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
Click on the link below to see what courses you need to have completed to be eligible to declare the Biology major:
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Course Planning Documents
Biology Additional Documents
- Biology Brochure - The Major at a Glance
- Biology Degree Requirements in the UCR Catalog
- Biology Degree Options- B.A. vs. B.S.
- Biology Minimum Progress Criteria
- Academic Advising Syllabus
- Research Enrollment Instructions
Biology Degree Summary Sheets
Biology Sample Four-Year Plans
Biology Schedule of Course Offerings
- Upper Division Course Offerings - A tentative list of Upper Division coursework offered each year
- Related Area Course Offerings - A tentative list of related area coursework offered each year
- Life Sciences Core Curriculum 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.
