Biological Sciences at UC Santa Cruz offers a broad spectrum of courses that reflect the exciting new developments and directions in the field of biology. An outstanding group of faculty, each with a vigorous, internationally recognized research program, are available to teach courses in their specialties as well as core courses for the major. Areas of research strength include RNA molecular biology, molecular and cellular aspects of genetics and development, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology, microbial biochemistry, plant biology, animal behavior, physiology, evolution, ecology, marine biology, and conservation biology.

Study and Research Opportunities

• Biology (B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Undergraduate Minor)
• Ecology and Evolution (B.S., M.A., Ph.D.)
• Health Sciences (B.S.)
• Marine Biology (B.S.)
• Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (B.S., M.A., Ph.D.)
• Neuroscience and Behavior (B.A., B.S.)
• Plant Sciences (B.S.)
• Environmental Studies/Biology combined major (B.A.)
  

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High School Preparation
In addition to the courses required for UC admission, high school students who intend to major in biology should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, advanced mathematics (precalculus), and physics.

Transfer Preparation
The faculty encourage applications from transfer students in the biological sciences. Students and their college advisers are strongly recommended to examine the degree requirements for the student’s intended major: www.biology.ucsc.edu/ug/program. Students should satisfy as many introductory requirements as possible prior to transfer. Courses offered at the student’s institution should be compared to the UC Santa Cruz transfer agreements (found at www.assist.org) and/or course descriptions to ensure that they will qualify for transfer. It is very important for transfer students to complete science prerequisite courses before transfer, especially calculus, general chemistry, and an introductory biology sequence. Students should also take organic chemistry, if possible. Prospective transfer students should contact the biology undergraduate advising office for further information (see the For More Information section on the reverse). In addition, please see the Course Substitution/Transfer Credit section.  

Course Substitution/Transfer Credit
At least half of the upper-division courses (Biology 100–190) required for each biological sciences major must be taken through the biological sciences program at UC Santa Cruz, not as transfer credits from another department or institution. Transfer students are advised to contact the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Advising Office before enrolling in numerous upper-division courses at other institutions.

Education Abroad Opportunities
The UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) offers qualified students unique opportunities to broaden their educational horizons. Biological Sciences encourages interested students to participate. Many programs are in English-speaking countries or use English for advanced courses. Many programs offer small classes and extensive laboratory and/or field research experience.

There are excellent programs for biological science students in Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Germany, among others. The Costa Rica Tropical Biology Program is of note to students interested in tropical biology and ecology. Held spring and fall quarters at the Monteverde Research Station, this program gives students experience with hands-on field research, offers a homestay program, and carries credit for upper-division biology courses. The University of Queensland (Australia) offers an intensive, full-semester Marine Science Program, which includes a stay at a research station on the Great Barrier Reef, near sheltered mangrove and seagrass habitats. Molecular, cell, and developmental biology majors and premedical students might want to consider the Human Biology Program at the Panum Institute in Denmark. This program is taught in English for advanced students planning careers in medicine or biomedical research.

Students interested in study abroad need to get an early start on their basic science requirements, including general and organic chemistry, math, and introductory biology. Visit the EAP office as soon as possible to begin planning, and seek advice about your academic plan from the biological sciences undergraduate adviser and/or faculty adviser.

The advising office publishes the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Web Site, which contains substantial advice and information pertinent to students. Each student in the major should review the information posted on the web site; for further assistance, contact the advising office.