When Should I Talk to an Advisor?

  • If you need advice on which courses to take.
  • If you need information on coursework.
  • If you get a C- or less in any course.
  • If you have a lower-division GPA < 2.8, or an upper-division GPA < 2.0
  • Before using course forgiveness.
  • Before taking any GE course in the sciences.
  • Before taking any course Credit / No Credit.

Meet our Advisors

The Biology Advising Office assists undergraduates in the biology and microbiology majors and minors with course planning, degree completion, and any issues related to the undergraduate curriculum at SDSU. We also help students in other majors, like IS3D, determine which biology courses are appropriate for them.

Appointment Scheduling and Drop-in Advising

Drop-In appointments with Peer Mentors are available Monday – Thursday, with Zoom advising available on Friday. Peer Mentors are current College of Science students that can help you answer general questions, plan out your schedule, and offer you personal insight on courses they have taken.

If you wish to meet with an advisor, Book an Appointment with Amy Tappen or Book an Appointment with Raymond Stanley, instructions below.

Book an Appointment

Book appointments on Navigate 360. Use the same login that you use for My.SDSU or Canvas.

  • Once on the site, select “Make Appointment | Find Drop-Ins.”
    • If you are looking for Drop-In availability, select the “View Drop-In Times” menu under “Other Options.”
  • Select an appointment type in the “What Type of Appointment Would You Like to Schedule?”
  • Select a Service
    • **If you are NOT a College of Sciences student please make sure to choose MAJOR/MINOR EXPLORATION as the service for your appointment.**
  • Click “Find Available Time”
  • Select an open appointment
    • If there are no times that work for you, select “Request an Appointment” to request a new time.

Fall and Spring Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Friday: Amy Tappen and Raymond Stanley are available by Zoom appointment only.
    Peer mentors are available for Zoom advising.

Summer Hours

  • Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Thursday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Friday: Amy Tappen and Raymond Stanley are available by Zoom appointment only.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad involves planning and coordination with the Global Education Office and the Biology Advising Office. Our office can help students as they are beginning the process to advise on which remaining requirements may be taken abroad, and again prior to departure to officially review their biology course choices.

Prepare for Medical School

SDSU offers degrees in Biology and Microbiology with the opportunity for emphasis in many areas. We do not have a “Pre-Med” major, but many of our majors aspire to attend medical school or other health profession programs. Visit the Health Professions Advising Office for specific information about academic preparation in the following areas:

  • Pre-Medical
  • Pre-Dental
  • Pre-Veterinary
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Podiatry
  • Pre-Optometry
  • Pre-Physician assistant
  • Pre-Chiropractic
  • Allied Health Fields

Prepare for Grad School

Visit the Graduate Studies Program Application page if you are interested in applying for a SDSU Graduate Program. For general information pertaining to graduate programs, application to graduate programs, etc., visit the Grad School page on the Biology Canvas Home Room.

Careers

Visit Career Services and register with Handshake. See their General Information Handout for Biology.

Contact local employers that you may be interested in, and find out how often positions open up, how positions are advertised, and the relative importance of the type of degree, GPA, previous research experience, and specific skills or courses. Ask if they often hire SDSU graduates.

Schedule a meeting with a professor within biology whose research most closely matches your interests, and get their perspective on job opportunities.

For advice about graduate school in any area of biology, make an appointment with a biology advisor. Contact a professor within biology whose research most closely matches your interests for more specific information.

Canvas

Students with an SDSU ID can visit the Biology Canvas page for more information on advising and coursework.