Division of Biological Sciences Covid-19 Undergraduate Updates

We want to let you know that our Biological Sciences advisors are here to assist with academic advising needs. A variety of biology advising services are available. Students are asked to be thoughtful in determining which service is most appropriate based on the specific advising need.

Spring 2022 and Later

Refer to the Schedule of Classes to get the most up-to-date modality information. Please note that course modality is subject to change. All questions regarding course expectations should be directed to the instructor.

Fall 2021 / Winter 2022

Biology courses components may be offered in one of two ways:

• Fully Remote (all online) OR
• In-Person (all in-person)

All questions regarding course expectations should be directed to the instructor.

We highly recommend periodically checking the Schedule of Classes to get the most up-to-date course classification information. Please note that course modality in the Division of Biological Sciences is subject to change, dependent on the state of the pandemic.

Summer 2021

Biology courses may be offered in one of two ways:

• Fully Remote (all online) OR
• In-Person (all in-person)

While most courses are being offered remotely, synchronous attendance may still be required. Please review Summer 2021 Course Information for additional details. For those courses being offered that are not listed, students must follow up with the instructor directly to obtain additional information.

All questions regarding course expectations should be directed to the instructor.

We highly recommend periodically checking the Schedule of Classes to get the most up-to-date course classification information. Please note that courses in the Division of Biological Sciences are subject to change from hybrid to fully remote, dependent on the state of the pandemic. Please continue to check the Schedule of Classes to receive updated information.

Spring 2021

Biology courses are being offered in one of three ways:

• Fully Remote (all online) OR
• Hybrid (combination of in-person and remote/online components) OR
• In-Person (all in-person)

While most courses are being offered remotely, synchronous attendance may still be required. Please review Spring 2021 Course Information for additional details. For those courses being offered that are not listed, students must follow up with the instructor directly to obtain additional information.

All questions regarding course expectations should be directed to the instructor.

We highly recommend periodically checking the Schedule of Classes to get the most up-to-date course classification information. Please note that courses in the Division of Biological Sciences are subject to change from hybrid to fully remote, dependent on the state of the pandemic. Please continue to check the Schedule of Classes to receive updated information.

Winter 2021

Biology courses are being offered in one of three ways:

• Fully Remote (all online) OR
• Hybrid (combination of in-person and remote/online components) OR
• In-Person (all in-person)

While most courses are being offered remotely, synchronous attendance may still be required. Please review Winter 2021 Course Information for additional details. For those courses being offered that are not listed, students must follow up with the instructor directly to obtain additional information.

All questions regarding course expectations should be directed to the instructor.

We highly recommend periodically checking the Schedule of Classes to get the most up-to-date course classification information. Please note that courses in the Division of Biological Sciences are subject to change from hybrid to fully remote, dependent on the state of the pandemic. Please continue to check the Schedule of Classes to receive updated information.

Fall 2020

Biology courses were offered in one of three ways for fall 2020:

• Fully Remote (all online) OR
• Hybrid (combination of in-person and remote/online components) OR
• In-Person (all in-person)

Please review FA20 Biology Course Scheduling FAQs ^[PDF] to address inquiries pertaining to enrollment and expectations.

Summer 2020

All courses were offered remotely.

Spring 2020

All courses were shifted to remote modality, due to onset of the COVID pandemic.

Instruction format of a course does not determine seat capacity. The School attempts to offer as many seats as possible no matter if a course is being taught remotely, hybrid, or in person. Students who are unable to enroll in a course may waitlist, knowing that this does not guarantee enrollment. Students who choose to waitlist should ensure they are enrolled in at least 12 units for full time status.

Campus has physical capacity limitations for all in-person/hybrid courses. In addition, there are other capacity limitations for remote courses due to available course support.

Please refer to the Campus add/drop deadlines.

Spring 2023 and beyond

The below biology lab policies are in effect:

• For any lab currently scheduled as in-person, the modality is subject to change if campus shifts all labs to remote instruction. If a change in modality does occur, students will be notified.
• Safety training will be required for any in-person lab. For remote labs (if applicable), safety training may be required by course Instructor, but in general will be waived
• Masking is currently optional in all indoor classrooms, laboratories and on University transportation.
• Enrolled and wait listed students MUST attend the first lab meeting (unless excused by the Instructor)
• Drop policy is ENFORCED: Students who drop a biology lab course after the end of the second scheduled lab meeting will be assigned a "W" for the course. If the student already has a "W" in the course, the student will be re-enrolled in the lab. Per Academic Senate policy, a student may receive a maximum of one "W" per course. Student will be responsible for the lab fee associated with the particular lab course.
• After the first scheduled lab meeting, adding a lab course requires instructor and Divisonal approval through a preauthorization request via the UC San Diego Enrollment Authorization System (EASy) (login required). The Division will only consider lab date adds through Friday of week 2 on a space available basis. Lab late adds are not guaranteed.

All application deadlines remain. Please review all procedures and deadlines on the Research for Academic Credit site. Students and faculty may also review information at the Return to Research web page.

Summer 2020 and Later

Special Studies research projects may be conducted in-person. However, if it is determined by the School of Biological Sciences or campus that instruction must be fully remote, then all research projects are expected to be done remotely as well. Students should work closely with the faculty to determine modality.

Spring 2020

Special Studies research projects must be conducted remotely; no exceptions.

Summer 2021 and Later

No change in policy by UC San Diego. 

Winter 2021 & Spring 2021

The Division will allow P grades earned in winter and spring 2021 courses to be applied to a biology major or minor. Students should consult the FAQs for P/NP Grades in Winter 2021 & Spring 2021 ^[PDF] for important information prior to taking action.

Fall 2020

The Division will allow P grades earned in fall 2020 courses to be applied to a biology major or minor. Students should consult the FAQs for P/NP Grades in Fall 2020 ^[PDF] for important information prior to taking action.

Summer 2020

No change in policy by UC San Diego.

Spring 2020

The Division will allow P grades earned in spring 2020 courses to be applied to a biology major or minor. For additional information, reference FAQs for P/NP Grades in Spring 2020 ^[PDF].

Students should review the capped major application process for additional information.

Summer 2021 and Later

No exceptions to C- or better grading criteria. 

Winter 2021 & Spring 2021

Due to other exceptions granted for the term, the Division will allow P grades for capped major admission coursework taken winter and spring 2021; reference Winter 2021 & Spring 2021 FAQs ^[PDF] .

Fall 2020

Due to other exceptions granted for the term, the Division will allow P grades for capped major admission coursework taken fall 2020; reference fall 2020 FAQs ^[PDF] .

Summer 2020

No exceptions to C- or better grading criteria.

Spring 2020

Due to other exceptions granted for the term, the Division will allow P grades for capped major admission coursework taken spring 2020; reference spring 2020 FAQs ^[PDF].

International students may have special considerations and are urged to review information on the International Students & Program Office web page and to contact ISPO staff for questions.

• Learn about classroom physical distancing, ventilation, disinfection, technology upgrades and more.
• Reserve a space to study in the Biomedical Library.
• Request a loaner laptop.
• Look up a computer lab space.
• Academic support through Academic Achievement Hub and OASIS

Basic Needs

To support our resilient students, resources are available through The Hub Basic Needs Center and Triton Food Pantry. For questions, please visit the websites above, or reach out to basicneeds@ucsd.edu or 858-246-2632.

Recreation

Visit The Playground to stay on track with your fitness and nutrition needs. For additional services, visit the Recreation website.

Student Personal Wellness Online is a FREE online health and fitness program offered to current students. Register today at Student Personal Wellness.

Student Health

Student Health Services is open to provide care for UC San Diego Students. We have implemented many changes to ensure that healthy, asymptomatic students who come to Student Health are safe and not exposed to infection. All patients and staff are masked at Student Health Services whether they are in Urgent Care or our Primary Care areas. Our pharmacy, nurses clinic, lab and X-ray are still open. Please call 858-534-3300 to speak to a nurse to determine if you need an in-person appointment or can have a video visit.

Testing for COVID-19 is still being done at SHS and is covered by SHIP. We are able to test any student that presents with any risk factors or symptoms of having COVID-19.

Pharmacy: Our Student Health Pharmacy is able to deliver any medications for free to students that live anywhere in California. Students can contact Student Health Pharmacy at 858-534-2135 or go through MyStudentChart and request a refill. Our pharmacy can send prescriptions for 90-day supply to students living in California via FedEx. They are unable to send controlled medications or refrigerated medications. Students have a lower copay if they fill their medications through Student Health.

Telemedicine at Student Health: Any UC San Diego student may now have video visits or telephone visits with their Student Health primary care providers if they live anywhere in California. For students with SHIP and RAFT, there is no copay or visit charge. For students without SHIP, the same visit charges apply that would be used for in-person visits.

Mental Wellness

If you - or someone you know - need(s) to speak with someone or are feeling overwhelmed, please contact:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - CAPS offers counseling to help students in crisis or who are feeling stress.

The undergraduate college Deans of Student Affairs are available to provide personalized support and assistance:

• Revelle College – Sherry Mallory, 858-534-3492 or slmallory@ucsd.edu
• John Muir College – Jason Thibodeaux, 858-534-3587 or jasonjt@ucsd.edu
• Thurgood Marshall College – Amber Vlasnik, 858-534-7395 or avlasnik@ucsd.edu
• Earl Warren College – Kafele Khalfani, 858-534-6171 or kafele@ucsd.edu
• Eleanor Roosevelt College – Rey Guerrero, 858-534-2261 or rsguerrero@ucsd.edu
• Sixth College – Diane LeGree, 858-822-5953 or dlegree@ucsd.edu
• Seventh College – Josh Brimmeier, 858-246-5345 or jbrimmeier@ucsd.edu