Overview
CNAS offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Biology. Both programs are based on the conviction that broad undergraduate training in biology and the physical sciences, together with study in the humanities and social sciences, are fundamental to the education of a biologist. The degrees differ only in that 16 units of a foreign language are required for the B.A., whereas the B.S. requires 16 additional units in substantive courses in biology or in related fields.
The research and teaching of the department includes the different levels of biological organization: cellular, developmental, physiological, organismal, ecological, and populational. An overview of processes at all these levels is presented in the introductory courses (BIOL 005A, BIOL05LA, BIOL 005B, and BIOL 005C), and emphasis is placed on the unifying principles of the discipline.
Because of the diversity within biology and the wide range of career options, considerable latitude is allowed in selecting upper-division biology courses for the 36 units required for the major. Ordinarily, most of the 36 upper-division units required are selected from courses offered by the Department of Biology. With advisor approval, some courses in other departments (e.g., Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Neuroscience) may be counted as biology courses in meeting upper-division unit requirements.
Visit the Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology Department website
Biology Advising
Click on the drop-menus below for more information and documents related to about the Biology major.
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Change of Major Criteria for Biology
To declare a major, students must be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above), a Life Science Core GPA of 2.0 or higher, and no grades lower than a C- in all attempted life science core courses. If upper-division courses have been taken, a minimum upper-division GPA of a 2.0 is also required. Must be able to complete the degree within 216 units. AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining unit range for change of major criteria and 216 unit maximum. Must have letter grade for all science courses. Freshman (up to 44.9 units)
Sophomore (45 - 89.9 units)
Junior (90 - 134.9 units)
Senior (135 units & above)
Completion of any 2 courses from the following, AP credit is not acceptable:
- BIOL 005A/BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020
- CHEM 001A/CHEM 01LA
- CHEM 001B/CHEM 01LB
- MATH 007A/MATH 009A
- MATH 007B/MATH 009B
Completion of all previously listed criteria and the following courses:
- BIOL 005A
- BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020
- BIOL 005B
- BIOL 005C
- CHEM 001A
- CHEM 01LA
- CHEM 001B
- CHEM 01LB
- CHEM 001C
- CHEM 01LC
- MATH 007A/MATH 009A
- MATH 007B/MATH 009B
Completion of all previously listed criteria and the following courses:
Completion of at least one of the following sequences :
Note: Organic Chemistry is the preferred sequence.
- CHEM 008A
- CHEM 08LA
- CHEM 008B
- CHEM 08LB
- CHEM 008C
- CHEM 08LC
- PHYS 002A
- PHYS 02LA
- PHYS 002B
- PHYS 02LB
- PHYS 002C
- PHYS 02LC
- 2.0 or higher Life Science Core GPA
- 2.0 or higher GPA in all attempted upper division courses applicable to the major.
Completion of all previously listed criteria (which includes entire organic chemistry & physics sequences) and the following courses:
- BCH 100 or BCH 110A
- STAT 010/11*
- Completion of at least one upper division course applicable to the major, excluding BCH 100 and BCH 110A, with a 2.0 or higher GPA in all attempted upper division courses.
* STAT 100A/100B will be accepted if taken prior to Fall 2021
- Additional Information About the Biology Major
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Course Planning Materials for Biology
Biology Degree Summary Sheets
Biology Sample Four-Year Plans
Biology Schedule of Course Offerings
- Upper Division Course Offerings
- Related Area Course Offerings
- Life Sciences Core Curriculum Course Offerings
- Quarterly List of Breadth Course Offerings
Biology Academic Advisors
CNAS Professional Academic Advisors provide students with individual guidance throughout their academic careers at UCR and help them achieve realistic academic goals. Professional Academic Advisors can assist you with declaring or changing your major or minor, course repeats, the process for taking courses outside of UCR, taking a leave from UCR, and questions about withdrawing or readmitting to UCR.
Biology Lead Faculty Advisor
A Lead Faculty Advisor is assigned for each major. Faculty advisors are available to assist students with guidance regarding graduate or professional school, opportunities to participate in research, independent study, or internships. Faculty advisors also may provide students with advice and mentoring regarding career goals.
