10 Popular UCLA Pre Med Majors
UCLA has many majors that are popular with pre-meds, including non-science majors. Here are 10 popular science UCLA pre-med majors.
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Chemistry
- Chemistry & Material Science
- Cognitive Science
- Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution
- Human Biology
- Neuroscience
- Psychobiology
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Biochemistry
Overview
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
UCLA students who wish to enter the major must have a minimum grade of C- in each of the preparation for the major courses completed and a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0 in those courses. Grades in any completed courses for the major must also average at least 2.0.
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A (or 14AE) and 14B (or 14AE), or 20A (or 20AH) and 20B (or 20BH), 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, 30BL, 30C; Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, and 23L; Mathematics 31A, 31B, 32A (33A strongly recommended); Physics 1A, 1B, and 1C (or 1AH, 1BH, and 1CH) and 4BL, or 5A, 5B, and 5C.
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 110A, 153A, 153B, 153C, 153L, 154, 156; one additional upper-division or graduate course in chemistry and biochemistry; and three elective upper-division or graduate courses (12 units) approved by the undergraduate adviser (Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 101 highly recommended). Refer to the Undergraduate Office website for a list of approved electives.
The honors program provides exceptional majors with the opportunity to do research culminating in an honors thesis. Junior and senior majors who have completed all university-level coursework, including all preparation courses and requirements for the major, with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better in the required major courses, may apply for admission. Students must have the sponsorship of an approved faculty adviser.
For additional information and application forms, students should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 4006 Young Hall, early in their educational planning. Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the term in which students plan to begin the honors program.
Requirements
The core of the program consists of at least one approved undergraduate seminar course from Chemistry and Biochemistry 193A or 193B and three research courses (12 units minimum) from 196A, 196B, or 199, culminating in a thesis.
To qualify for graduation with departmental honors, students must satisfactorily complete all requirements for the honors program and the major and obtain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or better in coursework required for the major. On recommendation of the faculty sponsor, and with the approval of the thesis by the departmental honors committee, students are awarded no honors, honors, or highest honors.
Students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 or better, both overall and in the major, and demonstrated exceptional accomplishment on the research thesis are awarded highest honors at the discretion of the departmental honors committee.
Computing Specialization
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and one course from 10C, 15, or 20A, and (3) completing two computational chemistry courses from Chemistry and Biochemistry C126A, C145, CM160A.
Courses need to be completed with a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after they complete Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Biology
Overview
The Biology major is designed for students with a broad interest in biology who desire to pursue careers in a wide range of biological and related fields. It provides students with excellent background preparation for postgraduate training in medicine and other health sciences, in tracks leading to academic and public service careers in biology, in biological industries, and even in nonbiological careers such as business, agriculture, and law. Emphasis is on breadth of training to expose students to all levels of modern biology.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, and 30B; Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, 23L; Life Sciences 30A, 30B, and 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C, and Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, and Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 5A, 5B, and 5C.
Each core curriculum course must be passed with a grade of C- or better, and all courses must be completed with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Students receiving a grade below C- in two core curriculum courses, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are subject to dismissal from the major.
Transfer applicants to the Biology major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C, one year of calculus, one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
The Major
Students must take two courses from each principle:
Evolution and Genetics: Anthropology 120, 124P, 124Q, 124S, 128P, Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences 116, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 103, 108, 109, 109L, 110, 111, 112, 113A, 113AL, 114A, 115, 117, 118, 120 (not open for credit to students with credit for course 185), 121, C126, 129, 130, C135, 136, 140, 144, M145, 149,150, 160, 171, CM173, C174, 175, 181, 184, 185 (not open for credit to students with credit for course 120), 186, Life Sciences 107, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics CM156, 158, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 138, CM156, Society and Genetics M142
Information Flow: Anthropology 124P, 128P, Chemistry and Biochemistry C100, 153A, 166, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100, 100L, 116, 120 (not open for credit to students with credit for course 185), 121, 122, 125, C126, 129, 132, 134B, C135, 136, 137, 149, 150, 153, 156, 162, 162L, 170 (not open for credit to students with credit for Physiological Science 166), 171, C172, C174, 176, M178, C179, 180A, 180B, 183, Life Sciences 107, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 100L and 101 (must be taken together to satisfy requirement), 103AL, 103BL, 109AL, 109BL, 123, 132, CM156, 158, C185A, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 100, 138, 143, 144, C150, 150AL, CM156, 165B, 168, M175A, M175B, M175C, 187AL, Neuroscience M101A, M101B, M101C, 102, Physiological Science M106, 111A, 111B, CM123, 124, C126, C127, 128, C130, 136, 138, M140, C144, M145, 146, 147, 149, C152, 154, 155, 165, 166 (not open for credit to students with credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 170), 167, 173, 174, 175, M176, 177, M180A, M180B, M180C
Structure Function: Chemistry and Biochemistry C105, 153A, 153D, 153L, Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences 116, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 109, 109L, 110, 111, 112, 113A, 113AL, 113B, 114A, 114B, 115, 117, 118, 121, 122, 123A, 123B, 124A, 125, M127, M127L, 128, 129, M131, 136, 140, 144, M145, 147, 148, 151A, 151B, 152, 155, M157, 160, 161, 162, 162L, 163, 164, 165, 166, 170 (not open for credit to students with credit for Physiological Science 166), 171, C174, 181, 184, Geography 106, 107, 108, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 100L and 101 (must be taken together to satisfy requirement), 103AL, 103BL, 109AL, 132, CM156, 158, 168, C185A, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 100, 138, M140, C141, 143, 144, 146, C150, 165A, 165B, 168, M175A, M175B, M175C, Neuroscience M101A, M101B, M101C, 102, Physiological Sciences 107, 108, 111A, 111B, 120, 121, 122, CM123, 124, C126, C127, 128, C130, 136, 138, M140, C144, M145, 146, 147, 149, C152, 153, 154, 155, 165, 166 (not open for credit to students with credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 170), 167, 173, 174, 175, M176, 177, M180A, M180B, M180C
Transformations of Energy and Matter: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences 102, 103, 104, M105, 130, 145, Chemistry and Biochemistry 103, 110A, 110B, 114, C123A, C123B, 136, C143A, C143B, 144, C145, 153A, 153B, 153C, 153D, 153L, 154, C159, C164, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 103, 109, 109L, 123A, 123B, 124A, M131, M139, 151A, 153, 161, 162, 162L, 170 (not open for credit to students with credit for Physiological Science 166), 184, Environmental Health Sciences 100, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 101
Systems: Anthropology 124P, 128P, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences 102, 103, 104, M105, 130, 145, Biostatistics 100B, Chemistry and Biochemistry 103, 153A, 153L, Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences 116, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 101, 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113A, 113AL, 113B, 114A, 114B, 115, 116, 117, C119A, C119B, 120 (not open for credit to students with credit for course 185), 122, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 125, C126, M127, M127L, 128, 129, M131, 132, 133, 136, 137, M139, 140, 142, 144, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151A, 151B, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 160, 161, 162, 162L, 163, 164, 165, 166, 170 (not open for credit to students with credit for Physiological Science 166), C172, 176, C177, M178, C179, 180A, 180B, 181, 182, 183, 184, Environmental Health Sciences 100, Geography 106, 107, 108, Life Sciences 107, M174, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 100L and 101 (must be taken together to satisfy requirement), 103AL, 103BL, 105, 109AL, 109BL, 123, 132, C134, 158, 168, 180A, 180B, C185A, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 100, 138, M140, C141, 143, 144, 146, C150, 150AL, CM156, 160, 165A, 165B, 168, M175A, M175B, M175C, 187AL, Neuroscience M101A, M101B, M101C, 102, Physiological Science 100, M106, 107, 108, 111A, 111B, 120, 121, 122, CM123, 124, C126, C127, 128, C130, M135, 136, 138, M140, C144, M145, 146, 147, 149, C152, 153, 154, 155, 165, 166 (not open for credit to students with credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 170), 167, 173, 174, 175, M176, 177, M180A, M180B, M180C, Psychology 115, 133B, Society and Genetics M142
Each Life Sciences core curriculum course must be passed with a grade of C- or better, and all courses must be completed with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Students receiving a grade below C- in three core curriculum courses, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are ineligible for the Biology major.
A minimum of five upper-division courses for the major must be taken within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department.
A minimum of two laboratory courses must be taken, including a minimum of one upper-division ecology and evolutionary biology laboratory course.
Courses applied to major requirements may be applied to one core principle only. Courses listed in multiple principles may not be applied simultaneously.
Field quarter instructors determine to which core principle courses apply (four requirements).
A maximum of 8 units of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 198 series or 4 units of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 199 may be applied toward the major. The principal investigator determines to which principle the course applies, after the student’s work and quarter are complete. The course must be for a minimum of 4 units. Credit for 199 courses from other departments may not be applied.
Each course applied toward requirements for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Courses applied to upper-division major requirements must have a minimum of 4 units. Courses with fewer than four units may be taken together to satisfy one course requirement. A maximum of one course requirement may be satisfied. A 6-unit course counts as one course on the requirements for the major.
With consent of the instructors and department, a maximum of 4 units of 200-level courses may be applied toward major requirements.
The department offers three quarter-long programs of advanced courses in field biology: the Field Biology Quarter (FBQ), the Marine Biology Quarter (MBQ), and the joint Field Marine Biology Quarter (FMBQ). These programs focus on the biology of organisms living in their natural environments, emphasize independent student research projects, and take place at field sites away from the UCLA campus. The course composition varies somewhat from year to year, but each program always carries 16 units of course credit. The Field Biology Quarter involves some combination of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 103, 113B, 114B, 115, 118, 124A, 124B, 125, C126, 132, 134B, and 151B. The Marine Biology Quarter includes some combination of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 102, 106, 123A, 123B, 147, 148, 163, 164, 165, and 182. The Field and Marine Biology quarters may occur during fall, winter, or spring quarter, depending on location and faculty participation. To participate, students must enroll in all courses in the respective program. Participants in both programs are selected by personal interview. Information and applications are available in the Undergraduate Advising Office.
An overall grade-point average of 3.4 and a 3.4 in the major are required for graduation with honors. Highest honors are awarded to majors who have a GPA of 3.6 overall and a 3.6 in the major at graduation and who have successfully completed Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 198A and 198B. Students do not need to apply for departmental honors. All students are reviewed for honors.
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, 10C, 30, and 60, and (3) completing one course from Computer Science CM186, Psychology 186A, or 186B. A grade of C- or better is required in each course, with a combined grade-point average in the specialization of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after completing Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Advising Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Biophysics
Overview
The goal of the Biophysics major is to provide students with an undergraduate background that will enable them to enter competitive graduate programs in biophysics, molecular biology, and biological physics. It also aims at providing students with a solid, quantitative background for careers in the medical field of the future as well as in molecular biology, neuroscience, and biological physics which are all emerging as important and rapidly developing areas of physics. The major is designed to provide students with a flexible scientific/technical training that allows them to explore these different career paths and tailor their class work to their scientific interests. The program aims at providing an opportunity to the students to become scientific leaders, bringing the analytic and experimental techniques of different fields to bear on the fascinating world of the physics of living systems.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
Preparation for the Major
Required: Physics 1A or 1AH, 1B or 1BH, 1C or 1CH, 4AL, 4BL, 17; Chemistry and Biochemistry 20A, 20B; Life Sciences 7A; Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B. Recommended: Physics 18L.
Transfer applicants to the Biophysics major with 90 or more units must have completed the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: two years of calculus, one and one half years of calculus-based physics with laboratory for majors, one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, and one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
Required: Physics 105A, 110A, 110B, 112, 115A, 115B, 131, M180G, C187A, C187B; either course 144 or C186; three additional upper-division elective courses selected from one group or among the three groups.
Group A (Physics of Neuroscience): Neuroscience M101A, Physics 117, C186.
Group B (Biological Physics): Physics 117, 144, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering C286.
Group C (Molecular and Cellular Biophysics): Chemistry 153A, 153L, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 100 or 165A.
Students will be advised when a course has additional lower-division requirements.
Each course taken to fulfill any of the requirements for the major must be taken for a letter grade.
An overall 2.0 grade-point average in all upper-division courses is required.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Chemistry
Overview
The Chemistry/Materials Science major is designed for students who are interested in chemistry with an emphasis on material properties and provides students the opportunity to gain expertise in both chemistry and the science and engineering in materials such as semiconductors, photonic materials, polymers, biomaterials, ceramics, and nano-scale structures. Students explore the reactivity of such materials in different environments and gain understanding of how chemical compositions affect properties. The major provides appropriate preparation for graduate studies in many fields emphasizing interdisciplinary research, including chemistry, engineering, and applied science.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
UCLA students who wish to enter the major must have a minimum grade of C- in each of the preparation for the major courses completed and a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0 in those courses. Grades in any completed courses for the major must also average at least 2.0.
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 20A (or 20AH), 20B (or 20BH), 20L, 30A, 30AL, Mathematics 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A (33B highly recommended), Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4BL.
Transfer applicants to the Chemistry/Materials Science major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, one and one half years of calculus, and either one year of calculus-based physics with laboratory or one year of organic chemistry for majors. Chemistry/Materials Science majors in the organic materials concentration must complete a full year of organic chemistry with laboratory in addition to the other courses listed above.
Entering transfer students who have successfully completed a year course (including laboratory) in general college chemistry intended for science and engineering students should enter course 30A. Transfer students should contact the Undergraduate Office, 4006 Young Hall, for assistance with the articulation of transfer coursework.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 110A, 113A, 171, C172 or C180 or C181, 185, 4 units from 110B, C113B, C172, C174, C175, C176, C180, C181; Materials Science and Engineering 104, 110, 110L, 120, 121 or 150 or 160, 131, 8 units from C111, 121, 122, 132, 150, 160, 162, CM180; 7 laboratory units from Chemistry and Biochemistry 114, 184, Materials Science and Engineering 121L, 131L, 161L.
The following courses may be applied only once toward the major: Chemistry and Biochemistry C172, C180, C181, Materials Science and Engineering 121, 150, 160.
Admission
The honors program provides exceptional majors with the opportunity to do research culminating in an honors thesis. Junior and senior majors who have completed all university-level coursework, including all preparation courses and requirements for the major, with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better in the required major courses, may apply for admission. Students must have the sponsorship of an approved faculty adviser.
For additional information and application forms, students should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 4006 Young Hall, early in their educational planning. Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the term in which students plan to begin the honors program.
Requirements
The core of the program consists of at least one approved undergraduate seminar course from Chemistry and Biochemistry 193A or 193B and three research courses (12 units minimum) from 196A, 196B, or 199, culminating in a thesis.
To qualify for graduation with departmental honors, students must satisfactorily complete all requirements for the honors program and the major and obtain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or better in coursework required for the major. On recommendation of the faculty sponsor, and with the approval of the thesis by the departmental honors committee, students are awarded no honors, honors, or highest honors.
Students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 or better, both overall and in the major, and demonstrated exceptional accomplishment on the research thesis are awarded highest honors at the discretion of the departmental honors committee.
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and one course from 10C, 15, or 20A, and (3) completing two computational chemistry courses from Chemistry and Biochemistry C126A, C145, CM160A.
Courses need to be completed with a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after they complete Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Chemistry & Material Science
Overview
The Chemistry/Materials Science major is designed for students who are interested in chemistry with an emphasis on material properties and provides students the opportunity to gain expertise in both chemistry and the science and engineering in materials such as semiconductors, photonic materials, polymers, biomaterials, ceramics, and nano-scale structures. Students explore the reactivity of such materials in different environments and gain understanding of how chemical compositions affect properties. The major provides appropriate preparation for graduate studies in many fields emphasizing interdisciplinary research, including chemistry, engineering, and applied science.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
UCLA students who wish to enter the major must have a minimum grade of C- in each of the preparation for the major courses completed and a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0 in those courses. Grades in any completed courses for the major must also average at least 2.0.
Preparation for the Major
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 20A (or 20AH), 20B (or 20BH), 20L, 30A, 30AL, Mathematics 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A (33B highly recommended), Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4BL.
Entering transfer students who have successfully completed a year course (including laboratory) in general college chemistry intended for science and engineering students should enter course 30A. Transfer students should contact the Undergraduate Office, 4006 Young Hall, for assistance with the articulation of transfer coursework.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
The following courses may be applied only once toward the major: Chemistry and Biochemistry C172, C180, C181, Materials Science and Engineering 121, 150, 160.
Honors Program
The honors program provides exceptional majors with the opportunity to do research culminating in an honors thesis. Junior and senior majors who have completed all university-level coursework, including all preparation courses and requirements for the major, with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better in the required major courses, may apply for admission. Students must have the sponsorship of an approved faculty adviser.
For additional information and application forms, students should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 4006 Young Hall, early in their educational planning. Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the term in which students plan to begin the honors program.
Requirements
The core of the program consists of at least one approved undergraduate seminar course from Chemistry and Biochemistry 193A or 193B and three research courses (12 units minimum) from 196A, 196B, or 199, culminating in a thesis.
To qualify for graduation with departmental honors, students must satisfactorily complete all requirements for the honors program and the major and obtain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or better in coursework required for the major. On recommendation of the faculty sponsor, and with the approval of the thesis by the departmental honors committee, students are awarded no honors, honors, or highest honors.
Students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 or better, both overall and in the major, and demonstrated exceptional accomplishment on the research thesis are awarded highest honors at the discretion of the departmental honors committee.
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and one course from 10C, 15, or 20A, and (3) completing two computational chemistry courses from Chemistry and Biochemistry C126A, C145, CM160A.
Courses need to be completed with a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after they complete Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Cognitive Science
Overview
The Cognitive Science major focuses on the study of intelligent systems, both real and artificial. While including a strong foundation in the traditional areas of psychology, the major is interdisciplinary in nature and emphasizes subject matter within cognitive psychology, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines.
The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in cognitive science or related fields; however, they may want to include additional advanced courses in psychology and fields related to cognitive science (e.g., computer science, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and statistics) as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences.
The Cognitive Science major is a designated capstone major. Students are required to produce a paper based on each term of their experience in a research laboratory or approved fieldwork site. Through completion of the capstone experience students are expected to identify a research topic and hypothesis to be tested or a fieldwork project and goals, show that they can organize and integrate information related to the topic or project in a clear manner in their own words, demonstrate ability to find and utilize supporting literature relevant to their project or topic, and successfully relate the paper to their experience in the laboratory or fieldwork setting.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Cognitive Science premajor. They are then identified as Cognitive Science premajors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Cognitive Science major. Questions about the major should be directed to the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Preparation for the Major
Required: Life Sciences 7A or 15 or Physiological Science 3; Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A or 17 or 20A or Linguistics 1 or 20 or Physics 1A or 5A or 10 or 11; Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A or 31AL and 31B; Philosophy 7 or 8 or 9 or 23 or 31; Program in Computing 10A and two courses from 10B, 10C, 15, 16A, 20A, 40A, Psychology 20A, 20B, 30, Statistics 20, 21; and Psychology 10, 85, 100A, 100B.
Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Cognitive Science premajor before the term in which they plan to enroll. Students with no background in introductory statistics should take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.
Students who repeat more than two preparation courses or any preparation course more than once are denied admission to the major.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
Required: (1) Psychology 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 120A or 120B, and one course from 124A through 124K; (2) one course from 111, 116A, 116B, 121, 186A through 186D, Computer Science 161; (3) four upper-division elective courses (16 units) from Psychology 110, 111, 112A through 116B, 118 through 119Y, 120A, 120B, 121, 124A through 124K (if taken for the major, may not be applied as an elective), 130, 133B, 133C, 133E, 135, 137A, M137B, 137G, 142H, 161, M166, 186A through 186D, 191CH (if content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office and course has not been applied toward the Psychology 195B or 196B requirement), Anthropology 124Q, M124R, 136A, M150, Communication 115, 118, 119, 122, 126, M127, 129, 130, 131, 155, Computer Science 111 through CM186, Linguistics 103 through 185B, Mathematics 110A through 171, Music Industry M103, Neuroscience 102, M145, C177, 180, 181, 182, Philosophy 124 through 137, 138, 154, C154B, 170, 172, 174, 180, 181, Psychiatry M182, Statistics 100A, 100B, 100C, 101B, 101C, 115, C161, C180; and (4) in the junior or senior year, two capstone terms of Psychology 195B or 196B (may be fulfilled by taking any two courses from 195B or 196B or 196B/194C, provided content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office).
Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and two upper-division cognitive science electives. All three courses must be completed to receive cognitive science elective credit.
Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper-division courses selected to satisfy major requirements. With the exception of Psychology 195B and 196B, each course must be taken for a letter grade.
Honors Program
Majors intending to continue study at the graduate level are encouraged to apply for the departmental honors program. Students work for one year (fall through spring quarters) with a Psychology Department faculty sponsor on a research project that is the basis of a formal honors thesis. During that year they also participate in a weekly seminar (Psychology 191AH, 191BH, 191CH) in which thesis projects are presented and discussed and other topics of interest are explored with invited faculty members and other guests. Other requirements may apply. Contact the Undergraduate Advising Office during spring quarter for more information and application forms. Satisfactory completion of the program and the other requirements for the major leads to awarding of the degree with honors or highest honors.
Computing Specialization
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing four courses from Program in Computing 10A, 10B, 10C, 15, 16A, 20A, 40A, Psychology 20A, 20B, and (3) completing at least two courses from Psychology 85, 121, 142H, 186A through 186D (one 199 course may be substituted for one of these courses provided project has been approved by vice chair). A grade of C or better is required in each course. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing. Students planning to enter this specialization should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution
Overview
The Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution major is appropriate for students preparing for graduate study in ecology, behavior, and evolution or for employment in areas such as environmental biology, animal behavior, conservation, teaching, museum work, and governmental positions dealing with environmental issues of wide importance and impact. A strong field component involving study in terrestrial and marine locales such as coastal, desert, and mountain environments in California and the Southwest and in the Neotropics is required.
The Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution major is a designated capstone major. Students apply theory and technique learned through four years of classroom and laboratory experience to their own independent projects. The main purpose of the capstone is to provide a unique field experience that involves designing and executing a research … For more content click the Read More button below.
The Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution major is a designated capstone major. Students apply theory and technique learned through four years of classroom and laboratory experience to their own independent projects. The main purpose of the capstone is to provide a unique field experience that involves designing and executing a research project. Students are aided in the scientific process of learning about a new ecosystem, developing relevant questions, designing conceptually based projects, troubleshooting and completing the work, and writing a publication-ready manuscript. They are also expected to exhibit strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrated broad knowledge of fundamentals of ecology, behavior and evolution, or marine biology acquired through coursework
2. Development of skills in library research, data interpretation, synthesis, and scientific writing
3. Use of current primary scientific literature, including database searches, identification of appropriate sources, and reading and understanding papers
4. Understanding of key questions and hypotheses, interpretation of results and conclusions, and discrimination of quality through critique
5. Use of knowledge gained for conception and execution of student project that includes self-developed questions and hypotheses, design of appropriate theoretical or empirical/experimental approach, execution of that approach, and analysis and interpretation of data
6. Communication of original scientific work to colleagues and mentors through capstone scientific paper
7. Demonstrated communication skills through oral or poster presentation at a symposium
8. Display of strong teamwork and problem-solving skills
Entry to the Major
Preparation for the Major
Life Sciences Core Curriculum
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, and 30B; Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, 23L; Life Sciences 30A, 30B, and 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C, and Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, and Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 5A, 5B, and 5C.
Each core curriculum course must be passed with a grade of C- or better, and all courses must be completed with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Students receiving a grade below C- in two core curriculum courses, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are subject to dismissal from the major.
Transfer Students
Transfer applicants to the Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C, one year of calculus, one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
- At least 4 morphology and systematics units (one course) from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 101, 103, 105, 110, 111, 112, 113A, 113AL, 114A, 115, 117, 130, 140, M157, or 184
- At least 4 physiology units (one course) from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology M157, 162, 162L, 170, Physiological Science 165, or 166. Students with credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 170 cannot also take Physiological Science 166
- At least 12 ecology, behavior, and evolution units (three courses) from Anthropology 128P, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100, 113A, 113AL, 116, C119A, C119B, 120, 121, 122, C126, 128, 129, 130, 133, C135, 136, 137, 142, 144, 149,150, 151A, 152, 153, 154, 155, M157, 161, 162, CM173 (or Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences CM173), C174, 175, M178 (or Bioengineering CM186 or Computational and Systems Biology M186 or Computer Science CM186), 183, 184, 185, 186, Life Sciences 107 (students with credit for Life Sciences 4 cannot take Life Sciences 107). Students with credit for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 120 cannot also take course 185
- One capstone field quarter consisting of 12 to 16 units from the Field Biology Quarter (FBQ), Marine Biology Quarter (MBQ), or preapproved equivalent (see undergraduate adviser)
- At least 8 units (two courses) from Anthropology 128P, chemistry (except Chemistry and Biochemistry 188SA through 199; Chemistry and Biochemistry 153A and 153L are strongly recommended), Earth, planetary, and space sciences (geology only; except Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences 188 through 199), ecology and evolutionary biology (except Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 188SA through 196), geography (except Geography 188SA through 199), Life Sciences 107 (students with credit for Life Sciences 4 cannot take Life Sciences 107), mathematics (except Mathematics 105A, 105B, 105C, 106, 188SA through 199), microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics (except Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 193A through 199), Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 172, physics (except Physics 188SA through 199); recommended: taxon-oriented courses in ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary processes such as Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 111, 112, 113A, 113AL, 114A, 115
Courses offered as part of the Field Biology Quarter (FBQ) are open to all qualified students, but strict priority is given to students who are Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution majors, are graduating seniors, have taken a broad range of ecology, behavior, and evolution coursework, and have maintained a good grade-point average.
With consent of the instructors and department, students may enroll in 200-level courses and apply them toward major requirements.
Each course applied toward requirements for preparation for the major and the major must be taken for a letter grade. Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution majors must earn a C- or better in each course taken as preparation for the major, and at least a 2.0 (C) overall average in all courses applied toward the major. Courses applied to upper-division major requirements must have a minimum of 4 units. A 6-unit course counts as one course on the requirements for the major.
As requisites for the Marine Biology Quarter, students must have a 3.0 overall grade-point average and have taken Statistics 13 or equivalent. Preference for the Marine Biology Quarter is given to Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution and Marine Biology majors. It is strongly recommended that students complete Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 109 and 109L prior to applying for the Marine Biology Quarter. Contact the Undergraduate Advising Office for all requirements for the Marine and Field Biology quarters.
The department offers three quarter-long programs of advanced courses in field biology: the Field Biology Quarter (FBQ), the Marine Biology Quarter (MBQ), and the joint Field Marine Biology Quarter (FMBQ). These programs focus on the biology of organisms living in their natural environments, emphasize independent student research projects, and take place at field sites away from the UCLA campus. The course composition varies somewhat from year to year, but each program always carries 16 units of course credit. The Field Biology Quarter involves some combination of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 103, 113B, 114B, 115, 118, 124A, 124B, 125, C126, 132, 134B, and 151B. The Marine Biology Quarter includes some combination of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 102, 106, 123A, 123B, 147, 148, 163, 164, 165, and 182. The Field and Marine Biology quarters may occur during fall, winter, or spring quarter, depending on location and faculty participation. To participate, students must enroll in all courses in the respective program. Participants in both programs are selected by personal interview. Information and applications are available in the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Honors Program
An overall grade-point average of 3.4 and a 3.4 in the major are required for graduation with honors. Highest honors are awarded to majors who have a GPA of 3.6 overall and a 3.6 in the major at graduation and who have successfully completed Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 198A and 198B. Students do not need to apply for departmental honors. All students are reviewed for honors.
Computing Specialization
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, 10C, 30, and 60, and (3) completing one course from Computer Science CM186, Psychology 186A, or 186B. A grade of C- or better is required in each course, with a combined grade-point average in the specialization of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after completing Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Undergraduate Advising Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Human Biology
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
Students must apply for major standing at the beginning of spring quarter of their sophomore year. Applications submitted after the spring quarter deadline are considered during fall quarter of the junior year only as space in the program permits. No applications are considered after fall quarter of the junior year.
Premajor standing is not required to apply for the major. A copy of the major application is available on the department major web page.
Incoming first years may be admitted as premajors on acceptance to UCLA. All other students must first complete Society and Genetics 5, M71A, or M72A, and then contact the undergraduate counselor in 3360 Life Sciences to request premajor standing.
Preparation for the Major
Required Core: One course from Society and Genetics 5, M71A, or M72A.
Also required are Anthropology 1, Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, Statistics 10 or 13, and two social theory courses from American Indian Studies M10, Anthropology 3, Asian American Studies 20, Chicana/o and Central American Studies 10A, 10B, Clusters M1A through 80CW, Gender Studies 10, Geography 3, History 3C, Honors Collegium 70A, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 50, 60, Philosophy 4, 6, 8, 22 or 22W, Public Policy 10A, Society and Genetics 85, Sociology 1, M5.
Preparation for the Major Policies
Each course must be taken for a letter grade, and students must complete all premajor courses with a cumulative minimum grade-point average of 2.9.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
Bioethics and Public Science Policy: Anthropology 100, 131, 143, 145S, M148, Asian American Studies 113, Bioengineering 165EW, Communication 101, Disability Studies 101 or 101W, M121, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 176, Epidemiology 100, Gender Studies M114, 125, 134, M162, M164, 171A, Geography M125, M131, Global Studies 102, 104, History 180A, 180C, Honors Collegium 177, Life Sciences 107, Philosophy 124, 125, 137, 150, 153A, 154, C154B, 155A, C156, 157A, 157B, 170, Physiological Science 140, Social Welfare 162, Society and Genetics 102, 120, 121, 130, 131, M133, M144, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 175, 180, 188, 195CE, 197, 199, Sociology 143, 154, 156, 170. See below for additional course options in the subfocus areas of cell development, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology and genomics, physiology, and psychology and mental health.
Evolutionary Biology, Culture, and Behavior: Anthropology 124P, 124Q, 124S, 126Q, 128P, M128Q, M145P, M148, Communication 112, 116, 126, 148, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 120, 121, C126, 129, C135, 175, 176, Gender Studies M114, M162, M165, M167, Life Sciences 107, Linguistics C135, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology CM156, Philosophy 137, M187, Physiological Science 140, Psychology 110, 112A, 112B, 115, Society and Genetics 102, 120, 121, 130, 131, M133, M144, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 175, 180, 188, 195CE, 197, 199, Sociology 156. See below for additional course options in the subfocus areas of ecology and evolutionary biology, and psychology and mental health.
Historical and Social Studies of Science: Anthropology 100, 131, 143, Asian American Studies 105, Bioengineering 165EW, Disability Studies 101 or 101W, M121, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100, 120, C126, 130, 175, Environmental Health Sciences 100, C185A, C185B, Epidemiology 100, Gender Studies 134, M162, M164, M180B, Geography M125, M131, Global Studies 102, 104, History M151C, 179A, 179B, 180A, 180C, Honors Collegium 177, Human Genetics C144, Life Sciences 107, Neurobiology M169, Philosophy 124, 125, 129, 130, 137, 155A, Physiological Science 140, Society and Genetics 102, 120, 121, 130, 131, M133, M144, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 175, 180, 188, 195CE, 197, 199, Sociology M138, 143, M148, 154, 156, 170. See below for additional course options in the subfocus areas of cell development, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology and genomics, physiology, and psychology and mental health.
Medicine and Public Health: Anthropology 145S, Chicana/o and Central American Studies CM106, Communication 116, Computer Science CM121, Disability Studies 101 or 101W, M121, Epidemiology 100, Gender Studies M114, 125, M162, M164, M167, History M151C, Human Genetics C144, Life Sciences 107, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 138, CM156, 172, Neurobiology M169, Neuroscience 180, Philosophy 150, 154, C154B, 155A, C156, 157A, 157B, Physiological Science 140, Psychology M107, 112B, 115, 127A, 129C, M140, Public Health C150, M160A, M160B, Social Welfare 162, Society and Genetics 102, 120, 121, 130, 131, M133, M144, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 175, 180, 188, 195CE, 197, 199, Sociology 130, 132, 134, 143, 145, 154, 156, 170. See below for additional course options in the subfocus areas of cell development, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology and genomics, physiology, and psychology and mental health.
Population Genetics and History: Two courses from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology C135, Human Genetics CM124, and Society and Genetics 120, and three courses from Ancient Near East 162, CM163, Anthropology 100, 110, 111, 131, M148, M150, Asian American Studies 113, Computer Science CM121, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 120, 121, C135, Gender Studies M162, M180B, History M108C, M151C, 164D, 180A, 180C, 191B through C191O, Honors Collegium M143, Human Genetics CM124, C144, Life Sciences 107, Linguistics 110, 114, 127, 130, 132, M150, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 172, Physiological Science 140, Society and Genetics 102, 120, 121, 130, 131, M133, M144, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 175, 180, 188, 195CE, 197, 199, Sociology 154, 156. See below for additional course options in the subfocus area of population genetics.
Optional Subfocus Areas
The subfocus options are designed and recommended for students who intend a career in medicine or allied health services or are planning to go on to graduate school in the life or health sciences. Students may select any subfocus option listed in their concentration area and complete three subfocus courses that may then be used to satisfy as many as three of the five courses required in their concentration area.
Cell Development: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 138, 165A, 168
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: Three courses from Anthropology 124P, 124S, 126Q, 128P, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100, 116, 120, 121, C126, 129, 130, C135, 175, 176
Microbiology and Immunology: Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 101, C185A, and one course from 103AL, 106, 107, 158, or 168
Molecular Biology and Genomics: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 144, 172, and one course from CM156, Human Genetics CM124, C144, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics C122, or 158
Physiology: Physiological Science 111A, 111B, and one course from 147, 149, or 177
Population Genetics: Two courses from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology C135, Human Genetics CM124, Society and Genetics 120, and one course from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 120, 121, or Human Genetics C144
Psychology and Mental Health: Three courses from Psychology M107, 112A, 112B, 115, 127A, 129C
Each course must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of C- or better, and all courses must be completed with a cumulative minimum grade-point average of 2.0.
Honors Program
To receive departmental honors, students must take each course in the major for a letter grade and complete all upper-division courses in the major with an overall grade-point average of 3.5 or better. For highest departmental honors, students must also take Society and Genetics 197 or 199 in which they write a research paper in their major concentration area and receive a grade of A or better.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Neuroscience
The Neuroscience major is a designated capstone major. Undergraduate students have the option of conducting two terms of independent research within a faculty laboratory, applying to participate in DOPA-Team, or completing an advanced laboratory methods course with a series of research modules. Through their capstone work, students demonstrate ability to generate testable scientific hypotheses and develop a research plan to test such hypotheses; work on research projects independently and in small groups; evaluate and discuss primary literature and the validity of hypotheses generated by others; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and demonstrate creative thinking.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, 14CL, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, and 30BL; Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, 23L; Life Sciences 30A, 30B, and 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C, and Statistics 10 or 13, or Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, and Statistics 10 or 13; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 5A, 5B, and 5C.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
Required Core: Neuroscience M101A (with grade of C– or better), M101B, M101C, 102, Chemistry and Biochemistry 153A. Physiological Science 111A and Psychology 115 cannot be substituted for Neuroscience M101A.
Elective Options: One course from each of the following three options:
Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience: Disability Studies M139, Music Industry M103, Neuroscience M119L, CM123, 142, M161, M170, C172, M176, C177, 178, 179, M187, 191A, Physiological Science M106, CM123, C130, C144, 175, M176, Psychiatry 174, 176, M182, Psychology 110, 112A, 112B, 112C, 112E, 118, 119A through 119F, 119I, 119J, M119L, 119M, M119O, 119U, M119X, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 124K, 127B, 137A, M139, 161, 164, or M166.
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Neuroscience: Neuroscience M145, C177, 180, 181, 182, 186, M187, 191C, Physics C186, Physiological Science M106, 121, C126, C127, M145, 146, 147, 174, 175, Psychology 119A, 162, or M166.
Systems and Integrative Neuroscience: Neuroscience M119N, CM123, M145, M176, C177, M187, 191B, Physics C186, Physiological Science M106, CM123, C126, C127, C130, M135, 138, C144, M145, 146, 147, 173, M176, 177, Psychology 112B, 112C, 119A, 119I, 119J, 119M, M119N, 119Q, M119X, 120B, 124C, 137A, 162, 164, or M166.
Capstone Research Options: (1) Neuroscience 101L or Psychology 116A or 116B, (2) Neuroscience C177 and 192CX, or (3) Neuroscience 198A and 198B, or 199A and 199B. Students who select the Neuroscience 101L or Psychology 116A or 116B capstone research option must take four upper-division electives, with at least one from each of the three elective options. Students who select the Neuroscience C177 and 192CX, 198A and 198B, or 199A and 199B options must take three upper-division electives, one from each elective option.
No more than eight courses may be from any one department. A maximum of 8 units of Neuroscience 198 or 199 in any combination) may be applied toward the major. Each course must be taken for a letter grade, and students must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all upper-division courses taken for the major.
Honors Program
The honors program provides exceptional Neuroscience majors with the opportunity to do research culminating in an honors thesis. Majors who have completed all preparation courses with a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and an overall GPA of 3.2 or better may apply for admission to the honors program. Applications and program requirements are available in the Neuroscience Undergraduate Office. Students must submit the application before beginning their upper-division honors requirements. After completion of all requirements and with the recommendation of the faculty sponsor and a second reader of the thesis, the chair confers honors at graduation.
UCLA Pre Med Majors – Psychobiology
Overview
The Psychobiology major is designed for students who plan to go on to postgraduate work in physiological psychology, neuroscience, behavioral aspects of biology, or the health sciences. Psychobiology is the study of behavior from a biological perspective. It includes neural, experimental psychological, natural history, genetic, comparative/evolutionary, and developmental approaches to understanding human and animal behavior.
The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in any of the above fields; however, they may want to include additional advanced courses in psychology and related sciences as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences.
Learning Outcomes
Entry to the Major
Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Psychobiology premajor. They are then identified as Psychobiology premajors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Psychobiology major.
Life Sciences Core Curriculum
Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, and 30B; Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, 23L; Life Sciences 30A, 30B, and 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A or 31AL, 31B, and 32A; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 5A, 5B, and 5C.
Also required are Psychology 10, 100A, 100B.
Each of the preparation for the major courses must be taken for a letter grade (C or better in Psychology 10, 100A, and 100B, C– or better in the remaining courses) with a 2.0 overall grade-point average. Student must complete all preparation for the major courses by the end of the summer quarter of their third year to be eligible to petition to declare the Psychobiology major.
Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Psychobiology premajor before the term in which they plan to enroll. Students with no background in introductory statistics should take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.
Students who repeat more than two preparation courses or any preparation course more than once are denied admission to the major.
Transfer applicants to the Psychobiology major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C; one year of calculus; one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors; one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory; one introduction to psychology course; one psychological statistics course; and one psychology research methods course. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.
Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.
After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Required: (1) Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100 or 129 or Psychology 118, and Psychology 110, 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 116 or Neuroscience 101L, 120A or 120B; (2) one course from Psychology 127A, 127B, 127C, 130, 133A through 133I, 135, 150, 161; (3) 16 units of graded elective courses from the following list: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 112, 113A, 114A (no more than one from this group), Psychology 111, 112A through 112E, M117A, M117B, M117C, 119A through 119Y, 124K, 137A, 137G, 152, 161, 162, 164, M166, 186D, 191CH (only if content is approved by the undergraduate vice chair), Chemistry and Biochemistry 153A, 153L, Computational and Systems Biology M187, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100, 102, 105, 106, 110, 111, 115, 117, C119A, 120, 121, 122, 124A (only 4 units may be applied toward the major), 129, C135, 164, 170, Life Sciences 107, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics C185A, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 100, 104AL, 138, M140, CM156, Neuroscience 102, Physiological Science C130, C144, 146, 147, 166, 173.
Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and 10 units of upper-division psychobiology electives. All three courses must be completed to receive psychobiology elective credit.
Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper-division courses selected to satisfy major requirements, and each must be taken for a letter grade.
Majors intending to continue study at the graduate level are encouraged to apply for the departmental honors program. Students work for one year (fall through spring quarters) with a Psychology Department faculty sponsor on a research project that is the basis of a formal honors thesis. During that year they also participate in a weekly seminar (Psychology 191AH, 191BH, 191CH) in which thesis projects are presented and discussed and other topics of interest are explored with invited faculty members and other guests. Other requirements may apply. Contact the Undergraduate Advising Office during spring quarter for more information and application forms. Satisfactory completion of the program and the other requirements for the major leads to awarding of the degree with honors or highest honors.
Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing four courses from Program in Computing 10A, 10B, 10C, 15, 16A, 20A, 40A, Psychology 20A, 20B, and (3) completing at least two courses from Psychology 85, 121, 142H, 186A through 186D (one 199 course may be substituted for one of these courses provided project has been approved by vice chair). A grade of C or better is required in each course. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing. Students planning to enter this specialization should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office.