Mar 28, 2025  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
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2024-2025 Catalog

Biological Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology Emphasis, B.S.

Biological Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology Emphasis, B.S. Four-Year Course Plan  

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:

Computer Science Requirement [2-4 units]

Complete one of the following courses:

Probability and Statistics Requirement [4-5 units]

Complete one of the following probability and statistics courses:

Physics Requirement [10 units]

Complete the following four physics courses:

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

Complete one additional upper division course in science or engineering.

Requirements for Microbiology and Immunology Emphasis Track

Students in the Microbiology and Immunology (MBI) emphasis track study the diversity, structure, evolution, method of transmission, replication, epidemiology and mechanism of pathogenesis of microorganisms and their interplay with the host immune system. Related topics in bioterrorism, environmental microbiology, microbial evolution, drug resistance, development of the immune system, applications in biotechnology and their political and socioeconomic ramifications are also explored. A student in the Microbiology and Immunology emphasis track will have many career options including work in research, education, the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies or health-related professions.

Microbiology and Immunology Core Courses [17-19 Units]

Complete the following courses:

Microbiology and Immunology Upper Division Elective Courses [11 Units Minimum]

Complete three unique courses:

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.