No one can predict the future, but this much is known: the next quarter century is the time of the biologist, who will be in the forefront of the most challenging, intellectual problems, such as understanding the most elemental building blocks of the mechanisms of life, the mechanisms of memory and of learning, the molecular basis of embryonic development, and the rules that help predict the behavior of the environment. Biology also lies at the heart of major social problems that face the human race in the coming decade, such as sensible management of the environment and the effective control of human populations. It is vital that educated people understand the contributions that biological sciences have made and will continue to make for the future welfare of human beings.
The School of Biological Sciences reflects new concepts of biology in both its curriculum and its research programs. The faculty is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to learn the principles and facts in this ever-expanding field of biology. The curriculum is designed to meet present and future educational needs of majors and nonmajors. In keeping with the responsibilities of the University, the School encourages vigorous faculty and student research programs. It strongly believes that excellence in research is essential for effective, enthusiastic, and up-to-date teaching. The School provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to participate in research, through the Biological Sciences 199 program. Each quarter more than 900 undergraduate students and 200 graduate and postdoctoral students participate in independent research programs.
In addition to the regular University requirements for admission, students interested in the biological sciences should include in their high school curriculum, in addition to a course in biology, four years of mathematics, as well as courses in chemistry and physics, which are now an integral part of most contemporary biological work.
The biological sciences are presented as an integrated area of study through the nine-quarter Biological Sciences Core. Upper-division laboratories and satellite courses developing the major concepts of modern biology expand upon and intensify areas covered in the Core and provide students with the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of the biological sciences. Introductory courses for nonmajors are designed to make the biological sciences meaningful and interesting and to inform intelligent citizens of biological phenomena that affect their daily lives. Graduate courses are offered in all the departments.
Students should be aware that psychology courses are offered in several different departments and programs. Students interested in the biological mechanisms of behavior are advised to consult the course listings here in the School of Biological Sciences section. Students interested in other areas of psychology are advised to consult the course listings in the School of Social Ecology and the Department of Cognitive Sciences sections of the Catalogue.
Students with an interest in the application of ecology to human needs may choose the Applied Ecology major, which is offered jointly by the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Social Ecology. Information is available in the School of Social Ecology section.
Biological Sciences B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Undergraduate specializations are available in the areas of Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Physiology, and Plant Sciences.
Opportunities are available at the graduate level to specialize in Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biological Chemistry, Developmental and Cell Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Physiology and Biophysics, Protein Engineering Science, and Psychobiology.
Applied Ecology B.S.
(offered jointly with the School of Social Ecology)
Honors
Graduation with Honors. Of the graduating seniors, no more than 12 percent will receive honors: approximately 1 percent summa cum laude, 3 percent magna cum laude, and 8 percent cum laude. The selection for these awards is based on winter quarter rank-ordered grade point averages. To be eligible for honors at graduation, the student must, by the end of winter quarter of the senior year, file an application to graduate in the Biological Sciences Student Affairs Office and have completed at least 72 units in residence at a University of California campus. In addition, any corrections to the student's academic record must be processed by the Registrar's Office by the end of the second week of spring quarter. Other important factors are considered (see page 55).
Biological Sciences Scholastic Honor Society. The Biological Sciences Scholastic Honor Society is composed of students who graduate with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or better and have carried 12 or more graded units with a grade point average of 3.5 per quarter for a minimum of six quarters.
Dean's Honor List. The quarterly Dean's Honor List is composed of students who have received a 3.5 grade point average while carrying a minimum of 12 graded units.
Dean's Academic Achievement and Service Awards. Four Biological Sciences majors will be the recipients of the Dean's Academic Achievement and Service Awards. These awards are based on academic excellence and exceptional service to the School of Biological Sciences.
Excellence in Research Award. Undergraduates who have successfully completed the requirements for this program are presented with Excellence in Research certificates.
Robert H. Avnet Memorial Scholarship. The Robert H. Avnet Memorial Scholarship has been established to assist a student interested in becoming a physician. The student must be a Biological Sciences major and demonstrate financial need.
Robert Ernst Prize for Excellence in Student Research in Plant Biology. This prize is awarded to a student for meritorious research conducted in plant biology.
Robert Ernst Prize for Excellence in Research in the Biological Sciences. This prize is awarded to a student for meritorious research conducted in the field of biology.
Lisa E. George Memorial Scholarship. The Lisa E. George Memorial Scholarship has been established by Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and the School of Biological Sciences to assist women Biological Science majors who are from a recognized underrepresented minority group. The recipient must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service to the community, financial need, and a commitment to the pursuit of higher education.
Ralph W. Gerard Award. Three students receiving the highest ratings for their papers and oral presentations at the Excellence in Research Program will receive the Ralph W. Gerard Award.
Dr. William F. Holcomb Scholarship. The intent of the Dr. William F. Holcomb Scholarship is to support biomedical or marine biological studies. The Scholarship is to be used to support continuing academic work over a specific period.
Laurence J. Mehlman Prize. The Laurence J. Mehlman Prize is awarded to an undergraduate student in the School of Biological Sciences who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in both scholarship and service to the School.
Edward Mittelman Memorial Fund Scholarship. The Edward Mittelman Memorial Fund Scholarship is presented to an outstanding Biological Sciences student who will pursue a career in the medical field.
Edward A. Steinhaus Memorial Award. The Edward A. Steinhaus Memorial Award is given to an outstanding graduate Teaching Assistant. Three second-place awards also are given.
Joseph H. Stephens Award for Outstanding Research in Ecology and Conservation. This award is granted to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated outstanding research in ecology and conservation.
Joseph H. Stephens Award for Outstanding Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This award is granted to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated outstanding research in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Jayne Unzelman Scholarship. The Jayne Unzelman Scholarship is presented to an undergraduate student who has shown academic excellence and been of service to the School of Biological Sciences and/or the University, and to the community.
Special Service Awards. These awards are given to students who have demonstrated great service to the School, the University, and/or community.
The preceding Honors, Scholarships, Prizes, and Awards are presented at the annual Biological Sciences Honors Convocation held the first week of June.
In the event that the number of students who elect Biological Sciences as a major exceeds the number of positions available, applicants may be subject to screening beyond minimum University of California admissions requirements.
Freshmen: Preference will be given to those who rank the highest using the selection criteria as stated in the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Catalogue.
Transfer students: A student seeking admission to the School of Biological Sciences from colleges and schools other than UCI must satisfy the University requirements for admission with advanced standing. Applicants with the highest grades overall and in the following required courses will receive preference: a year of general chemistry with laboratory, an approved sequence of biological science courses, and an approved lower-division course in writing.
No student may enter as a double major, but students interested in other areas may apply to become double majors after the first quarter, if the second school or program approves. A strong academic performance in the second area is requisite for acceptance as a double major.
Biological Sciences majors have first priority for enrolling in required biology courses. Students who are Undecided/Undeclared, Unaffiliated, or in majors other than the Biological Sciences will be able to attempt to enroll in required biology classes during the TELE Adjustment Period for each quarter. There is no guarantee that students outside of the Biological Sciences major will be able to enroll in required biology courses.
The following criteria must be met to be considered for admission into the School of Biological Sciences. Change of Major applications are accepted and reviewed by the School throughout the year. Students are encouraged to submit their change of major request as soon as they have met the following requirements:
Students Who Entered UCI as Freshmen: (a) completion of Chemistry 1A-B-C and 1LB-LC with an average 2.7 GPA in these courses, with no grade lower than a C; (b) an average 2.7 GPA in other required science courses taken with no grade lower than a C; (c) a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better; (d) a GPA of 2.0 or better in the quarter prior to entering Biological Sciences; and (e) completion of the Subject A Requirement.
Students Who Entered UCI as Transfers: (a) completion of at least three academic quarters at UCI with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; (b) GPA of 2.0 or better for the quarter prior to entering Biological Sciences; (c) completion of either Chemistry 1A-B-C and 1LB-LC with an average GPA of 2.7 or better in these courses, with no grade lower than a C, or if general chemistry has been completed prior to transfer to UCI, completion of one year of required science courses for the Biological Sciences major with an average GPA of 2.7, with no grade lower than a C.
Selection criteria are subject to change. Students should consult the Biological Sciences Student Affairs Office for current information.
Additional information is available in the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Catalogue.
University Requirements: See pages 5761.
School Requirements
Biological Sciences Core Curriculum (94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100L, 108, 109, 110); four satellite courses (see School Residence Requirement below; Chemistry 130A-B-C or 131A-B-C can be used to partially satisfy the satellite requirement; Psychology/Biological Sciences double majors can also use Psychology 112A-B-C to satisfy the satellite requirement); three upper-division laboratories selected from Biological Sciences 111L, 112L, 113, 114L, 115L, 122L, and 166 (see School Residence Requirement below); Chemistry 1A-B-C, 1LB-LC; Chemistry 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB or 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB; Mathematics 2A-B-C or 2A-B and 7; Physics 3A-B-C, 3LB-LC or 5A-B-C, 5LB-LC or H6A-B-C, 5LB-LC; and Humanities 1A-B-C, or its alternative, the lower-division writing requirement of the breadth requirement (Category I) and a three-quarter sequence in either Humanities or Literature (Category IV, Humanistic Inquiry).
Prerequisites for all Biological Sciences Core courses are rigorously enforced. Students must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in the Biological Sciences Core Curriculum, four satellite courses, and three upper-division laboratories.
School Residence Requirement: All required satellite courses and upper-division laboratories must be successfully completed at UCI.
Specializations: Students may select an area of specialization and complete the specified laboratory course and four of the satellite courses in one area.
Cell Biology. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 111L; Satellites: 121, 128, 130, 143, 144A, 144B, 144C, 145A, 145B.
Developmental Biology. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 111L; Satellites: 136, 137B, 144A, 144B, 145A, 145B, 147, 148, 149, 151, 157.
Ecology. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 166; Satellites: 150, 174, 175, 176, 178, 179, 181, 185, 186.
Evolution. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 115L; Satellites: Biological Sciences 168, 172, 173, 174, 176, 184, 185.
Microbiology. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 122L; Satellites: 118, 118L, 122, 124, 125, 126, 127, 137A, 143.
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 114L; Satellites: 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 140, 144A, 144B, 144C, 145A, 145B, 147, 151.
Neurosciences. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 113L; Satellites: 117, 132, 149, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 171.
Physiology. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 112L; Satellites: 132, 134, 138, 157, 183, 188, 189.
Plant Sciences. Laboratory: Biological Sciences 11lL; Satellites: 129, 129L, 134, 141, 144C, 147, 172, 185.
UCI Breadth Requirement
Those students majoring in Biological Sciences who have completed the School requirements and who have passed any two quarters of the writing component of the Humanities Core or its alternative with a grade of C or better will have satisfied the UCI breadth requirement, with the exception of: the upper-division writing requirement; Category III, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Category VI, Language Other Than English; and Category VII, Multicultural Studies and International/Global Issues.
Specifically, the Humanities Core Course (Humanities 1A-B-C) or its alternative satisfies Category IV, Humanistic Inquiry; it also satisfies the lower-division writing requirement when two quarters of the writing component are passed with a grade of C or better. Chemistry and physics satisfy Category II, Natural Sciences. Category V, Mathematics and Symbolic Systems, is satisfied by completion of the School mathematics requirement.
Since biological sciences courses are built upon a base of the physical sciences, it is very important for students to take their required physical sciences early, particularly general and organic chemistry. Students who have not completed high school chemistry are well advised to complete a preparatory chemistry course before entering UCI. The academic program shown is only a suggested program. Students should consult the Biological Sciences Student Affairs Office for individual academic planning.
Freshmen will normally take Biological Sciences 94, Humanities 1A, Chemistry 1A, and a freshman seminar (Biological Sciences 2A) during the fall quarter. Students not taking Humanities 1A should enroll in Biological Sciences 94 in the fall quarter. Students will then continue with Biological Sciences 96 and complete their general chemistry and humanities requirement the remaining winter and spring quarters.
Sophomores begin organic chemistry (Chemistry 51A or 52A), continue the Biological Sciences Core with 97, 98, and 99, and complete the Humanities requirement if they have not taken it during their freshman year. Sophomores often begin taking courses in other disciplines to meet the UCI breadth requirement and fulfill their mathematics requirement if they have not done so as freshmen.
During their junior year, most majors complete the Biological Sciences Core and take physics. Students who intend to double major in Chemistry will be required to take Physics 5A-B-C or H6A-B-C in place of Physics 3A-B-C. Juniors complete their breadth requirements and usually start their research and their upper-division laboratory and satellite courses. Since research and the content of satellite courses are based upon material contained in the Core, it is usually preferable for students to have completed most of the Core before undertaking certain satellite courses or research projects.
Finally, during their senior year, students continue their research and their optional specializations by completing the remaining required upper-division laboratory and satellite courses.
A special program of study should be considered by students who enter the biological sciences with a weak background in the sciences and/or in writing skills. A weak background might consist of not completing high school chemistry or mathematics through trigonometry, and/or not satisfying the Subject A requirement before entering the University. This program allows a student to gain the necessary background skills and will probably require five years of study at the undergraduate level. Before beginning this program of study, students must see an academic counselor in the Biological Sciences Student Affairs Office.
| Sample Program -- Biological Sciences | |||||
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING | |||
| Freshman | |||||
| Chemistry 1A | Bio. Sci. 94 | Bio. Sci. 96 | |||
| Humanities 1A1 | Chemistry 1B, LB | Chemistry 1C, LC | |||
| Humanities 1B | Humanities 1C | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Bio. Sci. 97 | Bio. Sci. 98 | Bio. Sci. 99 | |||
| Chemistry 51A, | Bio. Sci. 100L3 | Chemistry 51C | |||
| 51LA2 | Chemistry 51B, | Mathematics 2C or 7 | |||
| Mathematics 2A | 51B | ||||
| Mathematics 2B | |||||
| Junior | |||||
| Bio. Sci. Core | Bio. Sci. Core | Bio. Sci. Core | |||
| Physics | Physics | Physics | |||
| Bio. Sci. Satellite4 | Bio. Sci. Satellite | Bio. Sci. Satellite | |||
| or upper-division | or upper-division | or upper-division | |||
| laboratory | laboratory | laboratory | |||
| Elective/Research5 | Elective/Research | Elective/Research | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Bio. Sci. Core | Bio. Sci. Satellite | Bio. Sci. Satellite | |||
| Bio. Sci. Satellite | or upper-division | or upper-division | |||
| or upper-division | laboratory | laboratory | |||
| laboratory | Research | Research | |||
| Elective | Electives | Electives | |||
1 Students may replace Humanities 1A-B-C with its alternative of the lower-division writing requirement of the breadth requirement (Category I) and a three-quarter breadth sequence in either Humanities or Literature (Category IV, Humanistic Inquiry). Students must satisfy the Subject A requirement prior to fulfilling the lower-division writing requirement. Students taking Humanities 1A must enroll in the Subject A section of this course if they have not satisfied the Subject A requirement.
2 Students may take Chemistry 52A-B-C, 52LA-LB instead of 51A-B-C, 51LA-LB.
3 Biological Sciences 100L may be taken concurrently or upon completion of Biological Sciences 98. It must be completed prior to taking the three required upper-division laboratories.
4 In addition to the listed Biological Sciences satellite courses, Chemistry 130A-B-C or 131A-B-C, and Psychology 112A-B-C (for Biological Sciences/Psychology double majors) are counted as satellites.
5 Electives should be chosen with the following purposes in mind: UCI breadth requirements; students' own breadth; preprofessional training.
