Dec 13, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Biological Sciences, Human Biology Emphasis, B.S.


Requirements for the Biological Sciences Major


To receive the B.S. in Biological Sciences students must adhere to General Education  and School of Natural Sciences Requirements . The Biological Sciences program consists of 77-84 units, with a minimum of 23 courses designed to give all students a common foundation of core knowledge specific to the discipline plus breadth in an application area.

Biological Sciences Requirement [14 units]


Complete the following five biological sciences courses:

General Chemistry Requirement [8 units]


Complete the following two general chemistry courses:

Organic Chemistry Requirement [5 units]


Complete the following two organic chemistry courses:

Mathematics Requirement [8 units]


Complete the following mathematics courses:

Probability and Statistics Requirement [4-5 units]


Complete one of the following probability and statistics courses:

Upper Division Science or Engineering Requirement [3-4 units]


Complete one additional upper division course in science or engineering.

Requirements for Human Biology Emphasis Track


The Human Biology (HB) emphasis track provides students with a rich education in the scientific principles that underlie modern health sciences. This major is an excellent preparation for entrance into health-related professional careers including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, genetic counseling, health education, public health, clinical psychology, epidemiology, environmental health sciences and health administration, among others. The HB emphasis track also provides a strong foundation for careers in biomedical research, and includes the courses most broadly required for advanced study in health sciences.

Human Biology Core Courses [11-12 Units]


 Complete the following courses:

Evolution Course


Complete one of the following courses:

Human Biology Upper Division Elective Courses [14 Units Minimum]


Human Biology Electives [3-7 units]


Complete one of the following courses. Please not that laboratory courses require co-enrollment in the corresponding lecture course.

Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences


All Biological Sciences majors are encouraged, but not required, to participate in a research experience. Students attend research lectures by UC Merced faculty, and can elect to go on to participate in research projects. The relevant course numbers are:

Transfer Selection Criteria


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.