Lower Division Core Program

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Undergraduate Major Program

Typical Lower Division Sequence

MBB majors normally complete biological sciences, chemistry, math, molecular biology and biochemistry, physics and statistics requirements as well as other lower division required courses within the first 60 units (two years). The following is a typical program for the first four terms. Variations are possible. If you are considering doing a Joint Major, please check the lower division requirements specific to the Joint Major program with Chemistry, Business Administration or Computing Science.

Term 1

BISC 101-4   Introduction to Biology
CHEM 121-4   General Chemistry and Laboratory I
MATH 154-3   Mathematics for the Life Sciences I
PHYS 101-3   Physics for the Life Sciences I
(14 units)

Term 2

BISC 102-4   Introduction to Biology
CHEM 122-2   General Chemistry II
CHEM 126-2   General Chemistry Laboratory I
MATH 155-3   Calculus II for Biological Sciences
MBB 110-3   Data Analysis for MBB
(14 units)

Term 3

CHEM 281-4   Organic Chemistry I
MBB 222-3   Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
MBB 229-3   Intro Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Laboratory
BISC 202-3   Genetics
Elective (e.g. B-Hum, B-Soc, or a lower division W course)
(16 units)

Term 4

CHEM 282-2   Organic Chemistry II (or CHEM 283-3 Organic Chemistry IIb)
CHEM 286-2   Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
MBB 231-3   Cell Biology and Biochemistry
STAT 201-3   Statistics for the Life Sciences
Elective x2 (e.g. B-Hum, B-Soc, or a lower division W course)
(16 units)