General Biology Major

Please refer to the "Division of Biological Science Required Review of Student Progress" notice detailed in the Division of Biological Science section of the catalog.

This program allows the most diversified exposure to biology of any of the majors offered by the Division of Biological Science. It is designed for students with broad interests who do not wish to be constrained by the specialized requirements of the other majors and who desire maximum freedom to pursue their particular educational goals.

NOTE: The following degree requirements are for FAll 2003 and beyond admits. If you were admitted prior to Fall 2003, please see the specific sample plan and degree check at the bottom of the page. Please be aware that the degree requirements have been changed Fall 2003 quarter.

Lower-Division Requirements
Lower-division requirements are designed to provide the foundations in mathematics, physics, and chemistry that are fundamental to the study of biology. In addition, an introduction to biology is required to provide the appropriate background for upper-division biology courses. The lower-division requirements are subsumed in large part under those of the various colleges.

BILD 1 & 2 or BILD 1 & 3

Mathematics 10A, B, C/D or 20A, B, 20C

Chemistry 6A, B, C, and one lab

Physics 1A, B, C or 2A, B, C and one lab

Upper-Division Requirements
Listed below are the upper-division course requirements for the General Biology major. Specific requirements have been held to a minimum for this major in order to allow students maximum freedom in fitting course schedules to their particular educational goals. Because of the central positions of biochemistry and genetics in all of modern biological thought, only Biochemistry (BIBC 100 or 102), its organic chemistry prerequisites (Chemistry 140A and B), and Genetics (BICD 100) are prescribed requirements for general biology majors.

1. Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 140A/141A and 140B/141B)

2. Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102)

3. Genetics (BICD 100)

4. Two upper-division biology labs to be chosen from the following: BIBC 103, BIBC 105, BICD 101, 111, 123, 131, 133, 145, BIEB 121, 165, 167, 179, BIMM 101, 103, 121, 127, BIPN 105, or 145.

5. Eight additional upper-division courses (each course must be at least four units) taken through the UCSD Division of Biological Science are required. Only one quarter of BISP 195 and one quarter of either BISP 196, 197 or 199 may be applied toward this requirement. (Subsequent quarters of 195, 196, 197 or 199 may be applied toward college and university requirements.)

Although students are free to design upper-division curricula which meet their individual educational goals, Molecular Biology (BIMM 100) and Cell Biology (BICD 110) are strongly recom mended for those contemplating applying to graduate or professional schools.

Residency Requirement: Students must satisfactorily complete at least nine of the required upper-division courses (4 units each), for the major, taken through the UCSD Division of Biological Science, while officially enrolled at UCSD, to satisfy the divisional residency requirement.

Fall 03 Admits-Sample Plan (PDF format)

Fall 03 Admits-Degree Check (PDF format)

Spring 03 & Prior-Sample Plan (PDF format)

Spring 03 & Prior-Degree Check (PDF format)