Biological Sciences, Developmental 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 76-83 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.

Requirements for 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.

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 090X: Freshman Seminar [1 unit]
• BIO 095: Lower Division Undergraduate Research [1-5 units]
• BIO 190: Research Seminar [1 unit]
• BIO 195: Upper Division Undergraduate Research [1-5 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 001: Contemporary Biology [4 units] *
• BIO 001L: Contemporary Biology Lab [1 unit] *
• CHEM 002: General Chemistry I [4 units]
• CHEM 008: Principles of Organic Chemistry [3 units]
• CHEM 008L: Principles of Organic Chemistry Lab [1 unit]
• CHEM 010: General Chemistry II [4 units]
• CHEM 100: Organic Synthesis and Mechanism [3 units]

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• MATH 011: Calculus I [4 units] or
• MATH 021: Calculus I for Physical Sciences and Engineering [4 units]

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• MATH 012: Calculus II [4 units] or
• MATH 022: Calculus II for Physical Sciences and Engineering [4 units]