Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biological Sciences, Developmental Biology Emphasis, B.S.


Requirements for the Biological Sciences Major


In addition to the UC Merced and School of Natural Sciences General Education and Courses Required Outside of Natural Sciences and Engineering, the requirements that must be met to receive the B.S. in Biological Sciences at UC Merced are:

Emphasis Track Courses [24-38 Units]


Details on the Emphasis Track are given below.

Undergraduate Major in Biological Sciences Research


As a capstone to the Biological Sciences Program, all Biological Sciences majors are encouraged to participate in a research experience. Students attend research lectures by UC Merced faculty, and students can elect to go on to participate in research projects during their senior year. The relevant course numbers are:

Developmental Biology Emphasis Track


Developmental Biology (DB) emphasis track provides students with an understanding of the mechanisms that govern the generation of unique cell types and the assembly of cells into complex organisms. In addition to a strong foundation in genetics, cell biology and molecular biology, students can choose specialized courses covering topics such as immune system development, nervous system development, and the evolution of developmental mechanisms. Training in DB prepares students for careers in all aspects of the health sciences and biological research, particularly in the fields of stem cell biology, cancer biology, evolutionary biology, and regenerative medicine.

Developmental Biology Core Courses [21-22 Units]


 Complete the following courses:

Developmental Biology Upper Division Elective Courses [13 Units minimum]


At least three courses chosen from the Developmental Biology elective list below, one course with Laboratory component [5 units] and two additional courses [8 units minimum].

Transfer Students


To be admitted to the Biological Sciences major transfer students must meet the following requirements:

Applicants will, at the time of admission have completed at minimum each of the following courses (or their equivalent) with a “C-” or better:

Additional Information


Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.8 in transferable courses. Any outstanding General Education and Major preparation coursework will be completed at UC Merced. Students should also consult the Information for Prospective Students link on the School of Natural Sciences website naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu for more information.

* Biological Sciences BIO 001  and BIO 001L  (if available at their originating school. A letter grade of “B” or better grade must be earned.)

Biology Program Learning Outcomes


Graduates from the Biological Sciences programs will have demonstrated:

  1. An understanding of the tenets of modern biology and an understanding of how cellular functions are integrated from the molecular level to the cellular level, through to the level of organism, populations, and functioning ecosystems.
  2. An ability to develop and critique hypotheses and to design experiments, models, and/or calculations to address these hypotheses.
  3. The ability to use appropriate instrumentation and computational tools to collect, analyze and interpret data.
  4. The ability to read, evaluate, interpret, and apply numerical and general scientific information.
  5. A familiarity with and application of safety in good laboratory and field practices.

Sample plans of study for the Biological Sciences degree may be found in the School of Natural Sciences website naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu.