2026-2027 Catalog
Biology Department
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 Return to: Programs, Degrees and Departments
Undergraduate Programs
The Biology program at California State University Channel Islands provides foundational training in the principles and practice of modern biological science. Grounded in hypothesis-driven inquiry and experiential learning, students engage in analytical, quantitative, and experimental approaches in laboratory or field settings. Through small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, the program prepares students to think critically and apply scientific reasoning across biological disciplines.
The Department offers the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Students complete core coursework in cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology, supported by study in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. The curriculum integrates molecular and cellular biology with organismal, marine, and terrestrial perspectives, linking processes at the level of genes and cells to health, behavior, populations, and ecosystems. Upper-division electives allow students to explore areas such as neuroscience, biotechnology, cancer biology, microbiology, plant biology, marine biology, deep-sea ecology, vertebrate biology, animal behavior, and wildlife conservation. Many courses incorporate hands-on laboratory experiences with live model organisms or fieldwork in coastal environments, enabling students to design experiments, analyze data, and apply biological principles to real-world problems. Throughout their studies, students develop practical technical and analytical skills that support diverse academic and career pathways in science and related fields.
Opportunities for student involvement in faculty-mentored research, internships, or community engagement extend learning beyond the classroom. Regional partners include Amgen, Agilent Technologies, the Ventura County Crime Laboratory, and UCLA medical and research tours. Conservation and field-based partnerships include the Santa Barbara Zoo and the National Park Service. Local sustainable agriculture initiatives, reflected in the Modoc Garden, support service learning connected to campus basic needs programs. The CSUCI Apiary, located at the UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, provides opportunities for student involvement in beekeeping and pollinator research. Students engage with the Santa Rosa Island Research Station through select courses and research projects. These experiences strengthen technical proficiency and applied problem-solving skills. Biology graduates pursue careers in biotechnology, biomedical or environmental research, conservation organizations, government agencies, and education. They are also prepared for admission to master’s and doctoral programs as well as professional schools, including medical, dental, and veterinary programs.
Information about the Master of Science in Biotechnology program is available separately.
Program Learning Outcomes
Faculty
Ruben Alarcón, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Aliso Hall, Room 203
(805) 437-2634
ruben.alarcon@csuci.edu
Allison Alvarado, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Aliso Hall, Room 208
(805) 437-8896
Allison.alvarado@csuci.edu
Caryl Ann Becerra, PhD
Assistant Professor
LSAMP Faculty Director
Aliso Hall 108
Phone: 805-437-2774
carylann.becerra@csuci.edu
Amy Denton, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Director, M.S. Biotechnology Program
Aliso Hall, Room 207
(805) 437-8458
amy.denton@csuci.edu
Geoff Dilly, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Aliso Hall, Room 204
(805) 437-3726
geoffrey.dilly@csuci,edu
Erich Fleming, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Aliso Hall, Room 202
(805) 437-3696
erich.fleming@csuci.edu
Gareth Harris, PhD
Associate Professor
Aliso Hall Room 201
Phone: 805-437-2639
gareth.harris@csuci.edu
Nancy Mozingo, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Aliso Hall, Room 205
(805) 437-8989
nancy.mozingo@csuci.edu
Nitika Parmar, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Director of the MS in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Program
Aliso Hall, Room 206
(805) 437-8873
nitika.parmar@cusci.edu
Hugo Tapia, PhD
Associate Professor
Aliso Hall 105
Phone: 805-437-1649
hugo.tapia@csuci.edu
Rudolf von May, PhD
Associate Professor
Aliso Hall 107
Phone: 805-437-2015
rudolf.vonmay@csuci.edu
Lecturers and Teaching Faculty
Shannon Andreoli, MS
Aliso Hall 104
Phone: 805-437-1664
shannon.andreoli556@csuci.edu
Cameron Cunningham, PhD
cameron.cunningham@csuci.edu
Sean Farmer, MS
sean.farmer@csuci.edu
Renee French, PhD
Katrina Hales, PhD
Ojai Hall 1973
Phone: 805-437-2635
katrina.hales@csuci.edu
Zin Htway, PhD
Aliso Hall 104
Phone: 805-437-1664
zin.htway@csuci.edu
Steven Norris, PhD
Sierra Hall 3317
Phone: 805-437-2763
steven.norris@csuci.edu
Lorna Profant, PhD
BTW 1159
Phone: 805-437-8837
lorna.profant@csuci.edu
Namita Shanbhag, MS
namita.shanbhag951@csuci.edu
Staff
Krisha Algoso, MS
Instructional Support Technician II
Aliso Hall 106
Phone: 805-437-3184
krisha.algoso880@csuci.edu
Elliott Bloom
Instructional Support Technician
Aliso Hall 106
Phone: 805-437-8806
elliott.bloom@csuci.edu
Jessica Dalton, MS, MBA
Instructional Support Technician III
Aliso Hall 102
Phone: 805-437-8853
jessica.dalton@csuci.edu
Kimberly Gardner
Instructional Support Technician II
Aliso Hall 102
Phone: 805-437-8502
kimberly.gardner457@csuci.edu
Catherine Hutchinson, MS, MLS
Instructional Support Technician III
Aliso Hall 106
Phone: 805-437-8403
catherine.hutchinson@csuci.edu
Joshua Sarmina
Instructional Support Technician I
Aliso Hall 104
Phone: 805-437-1664
joshua.sarmina729@csuci.edu
Laura Lugo
Academic Program Analyst
Aliso Hall 103
Phone: 805-437-2779
laura.lugo940@csuci.edu
Contact Information
http://biology.csuci.edu
biology@csuci.edu
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