Biological sciences include all areas of scientific endeavor centered around the general question of the nature of life. Such diverse areas as genetics, genomics, physiology, cell biology, marine biology, ecology, and animal behavior are all part of the biological sciences. The disciplines of the biological sciences represented in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are in the Department of Biological Sciences, which offers five degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, a Master of Science in Biology, and a Master of Science in Microbiology. The B.S. in Biology has, in addition to a general option, three specialized options in Biology Education, Zoology, Botany & Ecology and Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology. See below the specific requirements for each of these degrees and options. The Department of Biological Sciences also participates in the Desert Studies Consortium and the Ocean Studies Institute. Information on the latter program is listed in this catalog under Ocean Studies Institute. This option is designed primarily for those interested in careers that are related to zoology, ecology, and botany. It is particularly appropriate for students who wish to attend veterinary or graduate school, and for those seeking employment in environmental consulting firms, and fish and wildlife agencies. This option requires approximately 80-83 units in the major, of which 43-46 units are in lower division courses and 37 units are in upper division courses.