Biology Department photograph montage

Welcome!

SF State's Department of Biology offers a dynamic learning environment, exciting research opportunities, and mentorship by world-class scientists. Our undergraduate and graduate programs in cell and molecular biology, conservation biology, ecology and systematics, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, botany and zoology, and biology education are all designed to train and educate students to meet the challenges of leadership roles in the biological sciences. We invite you to explore our exceptional educational and research opportunities.

Announcements

  • Major in Biology? Yes You Can!

    The Department of Biology has declared 'impaction' limiting the number of students we can take, but the more lower-division major requirements you take and the better your class performance, the higher your priority will be for admission to the major.  Apply in November of your Sophomore year to become a Biology major in your Junior year.

  • Concurrent Enrollment Policy

    Students may petition to take a course at another campus.  Petition must include course description from host campus, transcripts, current term enrollment and DARS form. Also, indicate if Concurrent Enrollment is requested because student has exhausted the two-attemp limit on courses at SF State.  All transfer units must be approved by the Department of Biology.

  • Minor in Biology Suspended for 2014-2015

    The Minor in Biology has been suspended due to impaction. Students who have already declared a minor will be allowed to complete their course of study.  The Department of Biology does not approve 'special majors' involving high-demand courses. 

In the News

  • New Faculty Publication

    Dr. Dennis Desjardin's newest book California Mushrooms:  The Comprehensive Idenfication Guide treats over 1100 species and includes complete descriptions for 650 species and over 750 color photos.  Published by Timber Press, the book will be available in bookstores on November 12.  (Pre-orders can be made now from Amazon.com)  

  • Undergraduate Awarded Prestigious Scholarship

    Microbiology major Stephanie Gee was awarded a 2014 Beckman Scholar Program scholarshp for her outstanding research in the Biological Sciences.

News Archive »