Biology Majors
UCSB biology undergraduate program offers BS and BA degrees.
Specialized Majors
Biology Announcements
Current students should use the biology undergraduate email list to receive important information.
General Questions
Walk-in Advising Hours:Mon-Thur 9:30-11:30am and 1-4 pm
Friday 9:30-11:30am
bio-adv@lifesci.ucsb.edu
Academic Advisors
FAQs
- How many upper division biology courses should I take per quarter?
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We recommend taking two upper division biology courses per quarter (assuming 8.0 units per quarter) and, if possible, fulfilling area specific requirements first starting one's Junior/3rd year. This will give you the required 48.0 units required for most of our majors. For more detailed recommendations for the MCDB majors please go to: Resource Documents: Recommended Schedule - MCDB majors.
- When is the earliest a first year non-biology major can declare pre-biology?
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At the beginning of Spring quarter as we require completion of chemistry 1A and 1B with grades of C or better.
- Does the Biology program offer a Minor?
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The biology program does not offer a minor.
- When is the earliest I can declare the full major?
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Freshman admits may declare the full major at the end of their second year provided that they have completed MCDB 1A,1B, EEMB 2, 3 (2.0 gpa required), MCDB 1AL, EEMB 3L and either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L (2.0 gpa required), Chem 1ABC and two other preparatory courses (2.0 gpa required). Please see the Pre-Biology major requirement sheet for more detailed information.
Junior transfer students may declare the full major after their second quarter (Winter) - usually 4 upper division biology courses completed (2.0 gpa required)
For all students - At the time of petition for full major, you must have a 2.0 or higher grade point average in all courses attempted toward the major within preparatory and within upper division. Also grades earned must meet the grade prerequisites for the full major.
