Biological Sciences

The biological sciences at UC Santa Cruz are comprised of two academic departments: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (courses BIOE) and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (courses BIOL). The two academic departments collectively sponsor the undergraduate program while each offers its own independent graduate program. Faculty within the biological sciences are affiliated with either Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology.

Undergraduate Program and Advising Office
387 Thimann Laboratories
(831) 459-4143
http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu

Undergraduate 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.

Biological Sciences Majors

Students may plan a program that leads to one of several B.A. or more advanced B.S. degrees. Students may choose from the following major options:

Majors jointly sponsored by Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB):

Biology B.A. (general)
Biology B.S. (general)
Biology B.A. (education concentration)

Majors sponsored by Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB):

Ecology and evolution B.S.
Marine biology B.S.
Plant sciences B.S.
Environmental studies/biology combined major B.A. (administered in conjunction with the Environmental Studies Department)

Majors sponsored by Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB):

Health Sciences B.S.
Molecular, cell, and developmental biology B.S.
Neuroscience and behavior B.A.
Neuroscience and behavior B.S.
Biochemistry and molecular biology B.S. (administered in conjunction with the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department)
Bioinformatics B.S. (administered in conjunction with the School of Engineering)
Bioengineering B.S. (administered in conjunction with the School of Engineering)

Advanced undergraduates, with the guidance of faculty mentors, 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.

Prerequisites for the Biological Sciences

The introductory biology sequence is prerequisite to virtually all upper-division biology courses. BIOL 20A has a prerequisite of Chemistry 1B, Chemistry 1B has a prerequisite of Chemistry 1A, and thus students cannot enroll in BIOL 20A until they have completed Chemistry 1A and 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 1A or 1B but are prepared to begin biology may begin the introductory sequence with BIOE 20C. The entire introductory biology sequence should be taken the first and second year, concurrently with or following the general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N).

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.

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.

Course Substitution/Transfer Credit Policy

At least half of the upper-division courses (numbered 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 undergraduate web site at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu.

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 undergraduate web site at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement will normally be met within one to three courses already required for the major. For detailed information on this major’s DC requirement, consult your major adviser or see the 2010-11 general catalog.

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 laboratory, or field course:

Biological Sciences-EEB

BIOE 114L, Field Methods in Herpetological Research
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 145L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 150L, Ecological Field Methods
BIOE 151, Ecology and Conservation in Practice
BIOE 158L, Marine Ecology Lab
BIOE 159, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
BIOE 161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Lab
BIOE 183, Undergraduate Research in EEB

Biological Sciences-MCDB

BIOL 100L, Biochemistry Lab
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Lab
BIOL 105M, Microbial Genetics Lab
BIOL 109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Lab
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Lab
BIOL 111L, Immunology Lab
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Lab
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Lab
BIOL 120L, Developmental Biology Lab
BIOL 186, Undergraduate Research in MCD
BIOL 189, Health Sciences Internship

by completing a senior thesis.

by achieving a graduate record examination (GRE) 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 medical college admission test (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:

BIOL 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOE 20B, Development and Physiology
BIOE 20C, Ecology and Evolution
Chemistry 1A, General Chemistry
Chemistry 1B, General Chemistry
Chemistry 1C, General Chemistry
Mathematics 11A, Calculus with Applications
Mathematics 11B, Calculus with Applications
Mathematics 19A, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Mathematics 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

Students will be assessed for disqualification after grades are submitted each quarter and at the end of each summer session.

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 undergraduate web site (http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu) 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 imperative transfer students complete science prerequisite courses before they transfer, especially a complete sequence of calculus, general chemistry, and introductory biology. Students should also take organic chemistry, if possible. Students who transfer without having completed the prerequisite coursework may have difficulty enrolling in courses and may require more than two years to complete a biological sciences degree. Prospective transfer students should review the transfer guidelines at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu or contact the undergraduate advising office for further information.

Honors

Honors in the biological sciences majors are awarded to graduating students whose academic performance demonstrates excellence at a GPA of 3.5 or above. Highest honors are awarded to those students whose performance demonstrates the highest level of excellence and results in a GPA of 3.8 or above.

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.

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 stays at research stations on the Great Barrier Reef, and in sheltered mangrove and seagrass habitats near Brisbane.

Students interested in study abroad need to get an early start on their basic science requirements, including chemistry, mathematics, 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.

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.

General Biology B.A. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M; or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
Physics: Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

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

Biochemistry: BIOL 100 or the series BIOC 100A, and 100B, and 100C
(Upon completion of the series, BIOC 100C may be used to satisfy one elective)
Genetics: BIOL 105
Evolution: BIOE 109

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:

BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 111, Immunology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 120, Developmental Biology

Physiology:

BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 135, Plant Physiology
BIOL 113, Endocrinology
BIOL 125, Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory

Ecology:

BIOE 107, Ecology
BIOE 108, Marine Ecology
BIOE 125, Marine Microbial Ecology
BIOE 140, Behavioral Ecology
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 145L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 145, Plant Ecology
BIOE 147, Community Ecology
BIOE 149, Disease Ecology
BIOE 155, Freshwater Ecology
BIOE 161, Kelp Forest Ecology

Students must complete two additional upper-division biology electives chosen from Biological Sciences-EEB  or Biological Sciences-MCDB.

General Biology B.A. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

*Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

General Biology, Bioeducation Concentration, B.A.

The General Biology, Bioeducation Concentration, B.A. major is designed to meet the needs of students who plan careers as K-12 science teachers. It provides students with a rigorous education in biology through science breadth courses to prepare them for the state credentialing examinations (CSET) in biology/life sciences and general science, and courses covering education theory and practical teaching experience through internships in local schools.

General Biology, Bioeducation Concentration, B.A. Requirements

Introductory Requirements

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
Physics: Physics 7A/L and 7 B/M
Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences 20/L
Education: Education 50C
Astronomy: Astronomy 2

Advanced Requirements

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

General Biology, Bioeducation Concentration, B.A. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and BIOE 3:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and BIOE/BIOL 20A:

*Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

Plan One is for students who need to take pre-calculus (MATH 3) and remedial biology (BIOE 3)

Plan Two is for firs-year students placing into MATH 11A and BIOE/BIOL 20A:

General Biology B.S. Major Requirements

Introductory Requirements

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B; and 22
Physics: Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Advanced Requirements

A total of nine upper-division biology courses, as follows:
Biochemistry: BIOL 100 or the series BIOC 100A, and 100B, and 100C
(Upon completion of the series, BIOC 100C may be used to satisfy one elective)
Genetics: BIOL 105
Evolution: BIOE 109

Students must complete two upper-division biology courses that include regular laboratory or fieldwork

Students must fulfill the major distribution requirement, which includes one course from each of the following groups:

Cell/developmental biology:

BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 111, Immunology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 120, Developmental Biology

Physiology:

BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 135, Plant Physiology
BIOL 113, Endocrinology
BIOL 125, Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory

Ecology:

BIOE 107, Ecology
BIOE 108, Marine Ecology
BIOE 125, Marine Microbial Ecology
BIOE 140, Behavioral Ecology
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 145, Plant Ecology
BIOE 147, Community Ecology
BIOE 149, Disease Ecology
BIOE 155, Freshwater Ecology
BIOE 161, Kelp Forest Ecology

Students must complete three additional upper-division biology electives chosen from Biological Sciences-EEB courses or Biological Sciences-MCDB courses.

General Biology B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

*Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

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 BIOL 100, BIOL 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.

Degree Programs Sponsored by Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
Physics: Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

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

Genetics: BIOL 105
Ecology: BIOE 107
Evolution: BIOE 109

One of the following physiology courses:

BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 135, Plant Physiology

One of the following organism courses:

BIOE 117/L, Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants/Laboratory
BIOL 119/L, Microbiology/Laboratory
BIOE 120/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory

Elective list for Ecology and Evolution Major

Three topical electives chosen from the following:

BIOE 108, Marine Ecology
BIOE 112/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
BIOE 114/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
BIOE 117/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 120/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 125, Marine Microbial Ecology
BIOE 127/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
BIOE 129/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 135, Plant Physiology
BIOE 140, Behavioral Ecology
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 145, Plant Ecology
BIOE 145L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 147, Community Ecology
BIOE 149, Disease Ecology
BIOE 150, Ecological Field Methods
BIOE 150L, Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
BIOE 151ABCD, Ecology and Conservation in Practice
BIOE 155, Freshwater Ecology
BIOE 158L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 159ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
BIOE 161, Kelp Forest Ecology
BIOE 161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 163, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses
BIOE 165, Marine Conservation Biology
BIOE 172/L, Population Genetics/Laboratory
BIOL 100, Biochemistry
BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory

Three general electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences-EEB

any BIOE course numbered 100-180

Biological Sciences-MCDB

BIOL 100, Biochemistry
BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory

Chemistry

CHEM 108A, Organic Chemistry 
CHEM 108B, Organic Chemistry

Earth Sciences

EART 100/L, Vertebrate Paleontology 
EART 102, Marine Geology
EART 105, Coastal Geology
EART 122, Paleoceanography

Environmental Studies

ENVS 104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
ENVS 108/L, General Entomology/Laboratory
ENVS 115A/L, GIS and Environmental Applications/Exercises in GIS
ENVS 120, Conservation Biology
ENVS 122, Tropical Ecology and Conservation
ENVS 123, Animal Ecology and Conservation
ENVS 129, Integrated Pest Management
ENVS 130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
ENVS 130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
ENVS 131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
ENVS 138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
ENVS 160, Restoration Ecology
ENVS 161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
ENVS 162, Plant Physiological Ecology
ENVS 163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory
ENVS 167, Freshwater and Wetland Ecology
ENVS 168, Biochemistry and the Global Environment

Psychology

PSYC 123, Behavioral Neuroscience

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

Biological Sciences-EEB

BIOE 183L, Undergraduate Research in EEB
BIOE 195, Senior Thesis
BIOE 198, Independent Field Study
BIOE 199, Tutorial

Environmental Studies

ENVS 183, Environmental Studies Internship

Ecology and Evolution B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

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

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
Physics: Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

A total of 11 upper-division courses; two must include laboratory or fieldwork.

Genetics: BIOL 105
Evolution: BIOE 109

One ecology course:

BIOE 107, Ecology
BIOE 108, Marine Ecology

One marine environment course:

BIOE 168, Biological Oceanography
Ocean Sciences 101, Marine Environment

One marine course:

BIOE 120/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 127/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
BIOE 129/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory

Elective list for Marine Biology Major

Three topical electives chosen from the following:

BIOE 108, Marine Ecology
BIOE 120/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 125, Marine Microbial Ecology
BIOE 127/L, Ichthyology/Laboratory
BIOE 129/L, Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
BIOE 155, Freshwater Ecology
BIOE 158L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 159ABCD, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
BIOE 161, Kelp Forest Ecology
BIOE 161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 163, Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses
BIOE 165, Marine Conservation Biology
BIOE 168, Biological Oceanography
EART 102, Marine Geology
EART 105, Coastal Geology
EART 122, Paleoceanography 

Three general electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences-EEB

Any BIOE course numbered 100-180

Biological Sciences-MCDB

BIOL 100, Biochemistry
BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory

Chemistry

CHEM 108A, Organic Chemistry 
CHEM 108B, Organic Chemistry

Earth Sciences

EART 100/L, Vertebrate Paleontology 
EART 102, Marine Geology
EART 105, Coastal Geology
EART 122, Paleoceanography

Environmental Studies

ENVS 104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
ENVS 108/L, General Entomology/Laboratory
ENVS 115A/L, GIS and Environmental Applications/Exercises in GIS
ENVS 120, Conservation Biology
ENVS 122, Tropical Ecology and Conservation
ENVS 123, Animal Ecology and Conservation
ENVS 129, Integrated Pest Management
ENVS 130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
ENVS 130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
ENVS 131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
ENVS 138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
ENVS 160, Restoration Ecology
ENVS 161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
ENVS 162, Plant Physiological Ecology
ENVS 163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory
ENVS 167, Freshwater and Wetland Ecology
ENVS 168, Biochemistry and the Global Environment

Psychology

PSYC 123, Behavioral Neuroscience

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

Biological Sciences-EEB

BIOE 183L, Undergraduate Research in EEB
BIOE 195, Senior Thesis
BIOE 198, Independent Field Study
BIOE 199, Tutorial

Marine Biology B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

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

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
Physics: Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Requirements

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

Genetics: BIOL 105
Ecology: BIOE 107
Evolution: BIOE 109

One plant physiology course from the following:

BIOE 135, Plant Physiology
Environmental Studies 162, Plant Physiological Ecology

One botany course from the following:

BIOE 117/L, Systematic Botany
BIOE 120/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory

Elective list for Plant Sciences Major

Three topical electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences-EEB

BIOE 117/L, Systematic Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 120/L, Marine Botany/Laboratory
BIOE 135, Plant Physiology
BIOE 145, Plant Ecology
BIOE 145L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 149, Disease Ecology
BIOE 151ABCD, Ecology and Conservation in Practice

Biological Sciences-MCDB

BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology

Environmental Studies

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

Three general electives chosen from the following:

Biological Sciences-EEB

Any BIOE course numbered 100-180

Biological Sciences-MCDB

BIOL 100, Biochemistry
BIOL 110, Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory

Chemistry

CHEM 108A, Organic Chemistry 
CHEM 108B, Organic Chemistry

Earth Sciences

EART 100/L, Vertebrate Paleontology 
EART 102, Marine Geology
EART 105, Coastal Geology
EART 122, Paleoceanography

Environmental Studies

ENVS 104A, Introduction to Environmental Field Methods
ENVS 108/L, General Entomology/Laboratory
ENVS 115A/L, GIS and Environmental Applications/Exercises in GIS
ENVS 120, Conservation Biology
ENVS 122, Tropical Ecology and Conservation
ENVS 123, Animal Ecology and Conservation
ENVS 129, Integrated Pest Management
ENVS 130A/L, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture/Laboratory
ENVS 130B, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
ENVS 131/L, Insect Ecology/Laboratory
ENVS 138/L, Field Ethnobotany/Laboratory
ENVS 160, Restoration Ecology
ENVS 161A/L, Soils and Plant Nutrition/Laboratory
ENVS 162, Plant Physiological Ecology
ENVS 163/L, Plant Disease Ecology/Laboratory
ENVS 167, Freshwater and Wetland Ecology
ENVS 168, Biochemistry and the Global Environment

Psychology

PSYC 123, Behavioral Neuroscience

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

Biological Sciences-EEB

BIOE 183L, Undergraduate Research in EEB
BIOE 195, Senior Thesis
BIOE 198, Independent Field Study
BIOE 199, Tutorial

Environmental Studies

ENVS 183, Environmental Studies Internship

Plant Sciences B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

Degree Programs Sponsored by Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Health Sciences Major

Program Description

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 mathematics. 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

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOL 20L
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M, 108C recommended for pre-med students, or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B; and 22 (three quarters)
Physics: Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Advanced Requirements

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

Four core courses:

Biochemistry: BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A, 100B, and 100C
Genetics: BIOL 105
Cell Biology: BIOL 110
Human Physiology with Lab: BIOL 130/L

Three of the following lecture courses:

BIOL 111, Immunology
BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology
BIOL 114, Cancer Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 125, Neuroscience
BIOL 126, Advanced Neural Development
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 135/L, Anatomy of the Human Body/Laboratory
BIOL 178, Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 179, Biotechnology and Drug Development

Internship Requirement: BIOL189, Health Sciences 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.

Health Sciences B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

* Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

**Students should take either an elective, a Spanish course, or the third quarter of organic chemistry.

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

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B; and 22
Physics: Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Advanced Requirements

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

Four core courses:

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

Three of the following lecture courses:

BIOL 111, Immunology
BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology
BIOL 114, Cancer Cell Biology
BIOL 119, Microbiology
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 125, Neuroscience
BIOL 126, Advanced Neural Development
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory
BIOL 178, Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 179, Biotechnology and Drug Development
BIOE 109, Evolution
BIOE 135, Plant Physiology

Two of the following laboratory courses:

BIOL 100L, Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 111L, Immunology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory*
BIOL 178L, Protocols in Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory
BIOC 110, Biochemistry Laboratory

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

Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and BIOE/BIOL20:

* Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

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

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
Physics: Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Advanced Course Requirements

Five upper-division core courses to include:

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

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

Molecular Neuroscience Pathway (four courses)

BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 126, Advanced Molecular Neuroscience

One of the following electives:

BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology
Psychology 121, Perception
Psychology 123, Behavioral Neuroscience

One of the following laboratory courses:

BIOL 100L, Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 111L, Immunology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory*
BIOL 178L, Protocols in Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory

Behavior Pathway (four courses)

BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology

One of the following:

BIOE 112/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
BIOE 114/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
BIOE 129/L, Marine Mammals/Laboratory
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 150, Ecological Field Methods

One of the following electives:

BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory
Psychology 121, Perception
Psychology 123, Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychology 133, Psychology and Evolutionary Theory

One of the following laboratory courses:

BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 150L, Ecological Field Methods
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
Computer Science 5C, Introduction to Programming in C/C++
Computer Science 5J, Introduction to Programming in Java
Computer Science 5P, Introduction to Programming in Python

*BIOL 130/L meets either a physiology or a laboratory requirement, but not both.

Neuroscience and Behavior B.A. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and taking Chemistry 1A:

Plan Two is a  for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and taking Chemistry 1A:

* Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

Neuroscience and Behavior B.S. Major Requirements

Introductory Course Requirements

Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B; and 22
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 7/L
Physics: Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N

Advanced Course Requirements

Five upper-division core courses to include:

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

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

Molecular Neuroscience Pathway (five courses)

BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 126, Advanced Molecular Neuroscience

One of the following electives:

BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
Psychology 121, Perception
Psychology 123, Behavioral Neuroscience

Two of the following laboratory courses:

BIOL 100L, Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L, Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 111L, Immunology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory*
BIOL 178L, Protocols in Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory

Behavior Pathway (four courses)

BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology

One of the following:

BIOE 112/L, Ornithology/Laboratory
BIOE 114/L, Herpetology/Laboratory
BIOE 129/L, Marine Mammals/Laboratory
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 150, Ecological Field Methods

One of the following electives:

BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory
Psychology 121, Perception
Psychology 123, Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychology 133, Psychology and Evolutionary Theory

Two of the following laboratory courses:

BIOE 122/L, Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 150L, Ecological Field Methods
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
Computer Science 5C, Introduction to Programming in C/C++
Computer Science 5J, Introduction to Programming in Java
Computer Science 5P, Introduction to Programming in Python

*BIOL 130/L meets either a physiology or a laboratory requirement, but not both.

Neuroscience and Behavior B.S. Sample Planners

Plan One is for first-year students placing into Mathematics 3 and BIOE 3:

Plan Two is a more rigorous schedule for first-year students placing into Mathematics 11A and BIOE/BIOL 20:

* Students may use the three-quarter Chemistry 112 series to fulfill the organic chemistry requirement.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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

Graduate Program Description

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.

Degree Requirements

Ph.D. Requirements

Courses:

BIOE 200A, Scientific Skills
BIOE 200B, Advanced Organismal Biology
BIOE 279, Evolutionary Ecology
BIOE 293, Readings in Ecology and Evolution (or equivalent)
BIOE 294, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Seminar (taken each quarter when in residence)

Each Ph.D. student should expect to 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 BIOE 279, two quarters of BIOE 293, BIOE 294 and the appropriate lab course when in residence at the university (not in the field), and BIOE 297, as needed, to come up with 15 credits. BIOE 200A and 200B 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.

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
225 Sinsheimer Laboratories
(831) 459-4986
http://www.mcd.ucsc.edu/

Graduate Program Description

Degree Requirements

Ph.D. and master’s students complete the graduate core courses, BIOL 200A, 200B, and 200C, and 200D 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 BIOL 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