also many opportunities for independent and faculty-mentored studies.
HSU graduates have an excellent record of acceptance into the top graduate schools in the country, as well as directly starting careers in a variety of wide-ranging and growing biological fields.
Features
- Diverse faculty committed to undergraduate education and mentorship.
- Low student-to-faculty ratio.
- Wide-ranging courses and opportunities, including numerous specialized topics.
- Emphasis on hands-on learning.
- Excellent facilities are available for undergraduates, including the Telonicher Marine Laboratory; ocean-going research vessel, The Coral Sea; Biotechnology Laboratory; Greenhouses; Vertebrate Museum; Herbarium; Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes; HSU Natural History Museum; and the Biotechnology Core Facility.
- Outstanding natural environments including ocean and estuarine areas, undeveloped coastal dunes, Redwood forests, alpine and subalpine forests, and numerous state and national parks and forests.
- Rigorous coursework designed to prepare students for active careers and graduate study.
Degrees Offered
MA, BS, Minor