Biological Sciences, Additional Major
Additional Major and Dual Degree in Biological Sciences
Overview
Biological Sciences may be taken as an additional major (also known as a “double major”) or as a second degree, with another department granting the primary degree. The rules of the Biological Sciences Department for these two options are distinct, as discussed below. For schedule planning feedback, advising support, and/or sample four year schedules please contact the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Programs Office.
Curriculum
In order to receive an Additional Major in Biological Sciences, with another department granting the primary degree, all requirements listed below must be fulfilled:
| Biological Sciences | Units | |
| 03-151 | Honors Modern Biology | 10 |
| or 03-121 | Modern Biology | |
| 03-201 | Undergraduate Colloquium for Sophomores | 2 |
| 03-231 | Honors Biochemistry | 9 |
| 03-320 | Cell Biology *New course number (03-240) starting Fall 2027 | 9 |
| 02-250 | Introduction to Computational Biology 1 | 12 |
| 03-220 | Genetics *New course number (03-330) starting Fall 2027 | 9 |
| or 03-221 | Genomes, Evolution, and Disease: Introduction to Quantitative Genetic Analysis | |
| 03-343 | Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology | 12 |
| 03-344 | Experimental Biochemistry | 12 |
| or 03-345 | Experimental Cell and Developmental Biology | |
| or 03-346 | Experimental Neuroscience | |
| 03-411 | Topics in Research | 1 |
| 03-412 | Topics in Research | 1 |
| 03-xxx | Biological Sciences Electives 2 | 54 |
| Total Biology units | 131 | |
- 1
This course requires 02-120, 15-110,or 15-112 as a prerequisite.
- 2
Please see description and requirements for electives under the B.S. in Biological Sciences section of this Catalog.
| Chemistry | Units | |
| 09-105 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry I 3 | 10 |
| or 09-107 | Honors Chemistry: Fundamentals, Concepts and Applications | |
| 09-106 | Modern Chemistry II | 10 |
| 09-217 | Organic Chemistry I | 9 |
| 09-218 | Organic Chemistry II | 9 |
| 09-207 | Techniques in Quantitative Analysis | 9 |
| 09-208 | Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Analysis | 9 |
| Total Chemistry units | 56 | |
- 3
Students who complete 09-107 with an A grade will be exempted from the requirement to take 09-106 Modern Chemistry II.
Minimum number of units required for additional major:187
Dual Degree
In order to receive a Dual Degree in another subject and Biological Sciences, all requirements of the Biological Sciences degree must be fulfilled. Students may choose to complete the B.A. or the B.S. in Biological Sciences, with or without Tracks. Students must complete all technical and non-technical requirements, and should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Amanda Willard, for questions about double counting. The number of units required for a Dual Degree is 90 more than the total units required by the department requiring the fewer total units. Since Biological Sciences requires 360 units, the lowest possible minimum for a Dual Degree with Biological Sciences is 450 units.