Biology BS

Overview

The Biology major is designed for students with a broad interest in biology who desire to pursue careers in a wide range of biological and related fields. It provides students with excellent background preparation for postgraduate training in medicine and other health sciences, in tracks leading to academic and public … For more content click the Read More button below.

The Biology major is designed for students with a broad interest in biology who desire to pursue careers in a wide range of biological and related fields. It provides students with excellent background preparation for postgraduate training in medicine and other health sciences, in tracks leading to academic and public service careers in biology, in biological industries, and even in nonbiological careers such as business, agriculture, and law. Emphasis is on breadth of training to expose students to all levels of modern biology.

Learning Outcomes

Broad understanding of basic biology concepts and principles across different levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems

Effective oral and written communication of scientific information

Demonstrated understanding of the processes involved in new knowledge generation, including the scientific method, data collection, and data analysis

Ability to critically evaluate scientific concepts presented in diverse media, from scientific articles to the popular press

Entry to the Major

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Biology major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C, one year of calculus, one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.

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

Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major

Life Sciences Core Curriculum

Chemistry

Select one series from:

Chemistry 14 series

Chemistry 20 and 30 series

Life Sciences

Mathematics

Select one series from:

Life Science 30 series

Mathematics 3 series

Mathematics 31 series

Statistics

Physics

Select one series from:

Physics 1 series

Physics 5 series

The Major

Complete two courses from each of the following principles, for a total of 10 courses:

Evolution and Genetics

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 120 is not open for credit to students with credit for course 185.

Information Flow

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 120 is not open for credit to students with credit for course 185. Physiological Science 166 is not open for credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 170. Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 100L and 101 must be taken together to satisfy requirement.

Structure Function

Transformations of Energy and Matter

Physiological Science 166 not open for credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 170.

Systems

Field Biology

The department offers three quarter-long programs of advanced courses in field biology: the Field Biology Quarter (FBQ), the Marine Biology Quarter (MBQ), and the joint Field Marine Biology Quarter (FMBQ). These programs focus on the biology of organisms living in their natural environments, emphasize independent student research projects, and take place at field sites away from the UCLA campus. The course composition varies somewhat from year to year, but each program always carries 16 units of course credit. The Field and Marine Biology quarters may occur during fall, winter, or spring quarter, depending on location and faculty participation. To participate, students must enroll in all courses in the respective program. Participants in both programs are selected by personal interview. Information and applications are available in the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Field Biology Quarter (FBQ)

The Field Biology Quarter involves some combination of the following courses:

Marine Biology Quarter

The Marine Biology Quarter includes some combination of the following courses:

Honors Program

An overall grade-point average of 3.4 and a 3.4 in the major are required for graduation with honors. Highest honors are awarded to majors who have a GPA of 3.6 overall and a 3.6 in the major at graduation and who have successfully completed Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 198A and 198B. Students do not need to apply for departmental honors. All students are reviewed for honors.

Computing Specialization

Majors may select a specialization in Computing by satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major and completing the following courses. A grade of C– or better is required in each course, with a combined grade-point average in the specialization of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after completing Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Advising Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.

Program in Computing

Additional Course

Policies

Preparation for the Major Policies

The Major Policies

Each Life Sciences core curriculum course must be passed with a grade of C– or better, and all courses must be completed with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Students receiving a grade below C– in three core curriculum courses, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are ineligible for the Biology major.

A minimum of five upper-division courses for the major must be taken within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department.

A minimum of two laboratory courses must be taken, including a minimum of one upper-division ecology and evolutionary biology laboratory course.

Courses applied to major requirements may be applied to one core principle only. Courses listed in multiple principles may not be applied simultaneously.

Field quarter instructors determine to which core principle courses apply (four requirements).

A maximum of 8 units of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 198 series or 4 units of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 199 may be applied toward the major. The principal investigator determines to which principle the course applies, after the student’s work and quarter are complete. The course must be for a minimum of 4 units. Credit for 199 courses from other departments may not be applied.

Each course applied toward requirements for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Courses applied to upper-division major requirements must have a minimum of 4 units. Courses with fewer than four units may be taken together to satisfy one course requirement. A maximum of one course requirement may be satisfied. A 6-unit course counts as one course on the requirements for the major.

With consent of the instructors and department, a maximum of 4 units of 200-level courses may be applied toward major requirements.