Human Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Biological Sciences

Frédéric Chédin, Ph.D., Professor, Chairperson of the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology; term ends June 30, 2026
W. Martin Usrey, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Department Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior

149 Briggs Hall; 530-752-3611; Molecular & Cellular Biology
196 Briggs Hall; 530-752-0203; Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior

The Human Biology major provides students with a broad biological understanding of our species, from molecules, genes, and cells to tissues, organ systems and organism/environment interactions. The curriculum includes classes on the basic principles that help us understand normal human physiology, human health, and the molecular basis of disease.

The Program

In the freshman and sophomore years, students majoring in Human Biology build a broad scientific background, taking courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. As juniors or seniors, students can enroll in a variety of courses focused on biological processes and diseases that affect humans.

Career Alternatives

The Human Biology major provides fundamental knowledge needed for a broad range of careers, including those in the areas of healthcare, biotechnology, public health, public policy, and education, and for advanced study in health-related disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy.

Faculty

Faculty includes all members of the Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Evolution & Ecology, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, and Plant Biology in the College of Biological Sciences.

Faculty Advisors

Mona Monfared, Ph.D; Alex Nord, Ph.D.

Advising

Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) in 1023 Katherine Esau Science Hall (formerly Sciences Laboratory Building); 530-752-0410.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Human Biology Bachelor of Science is 96.

Preparatory Subject Matter
Biological Science15
Introduction to Biology: Essentials of Life on Earth
and Introduction to Biology: Principles of Ecology & Evolution
and Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity & the Tree of Life
Chemistry
Choose CHE 002 or CHE 004 series: 115
General Chemistry
and General Chemistry
and General Chemistry
OR
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
and General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
and General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
Choose CHE 008 or CHE 118 series: 26-12
Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
and Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
OR
Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences
and Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences
and Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences
Mathematics
Choose MAT 017 or MAT 021 series: 38-12
Calculus for Biology & Medicine
and Calculus for Biology & Medicine
and Calculus for Biology & Medicine
OR
Calculus
and Calculus
and Calculus (Recommended)
Physics
PHY 007AGeneral Physics4
PHY 007BGeneral Physics4
PHY 007CGeneral Physics4
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal56-66
Depth Subject Matter
Biological Science
BIS 101Genes & Gene Expression4
BIS 104Cell Biology3
BIS 105Biomolecules & Metabolism3-6
or BIS 102
BIS 103
Structure & Function of Biomolecules
and Bioenergetics & Metabolism
Statistics
STA 100Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences4
Choose one:3-4
Introduction to Evolution
Human Genetic Variation & Evolution
Human Genetics & Genomics
Microbiology
MIC 102Introductory Microbiology3
Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior
NPB 101Systemic Physiology5
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal25-29
Restricted Electives
Courses meeting this requirement must come from at least two of the following categories; any cross-listed courses taken will count for only one category; must include at least one approved lab course.15-19
Restricted Electives Subtotal15-19
Total Units96-114
1

With BASC advisor approval, these combinations also satisfy the Chemistry requirement:CHE 004A-CHE 002A (3 units w/no lab)- CHE 002B- CHE 002C; CHE 004A, CHE 004B-CHE 002C

2

With BASC advisor approval, this combination also satisfies the Organic Chemistry requirement: CHE 118A-CHE 008B.

3

With BASC advisor approval, this combination also satisfies the Mathematics requirement: MAT 021A-MAT 017B-MAT 017C; MAT 017A-MAT 021B.

Genetics, Genomics, & Development

ANT 153Human Genetics: Mutation & Migration5
BIS 181Comparative Genomics3
BIS 183Functional Genomics3
EVE 102Population & Quantitative Genetics4
EVE 131Human Genetic Variation & Evolution3
MCB 121Advanced Molecular Biology3
MCB 144Mechanisms of Cell Division3
MCB 150Developmental Biology4
MCB 162Human Genetics & Genomics3
MCB 163Developmental Genetics3
MCB 164Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics3
MCB 182Principles of Genomics3
MIC 150Genomes of Pathogenic Bacteria (Discontinued)3
NPB 122Developmental Endocrinology3
NPB 132Nature vs. Nurture: Physiological Interactions Among Genes, Nutrients & Health3
NPB 133Genes & the Brain4
NPB 161Developmental Neurobiology 3
Approved Laboratory Courses:
Introductory Microbiology Laboratory 1
Principles of Genetics Laboratory
Phylogenetic Analysis of Vertebrate Structure
1

MIC 103L will be discontinued; This course will be offered under MMG 103L.

Physiology & Neurobiology

EXB 101Exercise Physiology4
EXB 106/CHA 101Human Gross Anatomy4
EXB 106L/CHA 101LHuman Gross Anatomy Laboratory3
EXB 110Exercise Metabolism3
EXB 124Physiology of Maximal Human Performance4
NPB 100Neurobiology4
NPB 107Cell Signaling in Health & Disease3
NPB 109Kinesiology: Analysis & Control of Human Movement4
NPB 113Cardiovascular, Respiratory, & Renal Physiology4
NPB 114Gastrointestinal Physiology3
NPB 122Developmental Endocrinology3
NPB 130Physiology of the Endocrine Glands4
NPB 132Nature vs. Nurture: Physiological Interactions Among Genes, Nutrients & Health3
NPB 133Genes & the Brain4
NPB 134General Immunology for Physiologists3
NPB 140Principles of Environmental Physiology3
NPB 152/PSC 123Hormones & Behavior3
NPB/HPH 157Advanced Physiology of Animal/Human Disease3
NPB 161Developmental Neurobiology 3
NPB 163Systems Neuroscience4
NPB 164Mammalian Vision4
NPB 165Neurobiology of Speech Perception3
NPB 167Computational Neuroscience5
NPB 168Neurobiology of Addictive Drugs4
NPB 171Physiology of Neuroimmune Interactions4
NPB 172Map Formation in the Brain3
NPB 173Neurobiology of Brain Disorders3
Approved Laboratory Courses:
Phylogenetic Analysis of Vertebrate Structure
Neurobiology Laboratory
Systemic Physiology Laboratory

Origins of Disease & Human Health

EVE 161Microbial Phylogenomics; Genomic Perspectives on the Diversity & Diversification of Microbes3
EXB 101Exercise Physiology4
EXB 106Human Gross Anatomy4
EXB 106LHuman Gross Anatomy Laboratory3
EXB 110Exercise Metabolism3
EXB 124Physiology of Maximal Human Performance4
MIC 150Genomes of Pathogenic Bacteria (Discontinued)3
MIC 162General Virology (Discontinued)3
MMG 111Human Microbiology3
or MIC 111 DISCONTINUED
MMG 1723
or MIC 172 DISCONTINUED
MMG 1753
or MIC 175 DISCONTINUED
NPB 107Cell Signaling in Health & Disease3
NPB 109Kinesiology: Analysis & Control of Human Movement4
NPB 132Nature vs. Nurture: Physiological Interactions Among Genes, Nutrients & Health3
NPB 134General Immunology for Physiologists3
NPB/HPH 157Advanced Physiology of Animal/Human Disease3
NPB 168Neurobiology of Addictive Drugs4
NPB 171Physiology of Neuroimmune Interactions4
NPB 173Neurobiology of Brain Disorders3
Approved Laboratory Courses:
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Laboratory
MMG 103L
(Pending Approval) 1
Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
1

MIC 103L will be discontinued; this course will be offered under MMG 103L.