Biological Sciences

http://www.biology.ucsc.edu
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
A308 Earth and Marine Sciences
(831) 459-5358

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
225 Sinsheimer Laboratories
(831) 459-4986

Undergraduate Advising
230 Sinsheimer
(831) 459-4143
http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/ug

General Program Description

The biological sciences have entered into an exciting new era in which phenomena that once seemed insoluble mysteries-such as embryonic development, the functions of the brain, and the dynamics of ecosystems-are now yielding their secrets as the technology to study them becomes more and more sophisticated. From molecular biology, with its potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture, to ecology, with its lessons for the sustainable management of the environment, biologists are fully engaged in meeting the challenges of the future, helping to improve the quality of human life and to preserve habitats and biodiversity. Thus, it is no surprise that the biological sciences are at the heart of many of today's most pressing intellectual and social concerns.

The Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology offer a broad spectrum of courses that reflect the exciting new developments and directions in the field of biology. An outstanding group of faculty, each with a vigorous, internationally recognized research program, are available to teach courses in their specialties as well as core courses for the major. Areas of research strength within the departments include RNA molecular biology, molecular and cellular aspects of genetics and development, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology, microbial biochemistry, plant biology, animal behavior, physiology, evolution, ecology, and marine biology. UCSC is unique in the UC system in providing exceptional opportunities for undergraduate research, allowing students to interact one-on-one with faculty and other researchers in a laboratory or field setting.

Biological Sciences Majors

Students may plan a program that leads to one of several B.A. or more advanced B.S. degrees. The latter are more appropriate for students planning to go on to graduate programs or to medical, dental, or veterinary schools. Students may choose from the following major options:

Biology B.A. (general)

Biology B.S. (general)

Ecology and evolution B.S.

Health sciences B.S.

Marine biology B.S.

Molecular, cell, and developmental biology B.S.

Neuroscience and behavior B.A.

Neuroscience and behavior B.S.

Plant sciences B.S.

Biochemistry and molecular biology B.S. (administered in conjunction with the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.)

Environmental studies/biology combined major B.A. (administered in conjunction with the Environmental Studies Department.)

Bioinformatics B.S. (administered in conjunction with the School of Engineering.)

Advanced undergraduates, with the consent of faculty supervisors, have access to extensive departmental laboratory facilities for independent research. Fieldwork draws on a remarkable variety of terrestrial habitats, as well as ready access to Monterey Bay and the open Pacific. Marine studies are supported by a coastal facility with running seawater, with a research vessel available for offshore work. Año Nuevo Island, north of Santa Cruz, is the site of extensive behavioral studies of marine mammals. Hospitals, convalescent and physical therapy centers, veterinary clinics, and other enterprises in the vicinity of the campus provide the opportunity to pursue field projects and internships comparable to on-the-job training. This array of opportunities for directed independent study enables biological science majors to enhance their upper-division programs to reflect and strengthen their own interests and goals in the sciences.

Education Abroad Opportunities

The UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) offers qualified students unique opportunities to broaden their educational horizons. The biological sciences departments encourage interested students to participate. Many programs are in English-speaking countries or use English for advanced courses. Many programs offer small classes, extensive laboratories, and/or field research experience.

There are excellent programs for biological science students in Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Germany, among others. The Costa Rica Tropical Biology Program is of note to students interested in tropical biology and ecology. Held spring and fall quarters at the Monteverde Research Station, this program gives students experience with hands-on field research, offers a homestay program, and carries credit for two upper-division biology courses. The University of Queensland (Australia) offers an intensive, full-semester Marine Science Program, which includes a stay at a research station on the Great Barrier Reef, near sheltered mangrove and seagrass habitats. Molecular, cell, and developmental biology majors and premedical students might want to consider the Human Biology Program at the Panum Institute in Denmark. This program is taught in English for advanced students planning careers in medicine or biomedical research.

Students interested in study abroad need to get an early start on their basic science requirements, including chemistry, math, and introductory biology and must declare their major prior to applying to go abroad. Visit the EAP office as soon as possible to begin planning, and seek advice about your schedule from the biological sciences undergraduate adviser and/or faculty adviser.

Prerequisites for the Biological Sciences

The introductory biology sequence, is prerequisite to virtually all upper-division biology courses. Biology 20A has a prerequisite of Chemistry 1B, and thus students cannot enroll in course 20A until they have completed Chemistry 1B. Therefore, it is essential for students considering a major in the biological sciences to start chemistry as soon as possible. Students who have not taken Chemistry 1B but have passed the placement exam may begin the introductory sequence with Biology 20C. The entire introductory biology sequence should be taken the first and second year, concurrently with or following the general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N).

The biology placement examination is given several times each quarter and must be taken in order to enroll in any biology courses. Students who  score below 70 on the placement exam must take course 3, Concepts in Biology, before enrolling in the introductory series. An Advanced Placement score of 3+ or biology course credit from another college may waive the placement exam requirement; consult with an academic adviser to determine if you qualify.

The Mathematics Department offers a placement exam several times a year. Biological science majors are expected to take this exam. If the results indicate a need for precalculus, students need to take Mathematics 3 as soon as possible. Students with even less preparation may need to take college algebra at another institution.

The Chemistry Department also offers a placement exam. Students are encouraged to take the chemistry placement exam at either summer orientation or at the start of their first quarter. Completing Chemistry 1B is the prerequisite to enrolling in Biology 20A.

Students intending to major in Health sciences should take the Spanish placement exam, offered by the Language Program, to determine with which course they should begin the Spanish sequence.

Some of the biological science majors require one of the following organic chemistry combinations: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, 112C/N.

Course Substitution/Transfer Credit Policy

At least half of the upper-division courses (Biology 100-190) required for each major must be taken through the biological sciences program at UCSC, not as transfer credits from another department or institution. Transfer students are advised to contact the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Advising office before enrolling in numerous upper-division courses at other institutions. For more information on transferring courses to UCSC, please consult the Biological Sciences Undergraduate web site at http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/ug.

A maximum of one upper-division course requirement may be met with a research-based independent study or graduate-level UCSC biology course or a course offered by another UCSC department.

Declaration Process for Biological Sciences Majors

Declaration guidelines for biology majors can be found on the Biological Sciences Undergraduate web site at http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/ug.

Comprehensive Requirement

All majors in the biological sciences require a comprehensive requirement. This requirement can be satisfied in one of the following ways:

• by passing course 190 Senior Seminar;

• by receiving a passing grade in an internship, independent research, or field course:
  141L, Ecological Field Methods

• 143L, Field Methods in Herpetological Research
• 145L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
• 148L, Quantitative Ecology for Conservation Lab
• 160L, Marine Ecology Lab
• 161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Lab 162,  Marine Ecology Field Quarter
• 165, Field Ecology of Baja California
• 169L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
• 183, Undergraduate Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• 185, Hughes Undergraduate Research Lab
• 186, Undergraduate Research in MCD
• 189, Health Sciences Internship
• by completing a senior thesis or a senior essay. See the Biological Sciences Undergraduate web site for more information, including exact deadline dates, at http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/ug/advising/f_thesiseval.html;

• by achieving a Graduate Record Examination score at or above the 50th percentile on the Biology Subject Test or the Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Subject Test. Reports of GRE scores must be submitted to the Biological Sciences Advising office before the last day of the graduating quarter;

• by obtaining an MCAT score at or above the 50th percentile on the biological sciences section. Reports of MCAT scores must be submitted to the Biological Sciences Advising office before the last day of the graduating quarter.

Letter Grade Policy

For all students entering UCSC in fall 2001 and later, all courses used to satisfy any of the biological sciences majors must be taken for a letter grade.

Major Disqualification Policy

The biological sciences departments have adopted a major disqualification policy that is intended to encourage students to take their performance in the introductory requirements seriously and to make a strong effort to pass the introductory courses.

Students who receive more than one No Pass, D, and/or F in the following introductory major requirements will not be permitted to major in any of the biological sciences majors:

• Biology 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology
• Biology 20B, Development and Physiology
• Biology 20C, Ecology and Evolution
• Biology 20L, Experimental Biology Lab
• Chemistry 1B, General Chemistry
• Chemistry 1C, General Chemistry
• Math 11A, Calculus with Applications
• Math 11B, Calculus with Applications
• Math 19A, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Math 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

Students may appeal their disqualification within the appeal period by writing a letter to the department chair. This appeal must be submitted to the advising office no later than 15 days from the date the disqualification notification was mailed, or the 10th day of classes in the quarter of their disqualification, whichever is later. The advising office will subsequently notify the student, the college, and the Office of the Registrar of the decision, no later than 15 days after the submission of the appeal.

A student who has been disqualified from the major may, no earlier than three months from the date of the disqualification, petition to be reinstated. This application will be considered only if there is substantial new evidence that the student is capable of making normal progress in the major.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is available at the biological sciences undergraduate advising office. Students should take full advantage of this opportunity and should keep in frequent touch with the office to stay informed about late announcements of courses, changes in scheduling, and opportunities for special study.

 The Biological Sciences Undergraduate web site (http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/ ug)  serves as the program handbook containing advice and information pertinent to students' most frequently voiced questions. Each student in the major should review the information posted on the web site; for further assistance, contact the advising office.

Transfer Students

The faculty encourages applications from transfer students in the biological sciences. It is very important for transfer students to complete science prerequisite courses before transfer, especially precalculus and general chemistry. Students should also take an introductory biology sequence, calculus, and, if possible, organic chemistry. Prospective transfer students should review the transfer guidelines at http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/ug or contact the undergraduate advising office for further information.

Medical and Professional School Admission

Medical and professional school admissions requirements vary; students should verify that their coursework will satisfy the admissions requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply.

First-Year Sample  Schedule Planners

Plan One is for freshmen placing into Chemistry 1A, Mathematics 3, and Biology 3.

Plan Two is for freshmen placing into Chemistry 1A, Mathematics 11A, and Biology 20.

Plan Three is for freshmen placing into Chemistry 1B, Mathematics 11A, and Biology 20, starting the introductory sequence with Biology 20A.

Plan Four is for freshmen placing into Chemistry 1B, Mathematics 11A, and Biology 20, starting the introductory sequence with Biology 20C.

Graduate Programs

The Biological Sciences Departments have two graduate programs offering doctorate and master's degrees in ecology and evolutionary biology and in molecular, cell, and developmental biology.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The graduate program in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) at UCSC is one of the premier programs in the country. This is due to the quality and commitment of the faculty, the long-standing tradition of the University of California, and the unique environment of the Santa Cruz campus. UCSC has been singularly blessed with varied and easily accessible marine and terrestrial resources for research. UCSC is ideal for marine research-having its own marine laboratory, a fleet of boats, and one of the most active scientific diving programs in the country. In close proximity to pinniped rookeries at the UC Reserve at Año Nuevo, the campus is located on Monterey Bay, which has the largest concentration of marine research programs in the country. In addition to state-of-the-art departmental laboratories, students have full access to the Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics (MEEG) facility and other analytical laboratories of the UCSC Institute of Marine Sciences.

Terrestrial biologists have access to all of California's natural environments through the University of California's Natural Reserve System; the diverse habitats on UCSC's 2,000-acre campus itself (mixed redwood forest, fossil sand dune associations, rolling pasture land, and chaparral) and on several adjacent preserves; the UCSC experimental Farm and Garden; extensive Southern Hemisphere plantings in the UCSC Arboretum; and greenhouses and associated laboratory facilities. More than two-thirds of our faculty participate in field studies throughout the Pacific Basin (from Alaska to Antarctica), in Pacific Rim nations (in Latin America, the Far East, and Australia), and beyond.

The program in ecology and evolutionary biology is comprised of four core tracks: (1) population and community ecology, (2) evolutionary biology, (3) physiology and behavior including marine and terrestrial animals, and (4) systematics and biodiversity.

Degree Requirements for the Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Ph.D. Requirements

Students must take Biology 250A and 250B in the first year. Biology 279 must be taken fall quarter of the first year; Biology 293 is required four quarters thereafter. Biology 294 must be taken every quarter that the student is in residence. Each Ph.D. student must complete at least two quarters as a teaching assistant during their graduate career.

During fall of the second year, students take a comprehensive examination. This is a two-part exam, written and oral, the goal of which is to examine the student's breadth and depth of knowledge of evolution, ecology, physiology, behavior, organismal, and general biology. A committee is comprised of four examiners selected by each student and the student's supervisor. Each student's area of research, together with the stated goal of the exam, should guide the composition of the student's committee.

During the sixth term, the student submits a dissertation research proposal to their dissertation committee and must defend it in a three-hour oral examination before the dissertation committee. The student advances to candidacy only after completing all course work, passing the written and oral portions of the comprehensive examination, writing and defending a dissertation research proposal, and presenting a candidacy seminar on his/her proposed research.

The student must submit his/her doctoral dissertation to the dissertation committee for tentative approval at least 60 days before presenting a formal, public doctoral research seminar. Also, the student must meet with the dissertation committee to defend the thesis at least one week prior to the public seminar. Before the dissertation is accepted for signature by the dissertation committee, at least one chapter must be submitted as a paper (not an abstract) to a refereed journal for publication.

M.A. Requirements

In addition to course work identified by the advisory committee or adviser, each student will be required to take Biology 279, two quarters of Biology 293, Biology 294 and the appropriate lab course when in residence at the university (not in the field), and Biology 297, as needed, to come up with 15 credits. Biology 250A and 250B are recommended but not required.

The student must submit their thesis draft to the thesis committee for tentative approval at least 60 days before presenting a formal, public research seminar. Also, the student must meet with the thesis committee to defend the thesis at least one week prior to the public seminar. At that time, the committee may sign the cover page of the student's dissertation.

There is no requirement, but it is highly recommended, that at least one thesis chapter be submitted as a paper (not an abstract) to a refereed journal for publication.

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

The program in molecular, cell, and developmental (MCD) biology leads to either the Ph.D. or the M.A. and is designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and biotechnology. Current research in MCD biology focuses on such topics as the structure and function of RNA, gene expression, signaling, cell division, development, and pathogenesis. A unique focus of the department is the Center for the Molecular Biology of RNA.

Degree Requirements for the Program in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Ph.D. and master's students complete the graduate core courses, Biology 200A, 200B, and 200C, in the first year. Additional undergraduate courses required to strengthen the student's background may be assigned by the advisory committee during the initial advising meeting. Typically, these courses are Biochemistry 100A and Biology 115. Students are required to participate in lab research meetings and departmental seminar series every quarter.

First-year Ph.D. students complete three 10-week laboratory rotations. Students choose their rotation laboratories in consultation with the Graduate Advisory Committee. The lab rotations give students a chance to learn about the diverse fields and methods of inquiry and to interact with members of the department. At the end of each quarter, students present a short talk to the department on their rotation project. At the end of spring quarter, students consult with rotation faculty to identify a permanent thesis laboratory.

Second-year Ph.D. students are required to submit two proposals-one on their proposed thesis work and a second on an unrelated MCDB research topic. The Ph.D. qualifying exam, taken in spring quarter of the second year, is an oral examination before a committee comprised of three internal reviewers and one external reviewer.

Once the qualifying exam is passed, students, in conjunction with their faculty adviser, select a committee to consult with in the development of their thesis. This committee monitors the student's progress and ultimately approves the final draft of the student's dissertation.  The student must meet with the thesis committee at least once a year after passing the qualifying exam.

Students are advanced to candidacy following presentation of their research to the department in a seminar.  This takes place no later than spring of the third year.

Graduate students must take two approved advanced graduate electives.  Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a Masters degree without doing rotations must complete an additional two approved graduate elective courses.

Ph.D. requirements

• Completion of the graduate core course
• Completion of the Practice of Science course
• Completion of an oral qualifying exam
• Completion of an advancement to candidacy seminar
• Completion of two advanced graduate elective courses
• Yearly meetings with a thesis committee after the qualifying exam
• Completion of two quarters of service as a teaching assistant
• Completion of thesis research resulting in a dissertation of individual work
• Presentation of thesis defense in departmental seminar

M.A. requirements

Acceptance to the master's program requires a faculty sponsor. Interested applicants must contact faculty directly and procure sponsorship before beginning the application process.

• Completion of the graduate core course
• Completion of the Practice of Science course
• Write a master's thesis based on original research
• Presentation of thesis defense in departmental seminar

General Biology Majors and Minor

The general biology majors permit flexibility, but demand careful attention to one's own interests and plans. Each student should select courses on the basis of up-to-date information in consultation with a biology faculty adviser whose interests reflect the student's interests.

The general biology majors permit flexibility, but demand careful attention to one’s own interests and plans. Each student should select courses on the basis of up-to-date information in consultation with a biology faculty adviser whose interests reflect the student’s interests.

General Biology B.A. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
• Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
• Physics 7A/L and 7B/M or two courses with laboratories from the Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N sequence

Advanced Requirements

A total of eight upper-division biology courses, as follows:

• 100, Biochemistry; or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, and 100C, Biochemistry (Upon completion of the series, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C may be used to satisfy one elective.)
• 105, Genetics
• 175, Evolution
• Students must complete one upper-division biology course that includes regular laboratory or fieldwork.
• Students must fulfill the major distribution requirement, which includes one course from each of the following groups:

  Cell/developmental biology: 110, 111, 115,
  117A, 119, 119L, 120, 120L
  Physiology: 113, 125, 130/L, 131/L, 132, 133/L, 166
  Ecology: 136/L, 138/L, 140, 145L, 150, 152, 160, 160L, 161, 161L, 169, 169L, 171

• Students must complete two additional upper-division biology electives.

General Biology B.S. Major Requirements

The requirements for the biology B.S. follow a similar pattern to those for the biology B.A., but are more rigorous to ensure a stronger level of scientific preparation. Students need to follow the requirements below to complete the B.S. program (differences from the B.A. program are noted):

Introductory Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and IC/N (same as for B.A.)
  
• Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or Chemistry 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
  
• Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B and 22 (one additional calculus course required for the B.S.)
• Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N (Physics 7A/B option does not apply for the B.S.)

Advanced Requirements

A total of nine upper-division biology courses are required, including two upper-division laboratory courses and three upper-division electives.

General Biology Minor Requirements

In addition to the introductory biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics (as listed above), students are required to take a total of five upper-division biology courses including courses 100, 105, and the three distribution requirement courses; one must include a laboratory. There is no senior comprehensive requirement for the minor. Please contact the Biological Sciences undergraduate Advising office for further information.

Ecology and Evolution Major

Program Description

The ecology and evolution major provides students with interdisciplinary skills necessary for understanding and solving complex problems in ecology, evolution, behavior, and physiology. While some of these disciplines focus on molecular or chemical mechanisms, they all address questions on larger spatial and temporal scales that can be applied to important environmental problems, including genetic and ecological aspects of conservation biology and biodiversity.
Students majoring in ecology and evolution will receive a B.S. degree based on an integrated series of courses providing breadth in fundamental areas of biology and allied sciences that enhance understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes. The capstone of this curriculum is a suite of field courses providing students unique opportunities to learn and conduct research in a host of ecological systems. Students are encouraged to take field courses in their areas of specialization. Other opportunities include participation in research projects with faculty sponsors and the intensive Education Abroad Programs in Costa Rica (tropical biology) and Australia (marine sciences).

Ecology and Evolution B.S. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
• Mathematics 11A and 11B (calculus)
• Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

A total of eleven upper-division courses; two must include laboratory or fieldwork.

• 105, Genetics
• 150, Ecology
• 175, Evolution
• One of the following physiology courses:

  131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
  166, Plant Physiology

• One of the following organism courses:

  119/L, Microbiology/Laboratory
  136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
  138/L, Biology and Ecology of Vertebrates/Laboratory
  168/L, Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants/Laboratory
  170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory

Elective list for Ecology and Evolution Major

Three topical electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences

100, Biochemistry
107/L, Population Genetics/Laboratory
110, Cell Biology
115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
119, Microbiology
119L, Microbiology Lab
120, Development
120L, Development Lab
131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
133, Exercise Physiology
133L, Exercise Physiology
136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
137/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
138/L, Biology and Ecology of Vertebrates/Laboratory
139/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
140, Behavioral Ecology
141, Ecological Field Methods
141L, Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
142, Ocean Ecosystems
143/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
144/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
145L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
152, Community Ecology
158, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Sea Grasses
160, Marine Ecology
160L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
161, Kelp Forest Ecology
161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
162ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
163, Marine Conservation Biology
166, Plant Physiology
168/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
169, Plant Ecology
169L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
171, Marine Microbial Ecology

Three general electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences

100, Biochemistry
107/L, Population Genetics/Laboratory
110, Cell Biology
115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
119, Microbiology
119L, Microbiology Lab
120, Development
120L, Development Lab
131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
133, Exercise Physiology
133L, Exercise Physiology
136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
137/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
138/L, Biology and Ecology of Vertebrates/Laboratory
139/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
140, Behavioral Ecology
141, Ecological Field Methods
141L, Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
142, Ocean Ecosystems
143/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
144/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
145L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
152, Community Ecology
156/L, Marine Plankton/Laboratory
158, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Sea Grasses
159, Biological Oceanography
160, Marine Ecology
160L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
161, Kelp Forest Ecology
161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
162ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
163, Marine Conservation Biology
166, Plant Physiology
168/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
169, Plant Ecology
169L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
171, Marine Microbial Ecology

Anthropology

101/E, Human Evolution/Laboratory
102A, Human Skeletal Biology
103, Forensic Anthropology
106/E, Primate Behavior and Ecology/Laboratory
107, Anatomy of the Human Body

Chemistry

108A, Organic Chemistry
108B, Organic Chemistry

Earth Sciences

102, Marine Geology
105, Coastal Geology
122, Paleoceanography

Environmental Studies

104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
108/L, General Entomology/Laboratory
115A/L, GIS and Environmental Applications/Exercises in GIS
120, Conservation Biology
122, Tropical Ecology and Conservation
129, Integrated Pest Management
130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
160, Restoration Ecology
161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
162, Plant Physiological Ecology
163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory
167, Freshwater and Wetland Ecology
168, Biochemistry and the Global Environment

Environmental Toxicology

140, Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes

Psychology

123, Behavioral Neuroscience

One of the following may also be used as an upper-division elective:

Biological Sciences

183L, Undergraduate Research in EEB
188AB, Supervised Teaching (4 units)
195, Senior Thesis
198, Independent Field Study
199, Tutorial

Environmental Studies

183, Environmental Studies Internship

Health Sciences Major

The B.S. major in health sciences is designed for students interested in careers in medicine or biomedical research and satisfies the admission requirements for most U.S. medical schools. It is based on the existing B.S. degree in molecular, cell, and developmental biology, with similar course requirements in chemistry, physics, and math. Students are required to take five courses directly relevant to human health in addition to genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. Students in this program must also fulfill Spanish language and health care internship requirements.

Health Sciences B.S. Major Requirements*

Introductory Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20L
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
• Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B and 22 (three quarters of calculus)
• Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Advanced Requirements

A total of eight upper-division biology courses, as follows:

• Four core courses:

100, Biochemistry; or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, and 100C, Biochemistry
105, Genetics
110, Cell Biology
130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory

• Three of the following lecture courses:

111, Immunology
113, Mammalian Endocrinology
114, Cancer Cell Biology
115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
119, Microbiology
120, Development
125, Neuroscience
126, Advanced Neural Development
132, Comparative Physiology of Vertebrates
133, Exercise Physiology
135/L, Anatomy of the Human Body/Laboratory

• Internship Requirement: Biology 189, Health Science Internship. The student must participate in a community health care service activity approved by the health sciences internship coordinator. Credit may be earned over multiple quarters.
• Language Requirement: Spanish 1–4 or the equivalent and one quarter of Spanish for health care workers (Spanish 5M).

* Medical and professional school admissions requirements vary; students should verify that their coursework will satisfy the admissions requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply.

Marine Biology Major

Program Description

UCSC is situated within five miles of Monterey Bay and its great diversity of coastal marine ecosystems; nature reserves; state, federal, and private marine research institutions and resource management agencies. These resources, combined with on-campus computing and analytical facilities and the Long Marine Laboratory, make UCSC an exceptional campus for the study of marine biology and its application to coastal conservation and management. Descriptions of nearby environments, institutions, and facilities are available through the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department web site at http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/eeb/index.html.

The marine biology major is designed to introduce students to marine organisms and the biological and physical processes that affect these organisms, their populations, and their coastal and oceanic ecosystems. The emphasis is on basic principles that help us understand the processes that shape life in marine environments. The marine biology major is a demanding program that offers a B.S. degree and requires several more courses than the general biology B.A. major.

Marine Biology B.S. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

The lower-division course requirements are designed to provide a good introduction to biology as well as the foundation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics fundamental to the study of biology.

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
• Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B (calculus)
• Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

A total of eleven upper-division courses; two must include laboratory or fieldwork.

• 105, Genetics
• 175, Evolution
• One ecology course:

  150, Ecology
  160, Marine Ecology

• One marine environment course:

  Ocean Sciences 101, Marine Environment
  Ocean Sciences 130, Biological Oceanography
  Ocean Sciences 142, Ocean Ecosystems

• One marine course:

  136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
  137/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
  139/L, Biology of Marine Mammals
  170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory

Elective list for Marine Biology Major

Three topical electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences

136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
137/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
139/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
142, Ocean Ecosystems
156/L, Marine Plankton/Laboratory
158, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Sea Grasses
159, Biological Oceanography
160, Marine Ecology
160L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
161, Kelp Forest Ecology
161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
162ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
163, Marine Conservation Biology
170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
171, Marine Microbial Ecology

Earth Sciences

102, Marine Geology
105, Coastal Geology
122, Paleoceanography

Three general electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences

100, Biochemistry
107/L, Population Genetics/Laboratory
110, Cell Biology
115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
119, Microbiology
119L, Microbiology Lab
120, Development
120L, Development Lab
131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
133, Exercise Physiology
133L, Exercise Physiology
136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
137/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
138/L, Biology and Ecology of Vertebrates/Laboratory
139/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
140, Behavioral Ecology
141, Ecological Field Methods
141L, Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
142, Ocean Ecosystems
143/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
144/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
145L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
150, Ecology
152, Community Ecology
156/L, Marine Plankton/Laboratory
158, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Sea Grasses
159, Biological Oceanography
160, Marine Ecology
160L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
161, Kelp Forest Ecology
161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
162ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
163, Marine Conservation Biology
166, Plant Physiology
168/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
169, Plant Ecology
169L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
171, Marine Microbial Ecology

Anthropology

101/E, Human Evolution/Laboratory
102A, Human Skeletal Biology
103, Forensic Anthropology 
106/E, Primate Behavior and Ecology/Laboratory
107, Anatomy of the Human Body

Chemistry

108A, Organic Chemistry
108B, Organic Chemistry

Earth Sciences

102, Marine Geology
105, Coastal Geology
122, Paleoceanography

Environmental Studies

104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
108/L, General Entomology/Laboratory
115A/L, GIS and Environmental Applications/Exercises in GIS
120, Conservation Biology
122, Tropical Ecology and Conservation
129, Integrated Pest Management
130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
160, Restoration Ecology
161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
162, Plant Physiological Ecology
163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory
167, Freshwater and Wetland Ecology
168, Biochemistry and the Global Environment

Environmental Toxicology

140, Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes

Psychology

123, Behavioral Neuroscience

One of the following may also be used as a general elective:

Biological Sciences

183L, Undergraduate Research in EEB
188AB, Supervised Teaching (4 units)

195, Senior Thesis
198, Independent Field Study
199, Tutorial

Environmental Studies

183, Environmental Studies Internship

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Major

Program Description

The molecular, cell, and developmental (MCD) biology major is designed for students interested in medical or other professional graduate programs and those preparing for careers in biotechnology industries. This major is more structured than the general biology major and requires that students pay careful attention to the prerequisites required for upper-division biology courses.

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology B.S. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
• Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B and 22 (three quarters of calculus)
• Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Advanced Requirements

A total of nine upper-division biology courses, as follows:

• Four core courses:

  100, Biochemistry; or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, and 100C, Biochemistry (Upon completion of the series, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C may be used to satisfy one elective.)
  105, Genetics
  110, Cell Biology
  115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology

• Three of the following lecture courses:

  111,Immunology
  113, Mammalian Endocrinology
  114, Cancer Cell Biology
  119, Microbiology
  120, Development
  125, Neuroscience
  130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory
  166, Plant Physiology
  175, Evolution

• Two of the following laboratory courses:

  100L, Biochemistry Laboratory
  105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
  105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
  109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
  115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
  119L, Microbiology Laboratory
  120L, Development Laboratory
  128L, C. elegans Neural Genetics Laboratory
  130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory*
  180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
  181, Computational Biology Tools
  185L Hughes Undergraduate Research Laboratory
  186L Undergraduate Research in MCD

Biology Laboratory

187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

110, Biochemistry Laboratory

*Biology 130/L meets either one lecture or one laboratory requirement, but not both.

Neuroscience and Behavior Majors

Program Description

Neuroscience, the study of the nervous system and behavior of animals, is a frontier area in biology, touching psychology on the one hand and computer science on the other.

The neuroscience and behavior majors provide students with rigorous preparation for graduate studies and research in the fields of neuroscience and behavior. The brain and determinants of behavior are studied at all levels, from biological molecules to individual nerve cells to functioning organisms to social behavior. The majors emphasize the interrelationship between the two fields, building on a common core of general and biological science course work.

Students select a pathway in either behavior or molecular neuroscience. Rigorous course work is supplemented by opportunities for hands-on laboratory and field courses and independent research.

Neuroscience and Behavior B.A. Major Requirements

Introductory Course Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or Chemistry 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
• Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
• Introductory physics: either Physics 7A/L and 7B/M; or two courses from the 6A/L, 6B/M, 6C/N series
• Statistics: either Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5 or 7 or Environmental Toxicology 120

Advanced Course Requirements

Five upper-division core courses to include

• 100, Biochemistry; or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, and 100C, Biochemistry (Upon completion of the series, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C may be used to satisfy one elective.)
• 105, Genetics
• 110, Cell Biology
• 125, Neuroscience
• 140, Behavioral Ecology

Plus additional elective courses chosen from one of two areas of concentration:

Molecular Neuroscience Pathway (five courses)

• 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
• 126, Advanced Molecular Neuroscience
• One of the following molecular/development courses: 120, 128, or 135/L

• One of the following physiology or psychology courses: Biology 130/L, 132, Psychology 121, or 123

• One of the following biology laboratory courses:

  100L, Biochemistry Laboratory
  105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
  105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
  109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
  116L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
  119L, Microbiology Laboratory
  120L, Development Laboratory
  128L, C. elegans Neural Genetics Laboratory
  187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory

Behavior Pathway (four courses)

• 113, Mammalian Endocrinology
• One of the following: Biology 139/L, 141L, 143, 144, 145L; or Anthropology 106
• One of the following physiology or psychology courses: Biology 120, 130/L, 131/L, 132, 133/L, 136/L, 138/L; Psychology 120, 121, 123, 133
• One of the following laboratory courses:

  105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
  105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
  130L, Human Physiology Lab
  131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
  136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
  138/L, Biology and Ecology of the Vertebrates/Laboratory
  141L, Ecological Field Methods
  145L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
  Computer Science 12A or 12B or 60N

Neuroscience and Behavior B.S. Major Requirements

In addition to the courses above, the following courses are required for the B.S. degree program.

• Mathematics: one additional course in calculus, Mathematics 22.
• Physics: three courses in calculus-based physics, Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/
• A second laboratory course, chosen from the courses listed in the student’s concentration/pathway

Plant Sciences Major

Program Description

UCSC has a strong program in the plant sciences (sometimes called botany). A fine natural environment, the campus Arboretum, the facilities under the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (especially the Farm and Garden), and an excellent greenhouse collection all enhance the resources that support our botanical programs.

The plant sciences major is designed for students with an interest in plant biology and its associated curricular fields such as plant ecology, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant molecular biology, soils, and applied plant sciences. After completion of the core courses, students can proceed in one of several directions depending on their interest. For example, a more in-depth study of physiology and molecular biology courses can serve as preparation for work in the biotechnology field or for graduate school; further studies in plant ecology, tropical ecology, or restoration ecology can lead to careers such as resource ecologist or naturalist or to the pursuit of related fields in graduate school; upper-division training in agroecology can lead to careers in agriculture or food systems. A special feature of this major is a one-quarter internship and/or independent research requirement. There are many opportunities for internships both on the UCSC campus and in the community at large.

Plant Sciences B.S. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

• Biology 20A, 20B, and 20C
• Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N
• Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
• Mathematics 11A and 11B (calculus)
• Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

A total of eleven upper-division courses; two of which must include laboratory or fieldwork.

• 105, Genetics
• 150, Ecology
• 175, Evolution
• One plant physiology course from the following:

  166, Plant Physiology
  Environmental Studies 162, Physiological Ecology

• One botany course from the following:

  168/L, Systematic Botany
  170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory

Elective list for Plant Sciences Major

Three topical electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences

110, Cell Biology
115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
166, Plant Physiology
168/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
169, Plant Ecology
169L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory

Environmental Studies

104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
129, Integrated Pest Management
130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
160, Restoration Ecology
161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
162, Plant Physiological Ecology
163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory

Three general electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences

100, Biochemistry
107/L, Population Genetics/Laboratory
110, Cell Biology
115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
119, Microbiology
119L, Microbiology Lab
120, Development
120L, Development Lab
131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
133, Exercise Physiology
133L, Exercise Physiology
136/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
137/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
138/L, Biology and Ecology of Vertebrates/Laboratory
139/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
140, Behavioral Ecology
141, Ecological Field Methods
141L, Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
142, Ocean Ecosystems
143/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
144/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
145L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
152, Community Ecology
156/L, Marine Plankton/Laboratory
158, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Sea Grasses
159, Biological Oceanography
160, Marine Ecology
160L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
161, Kelp Forest Ecology
161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
162ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
163, Marine Conservation Biology
166, Plant Physiology
168/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
169, Plant Ecology
169L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
170/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
171, Marine Microbial Ecology

Anthropology

101/E, Human Evolution/Laboratory
102A, Human Skeletal Biology
103, Forensic Anthropology 
106/E, Primate Behavior and Ecology/Laboratory
107, Anatomy of the Human Body

Chemistry

108A, Organic Chemistry
108B, Organic Chemistry

Earth Sciences

102, Marine Geology
105, Coastal Geology
122, Paleoceanography

Environmental Studies

104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
108/L, General Entomology/Laboratory
115A/L, GIS and Environmental Applications/Exercises in GIS
120, Conservation Biology
122, Tropical Ecology and Conservation
129, Integrated Pest Management
130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
160, Restoration Ecology
161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
162, Plant Physiological Ecology
163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory
167, Freshwater and Wetland Ecology
168, Biochemistry and the Global Environment

Environmental Toxicology

140, Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes

Psychology

123, Behavioral Neuroscience

One of the following may also be used as an
upper-division elective:

Biological Sciences

183L, Undergraduate Research in EEB
188AB, Supervised Teaching (4 units)
195, Senior Thesis
198, Independent Field Study
199, Tutorial