Biological Sciences, General 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 is designed to give all students a common foundation of core knowledge specific to the discipline plus breadth in an application area.

Requirements for General Biology Emphasis Track

The General Biology (GB) emphasis track offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of life sciences, bridging molecular, cellular, and organismal biology. Core courses in Genetics (BIO 140) and Evolution (BIO 141) provide a robust foundation in understanding how genetic mechanisms and evolutionary processes interconnect various levels of biological organization. Students then choose between Advanced Molecular Biology (BIO 117), specializing in molecular and cellular mechanisms, or Fundamentals of Ecology (BIO 148), specializing in ecological and organismal dynamics. This inherent flexibility allows students to tailor their learning experiences toward either molecular/cellular or organismal biology disciplines. With additional laboratory practicums and upper-division biology electives, the GB emphasis track equips students with versatile skills and knowledge. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide array of careers in biological research, environmental science, biotechnology, health sciences, education, and other fields that value a broad and integrative understanding of biology.

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:

• BIO 095: Lower Division Undergraduate Research Units:
• BIO 195: Upper Division Undergraduate Research Units:

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:

• BIO 011: Introduction to Molecular Biology Units: 4
• BIO 011L: Introduction to Molecular Biology Lab Units: 1
• CHEM 002: General Chemistry I Units: 4
• CHEM 002L: General Chemistry I Lab Units: 1
• CHEM 008: Principles of Organic Chemistry Units: 4
• CHEM 008L: Principles of Organic Chemistry Lab Units: 1
• CHEM 010: General Chemistry II Units: 4
• CHEM 010L: General Chemistry II Lab Units: 1

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• MATH 011: Calculus I Units: 4 or
• MATH 021: Calculus I for Physical Sciences and Engineering Units: 4

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• MATH 012: Calculus II Units: 4 or
• MATH 022: Calculus II for Physical Sciences and Engineering Units: 4