Majors and Minors

The major is a specific area of study chosen by each student that represents their main focus and interest in academia. CBS majors span a wide breadth of disciplines within the life sciences, and prepare student for careers in health and medicine, teaching and research, environmental and organismal study, as well as for continuing studies in graduate programs.

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Develop expertise in the chemistry of living organisms and study the structures and functions of molecules essential to life. The biochemistry and molecular biology major (Bachelor of Science) 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.

Minors

A minor consists of 18—24 units of upper division coursework specified by the department offering the minor. Minors are an excellent way to develop skills and explore interests outside the chosen major. Because of the lower unit requirements to obtain a minor, many students pursue more than one.

• Biological Sciences
• This minor provides an opportunity for students in programs outside of the College of Biological Sciences to complement their studies with a concentration in biology. Students will experience the breadth of biology by taking courses in five core areas: molecular biology/ biochemistry, animal biology, plant biology, microbiology and ecology/evolution. Students majoring in Biological Sciences cannot pursue the Biological Sciences minor.Minor Requirements
• Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
• Learn about the diversity of life on Earth, including diversity in genes, physiology, shapes, sizes, and behaviors. You will learn about how this diversity emerged, as plants, animals, and microbes became adapted to the environment and to each other. And you will learn to predict whether populations of interacting organisms will persist over time. Students majoring in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity cannot pursue the Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity minor.Minor Requirements
• Exercise Biology
• Learn how physical activity levels impact human form and function, from physiological, biomechanical and behavioral perspectives. The courses are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, in the context of understanding organismal animal (including human) biology. Students majoring in Human Biology or Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior cannot pursue the Exercise Biology minor.Minor Requirements
• Human Physiology
• This minor exposes students to general and specialized courses related to human biology including courses such as exercise and aging in health and disease and exercise metabolism. Students who obtain a human physiology minor will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the physiological processes that allow animals to function in their environment. This minor provides a foundation for further training in health-related professions. Student majoring in Human Biology or Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior cannot pursue the Human Physiology minor.Minor Requirements
• Neuroscience
• This minor allows non-NPB majors to learn about the importance of the nervous system. The large breadth of neuroscience courses available includes molecular and cellular neurobiology, developmental neurobiology, neurobiology of addictive drugs and cell signaling in health and disease. Students who obtain a neuroscience minor will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the neurobiological processes in animals and humans. Students majoring in Human Biology or Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior cannot pursue the Neuroscience minor.Minor Requirements
• Plant Biology
• This minor explores plants and their dynamic means of interacting with the environment. The Plant Biology minor has an 18-unit minimum requirement. Three areas of specialization are offered – (i) Anatomy and Morphology, Physiology and Development, (ii) Evolution and Ecology, and (iii) Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics – with a small, strategic course selection per area. Students majoring in Plant Biology cannot pursue the Plant Biology minor.Minor Requirements
• Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics
• This interdisciplinary minor introduces students to the quantitative and computational approaches that are redefining all disciplines of the biological sciences, from molecular and cell biology to genetics and physiology, ecology and evolutionary biology. Students will learn research tools that apply mathematical and computational methods, increase their insight into the strengths and limitations of quantitative approaches, and develop the interdisciplinary perspective that is now the foundation of modern biological research and training. This minor is open to all UC Davis undergraduates regardless of major. Minor Requirements