During the fall semester they define their project and begin their research. Under the restructured program, it will now be possible for a student to have enough data to enter the CSU Undergraduate Research Competition which is held every spring semester. Majors understand the characteristics that unite living organisms and distinguish them from non-living entities and, at the same time, understanding the diversity that exists among organisms. Majors understand how similarities and differences among organisms form the basis for systematics and serve as a means of categorizing and naming organisms. Majors understand the physical and chemical properties of organisms and processes that occur in living things.
Majors understand the cellular basis of life.
Majors understand the nature and function of the gene and how the flow of genetic information in the cell, in the organism, and in the population. Majors understand the homoestatic control mechanisms that allow organisms to respond to changes in the internal and external environment. Majors understand the interdependence and interrelationships among organisms and between organisms and their environment. Majors understand the origin of life and the process of evolution. Majors have an understanding of the historical background leading to contemporary views on major biological topics and an awareness of the dynamic process of scientific inquiry.