What is possible when you delve into the fundamentals of life? Anything.
Biology is the study of life and at the root of big questions like what we’re made of and how we got here. Explore these big questions as you learn to navigate faith and science in your studies.
As a biology major at 51ÁÔĆć, you'll cover a range of topics – like molecular biology, global ecosystems, human biology and the diversity of life – and study under professors whose specialization ranges from bacteria to insects, trees to fluid dynamics
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.
The Bachelor of Science degree is the more traditional route with a focus on the foundations, preparing you for graduate studies and culminating in a research capstone.
With a bachelor of science, you’ll gain greater depth of foundational coursework and complete a research capstone.
Through the study of biology, you’ll learn to appreciate the complexity of life.
Program Highlights
Craft a major to suit your particular interests with Environmental, Human Health, Secondary Teaching or an Individualized emphasis.
Engage in off-campus summer and study abroad programs
Join the on-campus, environmental 'Shalom Club' to work on the campus garden
Participate in trips around California with classmates
Work one-on-one with faculty to choose from a broad range of topics for your capstone research project
Emphases*
Secondary Teaching
Secondary teaching will guide you toward becoming a teacher in the field of biology, ensuring you’ve taken all the steps in preparation for a credential program.
Environmental
Environmental emphasis contains courses such as field botany, zoology and environmental chemistry, preparing you to pursue a career in environmental sciences.
Human Health
Human Health emphasis contains courses such as field physiology, genetics and healthcare in the United States, preparing you to pursue a career in the medical field.
Individualized
Individualized emphasis provides the flexibility to craft a major to suit your particular interests. Example of possible scope of study includes marine biology, plant science, animal science and bio-psychology.
Demonstrate content knowledge in the major subject areas of biology: breadth, depth, and organizing concepts.
Demonstrate information literacy in science as it is typically communicated (e.g., scientific journal articles, including graphs and tables).
Design, conduct and critically evaluate scientific research.
Practice a broad spectrum of technology used in scientific research.
Demonstrate the capacity to communicate scientific information.
Exhibit the skills necessary to independently increase scientific expertise.
Describe the philosophical basis of science, its capabilities and limitations, relative to epistemology, ethics, and religion.
Commitment to seek to serve the Church, society, and creation.
Locations Offered
Main Campus 51ÁÔĆć
Lower Division Major Prerequisites
BIOL 111 - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 111L - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Lab Credits 1
CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4
Required Courses (45 units)
BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 332 - Human Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 332L - Human Physiology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 370 - Bioethics Credits 3
BIOL 441 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits 3
BIOL 441L - Cell and Molecular Biology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 450 - Genetics Credits 3
BIOL 450L - Genetics Lab Credits 1
BIOL 470 - History and Philosophy of Science Credits 3
BIOL 485BIO - Senior Seminar Credits 2
BIOL 496 - Biological Research Credits 1 - 3
   Must be taken for a minimum of 2 units
CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
CHEM 310 - Organic Chemistry I Credits 3
MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1
PHYS 120 - General Physics I Credits 3
PHYS 120L - General Physics I Lab Credits 1
Emphasis Courses (15 units minimum)
LA 380 - Learning Communities Credits 3
GEOL 151 - Earth Science Credits 3
PHYS 121 - General Physics II Credits 3
PHYS 121L - General Physics II Lab Credits 1
PHYS 160 - Space Science Credits 3
Note:
Select 2Â additional units of upper-division biology courses. Please see the additional requirements for teacher education candidates listed above for the B.A. in Biology, secondary teaching emphasis.
Environmental
Department Chair: Andrew Sensenig, Ph.D.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate content knowledge in the major subject areas of biology: breadth, depth, and organizing concepts.
Demonstrate information literacy in science as it is typically communicated (e.g., scientific journal articles, including graphs and tables).
Design, conduct and critically evaluate scientific research.
Practice a broad spectrum of technology used in scientific research.
Demonstrate the capacity to communicate scientific information.
Exhibit the skills necessary to independently increase scientific expertise.
Describe the philosophical basis of science, its capabilities and limitations, relative to epistemology, ethics, and religion.
Commitment to seek to serve the Church, society, and creation.
Locations Offered
Main Campus 51ÁÔĆć
Lower Division Major Prerequisites
BIOL 111 - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 111L - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Lab Credits 1
CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4
Required Courses (45 Units)
BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 370 - Bioethics Credits 3
BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 332 - Human Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 332L - Human Physiology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 441 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits 3
BIOL 441L - Cell and Molecular Biology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 450 - Genetics Credits 3
BIOL 450L - Genetics Lab Credits 1
BIOL 470 - History and Philosophy of Science Credits 3
BIOL 485BIO - Senior Seminar Credits 2
BIOL 496 - Biological Research Credits 1 - 3
   Must be taken for a minimum of 2 units
CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
CHEM 310 - Organic Chemistry I Credits 3
MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1
PHYS 120 - General Physics I Credits 3
PHYS 120L - General Physics I Lab Credits 1
Emphasis Courses (16 Units)
BIOL 311 - Field Botany Credits 3
BIOL 311L - Field Botany Lab Credits 1
BIOL 321 - Vertebrate Zoology Credits 3
BIOL 321L - Vertebrate Zoology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 322 - Invertebrate Zoology Credits 3
BIOL 322L - Invertebrate Zoology Lab Credits 1
CHEM 340 - Environmental Chemistry Credits 3
CHEM 340L - Environmental Chemistry Lab Credits 1
Note:
Course substitutions may be made with program director approval.
Human Health
Department Chair: Andrew Sensenig, Ph.D.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate content knowledge in the major subject areas of biology: breadth, depth, and organizing concepts.
Demonstrate information literacy in science as it is typically communicated (e.g., scientific journal articles, including graphs and tables).
Design, conduct and critically evaluate scientific research.
Practice a broad spectrum of technology used in scientific research.
Demonstrate the capacity to communicate scientific information.
Exhibit the skills necessary to independently increase scientific expertise.
Describe the philosophical basis of science, its capabilities and limitations, relative to epistemology, ethics, and religion.
Commitment to seek to serve the Church, society, and creation.
Locations Offered
Main Campus 51ÁÔĆć
Lower Division Major Prerequisites
BIOL 111 - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 111L - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Lab Credits 1
CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4
Required Courses (45 Units)
BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 231 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits 3
BIOL 231L - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Credits 1
BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 370 - Bioethics Credits 3
BIOL 441 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits 3
BIOL 441L - Cell and Molecular Biology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 450 - Genetics Credits 3
BIOL 450L - Genetics Lab Credits 1
BIOL 470 - History and Philosophy of Science Credits 3
BIOL 485BIO - Senior Seminar Credits 2
BIOL 496 - Biological Research Credits 1 - 3
Must be taken for a minimum of 2 units
Supporting Courses
CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
CHEM 310 - Organic Chemistry I Credits 3
MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1
PHYS 120 - General Physics I Credits 3
PHYS 120L - General Physics I Lab Credits 1
Emphasis Courses (16 Units)
Select 16 units from the following:
BIOL 220 - Healthcare in the United States Credits 2
BIOL 331 - Human Anatomy Credits 3 and
BIOL 331L - Human Anatomy Lab Credits 1
BIOL 340 - Microbiology Credits 3 and
BIOL 340L - Microbiology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 421 - Biochemistry Credits 3 and
BIOL 421L - Biochemistry Lab Credits 1
BIOL 482 - Practicum in Biology Credits 1 - 3
CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry II Credits 3
CHEM 312L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits 1
CHEM 313L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits 1
MATH 220 - Calculus II Credits 4
PHYS 121 - General Physics II Credits 3 and
PHYS 121L - General Physics II Lab Credits 1 or
PHYS 131 - University Physics II Credits 3 and
PHYS 131L - University Physics II Lab Credits 1
Other coursework approved by the Biology Program Director
Note:
Pre-medical students should enroll in PHYS 121 - General Physics II , CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry II Â and BIOL 421 - Biochemistry .
Individualized
Department Chair: Andrew Sensenig, Ph.D.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate content knowledge in the major subject areas of biology: breadth, depth, and organizing concepts.
Demonstrate information literacy in science as it is typically communicated (e.g., scientific journal articles, including graphs and tables).
Design, conduct and critically evaluate scientific research.
Practice a broad spectrum of technology used in scientific research.
Demonstrate the capacity to communicate scientific information.
Exhibit the skills necessary to independently increase scientific expertise.
Describe the philosophical basis of science, its capabilities and limitations, relative to epistemology, ethics, and religion.
Commitment to seek to serve the Church, society, and creation.
Locations Offered
Main Campus 51ÁÔĆć
Lower Division Major Prerequisites
BIOL 111 - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 111L - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Lab Credits 1
CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4
Required Courses (45 units)
BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3
BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 332 - Human Physiology Credits 3
BIOL 332L - Human Physiology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 370 - Bioethics Credits 3
BIOL 441 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits 3
BIOL 441L - Cell and Molecular Biology Lab Credits 1
BIOL 450 - Genetics Credits 3
BIOL 450L - Genetics Lab Credits 1
BIOL 470 - History and Philosophy of Science Credits 3
BIOL 485BIO - Senior Seminar Credits 2
BIOL 496 - Biological Research Credits 1 - 3
   Must be taken for a minimum of 2 units
CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
CHEM 310 - Organic Chemistry I Credits 3
MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1
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.
Below is a sample curriculum map for this program. This map serves as an example of how courses are set up to ensure completion of the degree in three years. The course listing is based on a sample year and follows a fall, spring and summer academic year. Some courses are only offered on odd or even years. An advisor will work with you to create a curriculum map that is unique to you.
Secondary Teaching
Year 1
Fall
Code
Title
Units
CP 152
Freshman Seminar
1
BIB 100
Jesus and the Christian Community
3
BIOL 111
General Biology: Cells and Physiology
4
PHYS 160
Space Science
3
Humanities/Social Science
3
Written/Oral Communication
3
Total units
17
Spring
Code
Title
Units
BIOL 121
General Biology: Diversity and Ecology
4
PHYS 150
Earth Science
3
Written/Oral Communication
3
PSY 120
General Psychology
3
MATH 210
Calculus I
4
Total units
17
Summer
Code
Title
Units
HIST 120
Ancient Civilizations
4
KIN 120
Concepts of Wellness
3
HIST 150
American Civilization
3
Total units
10
Year 2
Fall
Code
Title
Units
CHEM 103
General Chemistry I
4
LA 380
Learning Communities
3
BIOL 312
Ecology
4
PHYS 120
General Physics I
4
PE
1
Total units
16
Spring
Code
Title
Units
CHEM 104
General Chemistry II
4
HIST 130
Medieval and Early Modern Civilizations
4
BIOL 370
Bioethics
3
PHYS 121
General Physics II
4
BIOL 496
Research
1
Total units
16
Summer
Code
Title
Units
HIST 140
Modern Civilizations
4
Humanities/Social Science
3
Elective
4
Total units
11
Year 3
Fall
Code
Title
Units
BIOL 450
Genetics
4
CHEM 310
Organic Chemistry I
3
BIOL 321 or BIOL 322
Vertebrate Zoology or Invertebrate Zoology
4
PSY 355
Adolescent Development
3
Biblical Literature
3
Total units
17
Spring
Code
Title
Units
BIOL 470
History and Philosophy of Science
3
BIOL 485
Senior Seminar in Biology
2
THEO 430
Contemporary Theology
3
BIOL 332
Human Physiology
4
BIOL 441
Cell and Molecular Biology
4
Total units
16
Total Units: 120
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in) * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
4 years of college preparatory English
3 years of college preparatory mathematics
2 years of social studies
1 year of laboratory science
1 year of performing art
3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind
51ÁÔĆć’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
51ÁÔĆć
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
51ÁÔĆć, CA 93702 ugadmis@fresno.edu
For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission
Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class
Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
Incoming requirements
This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$3,902
$3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)
$5,026
$5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person
Fall
Spring
Apartments - Room only
$3,306
$3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$3,958
$3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$4,514
$4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)
$5,639
$5,639
Stand-Alone Meal Plans
Fall
Spring
70 Block
$651
$651
140 Block
$1,208
$1,208
Full Access Meal Plan
$2,332
$2,332
* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Notes about housing
For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name
GPA
Amount
Paragon
Full Tuition
President's
4.00 GPA and above
$18,000
Dean's
3.75-3.99 GPA
$15,000
Heritage
3.50-3.75 GPA
$14,000
Faculty
3.25-3.49 GPA
$12,000
Founder's
Below a 3.0 GPA
$8,000
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
$1,000
Federal Loans and Work Study
Name
Amount
Federal Direct
$3,500 to $7,500
PLUS Loan
Up to remaining cost
Workstudy
Contingent on employment
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending 51ÁÔĆć Pacific.
Alexandra Green
Mathematics
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend 51ÁÔĆć Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
With this degree, you’ll gain the foundation for a broad range of careers in the sciences and beyond. You’ll also be well-prepared for medical and graduate studies, including teacher credential programs, and master’s and doctoral research.
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.