General Catalog 2022-23

Students entering UCLA directly from high school who declare the Biochemistry major at the time of application are automatically admitted to that major.

UCLA students who wish to enter the major must have a minimum grade of C- in each of the preparation for the major courses completed and a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0 in those courses. Grades in any completed courses for the major must also average at least 2.0.

Transfer applicants to the Biochemistry major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, one and one half years of calculus, and either one year of calculus-based physics with laboratory or one year of organic chemistry for majors. Biochemistry majors must also complete courses equivalent to Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C.

Entering transfer students who have successfully completed a year course (including laboratory) in general college chemistry intended for science and engineering students should enter course 30A. Transfer students should contact the Undergraduate Office, 4006 Young Hall, for assistance with the articulation of transfer coursework.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Refer to the Undergraduate Office website for a list of approved electives. 

Admission 

The honors program provides exceptional majors with the opportunity to do research culminating in an honors thesis. Junior and senior majors who have completed all university-level coursework, including all preparation courses and requirements for the major, with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better in the required major courses, may apply for admission. Students must have the sponsorship of an approved faculty adviser. 

For additional information and application forms, students should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 4006 Young Hall, early in their educational planning. Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the term in which students plan to begin the honors program. 

Requirements 

To qualify for graduation with departmental honors, students must satisfactorily complete all requirements for the honors program and the major and obtain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or better in coursework required for the major. On recommendation of the faculty sponsor, and with the approval of the thesis by the departmental honors committee, students are awarded no honors, honors, or highest honors. 

Students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 or better, both overall and in the major, and demonstrated exceptional accomplishment on the research thesis are awarded highest honors at the discretion of the departmental honors committee. 

Courses need to be completed with a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after they complete Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.