SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS, CONTINUED

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate Major in Developmental and Cell Biology

The Developmental and Cell Biology major is intended to provide students with intensive training in cutting edge approaches to understanding the structure and function of cells and how they interact to produce a complex organism, starting with a fertilized egg. The focus of the B.S. in Developmental and Cell Biology is to provide students with intensive training aimed at preparing them for graduate programs in modern Developmental and Cell Biology or other biomedical sciences. In-depth training in the molecular basis of cell and developmental biology will be coupled with integrating knowledge obtained from the recent explosive advances in genomic technology to provide a strong working understanding of how to approach problems in basic research.

The major has distinctive features. The first is a reduction in the number of required courses, allowing students the opportunity to focus more deeply on training in Developmental and Cell Biology. The second is the implementation of a new course in Genomic and Proteomic analysis that is closely tied to problems in genetics, developmental, and cell biology. Understanding the connections among these disciplines and how to apply the appropriate tools for defining and answering fundamental questions in biomedical research is a critical tool for success in research. Another distinctive feature of the major is the opportunity to replace two upper-division laboratory courses with mentored Biological Sciences 199 individual research in faculty laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to apply the tools they have acquired during formal course work to current problems at the frontiers of research. Lastly, students majoring in Developmental and Cell Biology have faculty advisors with whom they meet at least quarterly. The faculty advisors help students plan their curriculum, select appropriate 199 projects and sponsoring labs, and as a group grant petitions and certify the degree. The combination of new upper-division courses, more flexibility in the curriculum, the option for mentored research, and close interaction with faculty advisors will help the Developmental and Cell Biology majors to develop an appreciation of the nature of research and establish a strong foundation for future success in graduate or professional schools.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S. DEGREE IN DEVELOPMENTAL AND CELL BIOLOGY

University Requirements: See pages 56-61.

School Requirements: See above.

Major Requirements

Biological Sciences 103, 104, and 145B; 111L and two additional upper-division laboratories* selected from 112L, 113L, 114L, 115L, 116L, 121L, 122L, 124L, 166; one course selected from 136A, 137B, 148 and one from 144A or 144B; and three courses selected from 105, 109, 110, 114, 116, 125, 129, 130, 131, 134, 136A, 137A, 137B 141, 143, 144A, 144B, 145A, 148, 149, 151, 153, 154, 157, 187.

*Biological Sciences 199 research is strongly encouraged, and students may petition to substitute Excellence in Research (199) for two upper-division laboratories, other than 111L. The Biological Sciences 199 laboratory must be approved by the Developmental and Cell Biology Department, and Excellence in Research must be successfully completed. Final approval is given by the Department.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Developmental and Cell Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time, but typically in the spring of the sophomore year. Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Developmental and Cell Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at http://www.due. uci.edu/Change_of_Major.html. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences, including the Applied Ecology major, are not permitted.

Sample Program -- Developmental and Cell Biology

¹ For an alternative to Humanities Core, refer to section B of the Biological Sciences School Requirements.

² Chemistry 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB may be taken instead of 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB.

³ Prerequisites are completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biological Sciences 97 and 194S, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement; 100L must be completed prior to taking upper-division labs.

Undergraduate Major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

It has famously been said that nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. This major is designed to allow students to make sense of biology. It is a broad major, including components of evolutionary biology, ecology, and physiology. Faculty interests are also broad and include the evolution of aging, conservation biology, biogeography, plant and animal population and community ecology, the evolution of infectious disease, evolutionary physiology, behavioral ecology, host-disease interactions, evolutionary genetics, marine ecology, genetics of invasive species, and plant population biology. Following graduation students will be especially well prepared to enter graduate programs in either ecology or evolution for advanced study. The major also provides the foundation to pursue careers in governmental and non-governmental environmental organizations, as well as professional schools. The Department considers undergraduate experience in research an integral component of a scientific education, and majors are encouraged to participate in Biological Sciences 199 in which they will be mentored by an individual faculty member within the Department.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S. DEGREE IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

University Requirements: See pages 56-61.

School Requirements: See above.

Major Requirements

Biological Sciences 7, 106, 115L, 165A, 166, and one additional laboratory selected from 111L, 112L, 113L, 114L, 116L, 121L, 122L, 124L; one course selected from 103, 104, 105, 109, 110; and three courses selected from 118, 127, 142, 147, 150, 167, 168, 169, 172, 174, 175, 176, 178, 179, 179L, 181, 184, 185, 186, 189. Biological Sciences 199 Research is strongly encouraged.

Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences, including the Applied Ecology major, are not permitted.

Sample Program -- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

¹ For an alternative to Humanities Core, refer to section B of the Biological Sciences School Requirements.

² Chemistry 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB may be taken instead of 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB.

³ Prerequisites are completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biological Sciences 97 and 194S, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement; 100L must be completed prior to taking upper-division labs.

Undergraduate Major in Genetics

Genetics pervades every aspect of modern society, from newspaper articles to talk shows, from discussions on health care to discussions on cloning. With the sequencing of the human genome, it is more important than ever for biology students to have a broad background in the study of heredity and evolution. The Genetics major is designed to benefit motivated undergraduates who have a particular interest in learning about developmental genetics, evolutionary genetics, and molecular genetics and to allow them to explore how our knowledge of genetic mechanisms contributes to our understanding of human development and disease. The Genetics major will accommodate students interested in the study of inheritance either as a basic discipline or in terms of its applied aspects in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture, but will be especially attractive to those students desiring focused study and preparation for graduate training.

Genetics majors begin their study in the junior year with two Genetics courses (Biological Sciences 137A and 137B) and a Genomics and Proteomics course (Biological Sciences 145B). This series of courses is designed to give students an understanding of genetic mechanisms and teach them how to define and answer fundamental questions in biomedical research. Additionally, students choose at least two electives that deal with topics such as the molecular biology of cancer, human genetic diseases, developmental genetics, and the genetics of aging. Finally, Genetics majors are encouraged to explore laboratory research by enrolling in Biological Sciences 199. Laboratory research not only expands a student's technical skills, but is also designed to allow faculty members to mentor Genetics majors. All students majoring in Genetics have a faculty advisor with whom they meet at least quarterly. The faculty advisor helps students plan their curriculum and select appropriate Biological Sciences 199 research projects. Genetics majors also have an opportunity to meet with other Genetics majors on a regular basis and participate in research talks.

The Genetics major provides graduates with advanced training in the skills necessary to pursue graduate degrees in biomedical research. These include Ph.D. graduate programs, teacher-training programs, medical school, and veterinary school. Genetics graduates may also use their backgrounds effectively in planning careers in law, business, education, and public affairs.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S. DEGREE IN GENETICS

University Requirements: See pages 56-61.

School Requirements: See above.

Major Requirements

Biological Sciences 103, 104, 137A, 137B, and 145B; three upper-division laboratories* selected from 111L, 112L, 113L, 114L, 115L, 116L, 121L, 122L, 124L, 166; two courses selected from 105, 109, 110, 114, 116, 125, 129, 130, 136A, 141, 143, 144A, 144B, 145A, 148, 149, 151, 153, 154, 157, 187.

*Biological Sciences 199 research is strongly encouraged, and students may petition to substitute Excellence in Research (199) for two upper-division laboratories. The Biological Sciences 199 laboratory must be approved by the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, and Excellence in Research must be successfully completed. Final approval is given by the Department.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Genetics is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time, but typically in the spring of the sophomore year. Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Developmental and Cell Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at http://www.due.uci.edu/Change_of_ Major.html. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences, including the Applied Ecology major, are not permitted.

Sample Program -- Genetics

¹ For an alternative to Humanities Core, refer to section B of the Biological Sciences School Requirements.

² Chemistry 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB may be taken instead of 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB.

³ Prerequisites are completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biological Sciences 97 and 194S, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement; 100L must be completed prior to taking upper-division labs.

Undergraduate Major in Neurobiology

The Neurobiology major is designed to teach students how neurobiologists apply cellular, molecular, systems, and behavioral analyses in understanding how the nervous system works. The hallmark of the major is a year-long, in-depth exploration of the intellectual tools used to create, advance, and disseminate knowledge about the nervous system. Through neurobiology satellite courses, students acquire advanced factual knowledge about neurobiology. In addition, Neurobiology majors may choose to participate in research through Biological Sciences 199, where they will learn technical skills and receive mentoring from faculty members.

Students completing the Neurobiology major will be well qualified for admission to graduate or professional schools in preparation for careers in biological research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, and other related fields. Even without additional education, they will be competitive for positions in the pharmaceutical industry, the health care delivery industry, or in medically or biologically related technologies. The major also provides valuable preparation for students interested in entering other disciplines that increasingly interface with biology and biotechnology, such as law, business administration, and government policy. Additionally, the major provides excellent preparation for students who wish to become high school science teachers.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S. DEGREE IN NEUROBIOLOGY

University Requirements: See pages 56-61.

School Requirements: See above.

Major Requirements

Biological Sciences 110, and two courses selected from 103, 104, 106, 109; 156A-B-C; 113L and two additional upper-division laboratories selected from 111L, 112L, 114L, 115L, 116L, 122L, and 166; two neurobiology elective courses selected from Biological Sciences 119, 132, 146, 149, 152, 153, 154, 158, 159, 160, 161, 163, 164, 171, 177, and 182; one course selected from Biological Sciences 103, 104, 106, 109, 114-189, or from Chemistry 130A-B-C, Chemistry 131A-B-C, and Physics 147A. No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Neurobiology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time, but typically in the spring of the sophomore year. Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Neurobiology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at http://www.due.uci.edu/Change_of_Major.html. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences, including the Applied Ecology major, are not permitted.

Sample Program -- Neurobiology

¹ For an alternative to Humanities Core, refer to section B of the Biological Sciences School Requirements.

² Chemistry 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB may be taken instead of 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB.

³ Prerequisites are completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biological Sciences 97 and 194S, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement; 100L must be completed prior to taking upper-division labs.

Undergraduate Major in Plant Biology

Recent developments in plant biology and biotechnology place plants in the center of biological research. A dramatic increase in the understanding of cellular and developmental processes in plants enables plant biologists to control and manipulate plants developmentally as well as genetically. The availability of unique regeneration and gene delivery systems puts plant genetic engineering to the forefront of biotechnology. Food derived from genetically engineered plants is a daily experience for the American public and a continuous topic of ethical, environmental, sociological, and political discussions.

The Plant Biology program builds on core knowledge in plant structure taught in courses required for all majors offered by the School of Biological Sciences. After completing their second year, students may be admitted to the Plant Biology major and take courses primarily focusing on cellular, developmental, and molecular aspects of plant biology in lecture and laboratory classes. Although not affiliated with agricultural sciences, a limited exposure to applied aspects, such as plant breeding and hands-on horticulture is offered through the program. The Plant Biology major is fully compatible with the major in Biological Sciences and with medical school admission requirements.

The Plant Biology major is intended to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue graduate degrees in biological research, including Ph.D. and M.S. training. In addition, graduates should be excellent candidates for pharmacy schools. Furthermore, the unit requirement for the major gives enough flexibility for students to tailor the curriculum to effectively support careers in business and education. The impact of biotechnology on society and the resulting need for informed specialists make this area of study effective training for students interested in law, journalism, or public affairs.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S. DEGREE IN PLANT BIOLOGY

University Requirements: See pages 56-61.

School Requirements: See above.

Major Requirements

Biological Sciences 103, 105, 129, 134; 111L and two additional upper-division laboratories* selected from 112L, 113L, 114L, 115L, 116L, 121L, 122L, 124L, 166; one course selected from 104, 106, 109, and two from 9E, 11 (when topic is appropriate), 116, 118, 122, 128, 137A, 137B, 144A, 144B, 145A, 147, 167, 172, 175, 185, 189.

*Biological Sciences 199 is strongly encouraged, and students may petition to substitute Excellence in Research (199) for one upper-division laboratory other than 111L. The Biological Sciences 199 laboratory must be approved by the Developmental and Cell Biology Department, and Excellence in Research must be successfully completed. Final approval is given by the Department.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Plant Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time, but typically in the spring of the sophomore year. Review of applications submitted at that time and selection to the major by the Developmental and Cell Biology Faculty Board is completed during the summer. Information can also be found at http://www.due.uci.edu/Change_of_Major.html. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences, including the Applied Ecology major, are not permitted.

Sample Program -- Plant Biology

¹ For an alternative to Humanities Core, refer to section B of the Biological Sciences School Requirements.

² Chemistry 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB may be taken instead of 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB.

³ Prerequisites are completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biological Sciences 97 and 194S, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement; 100L must be completed prior to taking upper-division labs.

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