COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Biological Sciences requires a total of 120 units and offers a flexible curriculum combining strong scientific foundations with customizable electives. The program includes lower division GE, upper division GE, physical education, and writing requirements, with some units fulfilled through major coursework. Major preparation (35–41 units) focuses on core sciences such as general and organic chemistry (with lab options), physics, biochemistry, calculus or precalculus, hypothesis testing, and scientific communication, ensuring students build a solid base in quantitative and experimental biology. The major requirements (34–35 units) include essential courses like Principles of Biology I and II, along with choices between genetics or evolution and additional advanced topics such as ecology, physiology, microbiology, or integrative biology. Students also complete 19 units of major electives, allowing them to specialize in areas like molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, ecology, marine biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or field research, based on their career goals. Beyond the major, students must complete 6 units of science electives from related STEM disciplines and 6–13 units of university electives, offering further flexibility for minors or additional interests. Overall, the program balances required scientific rigor with broad elective choices, preparing students for diverse careers in biology-related fields or further professional and graduate studies.