Quantitative Biology and Biostatistics Minor

Program of Study

Biology is becoming far more data-rich and computationally intensive. As a result, effective training of 21st-century biologists requires dedicated training of students in quantitative and computational analyses. The purpose of the Minor in Quantitative Biology and Biostatistics is to provide Biological Sciences and related majors formal recognition of their expanded knowledge and skills in scientific computing, modeling, and statistics that will result from completion of a suite of required and elective courses. Students who complete this minor will be well prepared for graduate study, work in the private sector, or positions with government agencies or non-profits. Regardless of their choice of a career, the skills students gain in this minor will serve them well.

The minor requires completion of seven courses (22-24 units), five courses (15 units) of which must be at the 300-500 level. At least two courses (6 units) at the 300-500 level must be completed at Cal State San Marcos. Each course counted toward the minor must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. At least two upper-division courses (6 units) must be exclusive to the minor (i.e., not double-counted with major requirements). Students who are interested in pursuing graduate degrees in biostatistics should take MATH 160  instead of MATH 150 , as well as MATH 162  and MATH 264 , and should take at least one advanced statistics class (BIOL 531 , BIOL 532 , or equivalent).

Required Courses

Total (22-24 Units)