College of Biological Sciences Dean’s Office The College of Biological Sciences administers undergraduate programs in fundamental aspects of biology. The college is organized into five departments that represent major themes of modern biology: Evolution and Ecology; Microbiology; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior; and Plant Biology. The individual departments offer a total of eight specialized majors, each focusing on one of the core disciplines of biology. The Biological Sciences major, the Individual major, the Undeclared-Life Sciences program and the Bodega Marine Laboratory Spring Quarter Program are offered by the entire college. The Undergraduate ProgramsBiological SciencesThe Biological Sciences major is broad in concept, designed to span the numerous core disciplines of biology. The major covers most dimensions of the study of life, ranging from molecules and cells to populations of organisms. While emphasizing breadth, the Bachelor of Science degree also requires the student to select an area of emphasis that provides concentrated study in one facet of biology at the upper division level. Areas of emphasis are Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity; Marine Biology; Microbiology; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior; and Plant Biology. Major
Minor
Evolution and EcologyThe major in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity offers the student a broad background in the theoretical and empirical basis of our understanding of the evolution and ecology of living organisms. The program of study begins with a core of introductory courses in mathematics, physical sciences and biology. These are followed by survey courses in evolution and ecology and more specialized courses that focus the student on particular disciplines or organisms, with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking. Major
MicrobiologyMicrobiology deals with bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses. These microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and play a crucial role in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, medicine and veterinary science. The field of microbiology contributes to areas of fundamental inquiry such as biochemistry, cell biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, pathogenesis and physiology. Major
Molecular and Cellular BiologyThe Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology offers three majors. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major introduces students to the chemistry of living organisms and the experimental techniques that are used to probe the structures and functions of biologically important molecules. Students who enjoy both chemistry and biology and who are comfortable with quantitative approaches to problem-solving will find this major a rewarding field of study. The Cell Biology major provides a comprehensive understanding of the cell, the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. The major emphasizes the principles that govern how biomolecules interact with one another to organize themselves into higher order structures that comprise cells and how cellular organization and function contribute to the development, maintenance and reproduction of adult organisms. The Genetics major provides a broad background in the biological, mathematical and physical sciences basic to the study of heredity and evolution. The major provides a dual focus on the molecular mechanisms that regulate utilization of information encoded within the genome as well as the mechanisms and analysis of inheritance of genetic information. The major is sufficiently flexible to accommodate students interested in the subject either as a basic discipline in the biological sciences or in terms of its applied aspects in medicine, biotechnology and agriculture. Majors
Neurobiology, Physiology, and BehaviorThe Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior offers two majors. The major in Exercise Biology is an integrative program of study, encompassing the physiological, biomechanical and behavioral aspects of exercise and physical activity. The focus is on both the acute and adaptive effects of physical activity (and inactivity). Exercise biology deals with the mechanisms and consequences of activity from the molecular to the organismal (human ecological) level. We examine these mechanisms and consequences during growth, development, aging, disease and in altered environmental conditions. The exercise biology major encompasses the critical aspects of an integrative program in applied human biology. The Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior major emphasizes the understanding of vital functions common to all animals. All animals perform certain basic functions-they grow, reproduce, move, respond to stimuli and maintain homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated. Actions of the nervous and endocrine systems determine behavior and the interaction between organisms and their physical and social environments. Students in this major will study functional mechanisms; the control, regulation and integration of these mechanisms; and the behavior which relates to those mechanisms at the level of the cell, the organ system and the organism. Major
Minor
Plant BiologyPlant Biology is the study of plants as organisms. It includes the newer disciplines of cellular and molecular plant biology and the traditional areas of botany, such as anatomy, morphology, systematics, physiology, mycology, phycology, ecology and evolution. The major provides breadth in diverse areas of plant biology and depth in one of several areas of specialization. MajorMinorCollegewide ProgramQuantitative Biology and BioinformaticsThe interdisciplinary minor in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics is an integrative program that introduces students to the quantitative and computational approaches that are redefining all disciplines in the biological sciences, from molecular and cell biology, through genetics and physiology, to ecology and evolutionary biology. The minor in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics is open to all undergraduates regardless of major and is sponsored by the College of Biological Sciences. MinorIndividual MajorStudents whose academic interests are not met by any established major, or combinations of majors and minors may develop an Individual major. Students work in conjunction with the Committee on Undergraduate Petitions and a faculty member in the college. MajorStudents who wish to explore the array of life science majors offered at UC Davis before declaring a major may be admitted to the college through the Undeclared—Life Sciences program. These students use the College of Biological Sciences Dean's Office for their advising center. Students in this program must declare a major before completing 90 units. Bodega Marine Laboratory ProgramSpring Quarter ProgramA full quarter of undergraduate course work in marine biology is available each spring quarter at the Bodega Marine Laboratory, located in Bodega Bay, California. Course offerings include lecture and laboratory instruction in the developmental biology and physiological adaptation of marine organisms, and population biology and ecology; a weekly colloquium; and an intensive individual research experience under the direction of laboratory faculty (Biological Sciences courses 120, 120P, 122, 122P, 123; Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior 141, 141P). This is a 15 unit program and course offerings and instructors may vary from year to year. Applications are due January 31. For more course detail, see Bodega Marine Laboratory Program or http://bml.ucdavis.edu/. Summer Special Session CoursesThis integrated program offers students a multidisciplinary understanding of coastal ecosystems through intensive, hands on courses taught at BML. The program offers students three sequences of instruction with up to 10 units in each. Two sequences occur during the first Summer Session dates and one sequence in the second Summer Session dates. Applications are due May 1. For more course detail see full description under appropriate academic department listing or http://bml.ucdavis.edu/. The programs are residential with students housed on the laboratory grounds. Participants are assessed a room and board fee in addition to standard campus registration fees. Additional information is available directly from the Bodega Marine Laboratory at (707) 875-2002, P.O. Box 247, Bodega Bay, CA 94923. |
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Updated: July 23, 2008 9:25 AM