Biological Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology 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 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, 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.

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]

•  

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

•  

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