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Department of Biological Sciences

Ignite your passion for biology at Cal Poly Humboldt. 

With our ecologically diverse landscape, state-of-the-art research facilities and faculty dedicated to hands-on learning, Humboldt is the perfect place to jumpstart your scientific future. 

Bachelor's Degree Programs

The Department of Biological Sciences offers four major disciplines that explore the intricacies of living organisms from the microscopic to the magnificent. You have the opportunity to double-major using combinations of Biology, Botany, and Zoology degrees. In this cases, you must take at least three courses that are unique to the second major and total at least 10 units. The courses must be selected with the student's advisor and approved by the Department Chair.

Biology, B.S.

Learn about organisms and how they function in the natural world. Study general biology, or focus your studies by choosing a concentration in one of five specialty areas: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, or Science Education. 

Botany, B.S.

As a botany major, you’ll flourish while studying the biological processes unique to plant life. Students in the botany program are part of a dedicated learning community and have access to the best botanical collections in the CSU system.

Marine Biology, B.S.

Using the nearby Pacific Ocean and North Coast as a living lab, marine biology students gain real-world experience on and in the ocean, beaches, and other local marine habitats studying organisms and ecosystems.

Zoology, B.S.

Study physiology, ecology, anatomy, and classification of animal groups—with opportunities for field research in our diverse local habitats, as well as laboratory experience. 

Master's Degree & Pre-Professional Programs

In the Biological Sciences department, you can get a masters in Biology or enter our Pre-Professional programs.

Biology, M.S.

As a Master of Science student in Biological Sciences, you will pursue investigations with an emphasis in the laboratory, forests, marine habitats, or a variety of other settings.

Pre-Professional

If you choose one of our pre-professional health programs—which include pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary—you will receive a core education based in biology, chemistry, physics, zoology, and mathematics.

Research Facilities and Collections

At Cal Poly Humboldt, our extensive research facilities and collections set students up for excellence in the biological sciences. Utilizing our ocean-going research vessel, greenhouse, electron microscopes, Vertebrate Museum, and more, you’ll work side by side with other students and faculty to research what you talk about in the classroom, providing real-world, hands-on experience even as an undergraduate student. 

students working in the field

Career Options

  • Anatomist 
  • Developmental Biologist 
  • Entomologist 
  • Herpetologist 
  • Mammalogist 
  • Museum Curator or Manager 
  • Naturalist 
  • Physiologist 
  • Professor 
  • Science Educator 
  • Scientific Illustration 
  • Scientific Outreach 
  • Scientific Writing 
  • Systematist 
  • Taxonomist 
  • Veterinarian 
  • Veterinary Assistant 
  • Botanist 
  • Environmental Consultant 
  • Herbarium Curator 
  • Horticulturist Naturalist 
  • Plant Ecologist 
  • Plant Pathologist 
  • Plant Physiologist 
  • Science Librarian 
  • Technical Writer 
  • Aquaculturist 
  • Environmental Consultant 
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Marine Biologist 
  • Marine Conservationist 
  • Marine Ecologist 
  • Marine Educator 
  • Marine Engineer 
  • Marine Geologist 
  • Marine Mammalogist 
  • Marine Policy Analyst 
  • Oceanographer 
  • Oceanographic Technician 
  • Remote Sensing Specialist 
  • Anatomist 
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Embryologist 
  • Entomologist 
  • Health Technician 
  • Ichthyologist 
  • Laboratory Technician 
  • Museum Curator 
  • Ornithologist 
  • Pathology Technician 
  • Science Librarian 
  • Technical Writer 
  • Zoologist 

Ready to Find Out What
Your Future Holds?

Achievements

Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.

Faculty

Allison Bronson

Biological Sciences

Dr. Allison Bronson received a National Science Foundation grant to study the inner ear structures of sharks, using CT scanning and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This work will evaluate whether ear shape differs between shark species living in different habitats, potentially developing a predictive model for inferring the ecology of extinct fishes. The project involves collaborators at the University of Michigan, University of North Carolina WIlmington, University of Birmingham, and University of Auckland, and will use specimens from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Fish Collection and other museums throughout the United States.

Faculty

Rachael Wade

Biological Sciences

Dr. Rachael Wade received a 2024 Norma J. Lang Fellowship award from the Phycological Society of America. The award supports genome sequencing of the red alga, C. berteroi. While algal species tend to assume restricted ranges, C. berteroi is widespread and can be found across nearshore environments in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Dr. Wade’s work will explore this cosmopolitanism, and data from the study will later be used to reconstruct the species’ ancestral range, and identify adaptive traits that have facilitated its distribution. Understanding drivers of cosmopolitanism can increase understanding of algal adaptation in the face of climate change.

Faculty

Rachael Wade

Biological Sciences

Dr. Rachael Wade received a 2024 Norma J. Lang Fellowship award from the Phycological Society of America. The award supports genome sequencing of the red alga, C. berteroi. While algal species tend to assume restricted ranges, C. berteroi is widespread, and can be found across nearshore environments in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Dr. Wade’s work will explore this cosmopolitanism, and data from the study will later be used to reconstruct the species’ ancestral range, and identify adaptive traits that have facilitated its’ distribution. Understanding drivers of cosmopolitanism can increase understanding of algal adaptation in the face of climate change.

More Achievements