The neuroscience and behavior majors provide students with rigorous preparation for graduate studies and research. The brain and determinants of behavior are studied at all levels, from biological molecules to individual nerve cells to functioning organisms to social behavior. The majors emphasize the interrelationship between the two fields, building on a common core of general and biological science course work.

Study and Research Opportunities

• B.A., B.S.
• Pathways in behavior and molecular neuroscience
• Hands-on laboratory and field courses and opportunities for independent research

Neuroscience07.pdf

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. 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.

Introductory requirements for the B.A. in neuroscience and behavior are:

•     Biology 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology 20B, Development and Physiology; Biology 20C, Ecology and Evolution

• Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N, General Chemistry with Laboratory (three quarters)

•  Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M (two quarters); or 112A/L, 112B/M, and 112C/N, Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (three quarters)

•     Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5, Statistics; or 7, Biostatistics; or Environmental Toxicology 120, Environmental Statistical Analysis

•     Mathematics 11A-B, Calculus with Applications (two quarters) or Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (two quarters)

•     Physics 7A/L and 7B/M, Elementary Physics with Laboratory (two quarters) or two courses from Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N, Introduction to Physics with Laboratory (three-quarter series)

In addition to the courses above, the following courses are required for the B.S. program.

•  Mathematics: one additional course in calculus, Mathematics 22, Calculus with Applications
•  Physics: three courses in calculus-based physics, Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N, Introduction to Physics with Laboratory (three quarters)

Careers

Animal husbandry
Biochemistry
Biomedical research
Cell biology
Child development
Government research
Marine biology
Medical technology
Medicine
Mental health
Optometry
Physiology
Psychology/Psychotherapy
Teaching
Veterinary medicine

These are only samples of the field’s many possibilities.

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.

Alum Focus
Sana Siwolop (B.A., psychobiology, ’78) is a reporter for the New York Times and the winner of the newspaper’s 2000 Front Page Award for Deadline Reporting.

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. 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.