2024-25 Edition

Developmental and Cell Biology, B.S.

The Developmental and Cell Biology major is intended to provide students with intensive training in cutting edge approaches to understanding the structure and function of cells and how they interact to produce a complex organism, starting with a fertilized egg. The focus of the B.S. in Developmental and Cell Biology is to provide students with intensive training aimed at preparing them for graduate programs in modern Developmental and Cell Biology or other biomedical sciences. In-depth training in the molecular basis of cell and developmental biology will be coupled with integrating knowledge obtained from the recent explosive advances in genomic technology to provide a strong working understanding of how to approach problems in basic research.

The major has distinctive features. The first is a reduction in the number of required courses, allowing students the opportunity to focus more deeply on training in Developmental and Cell Biology. The second is the implementation of a new course in Genomic and Proteomic analysis that is closely tied to problems in genetics, developmental, and cell biology. Understanding the connections among these disciplines and how to apply the appropriate tools for defining and answering fundamental questions in biomedical research is a critical tool for success in research. Another distinctive feature of the major is the opportunity to replace two upper-division laboratory courses with mentored BIO SCI 199 individual research in faculty laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to apply the tools they have acquired during formal course work to current problems at the frontiers of research. Lastly, students majoring in Developmental and Cell Biology have faculty advisors with whom they meet at least quarterly. The faculty advisors help students plan their curriculum, select appropriate 199 projects and sponsoring labs, and as a group grant petitions and certify the degree. The combination of new upper-division courses, more flexibility in the curriculum, the option for mentored research, and close interaction with faculty advisors will help the Developmental and Cell Biology majors to develop an appreciation of the nature of research and establish a strong foundation for future success in graduate or professional schools.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Developmental and Cell Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

All students must meet the University Requirements.
All students must meet the School Requirements.
Major Requirements
A. Required Major Courses:
BIO SCI D103 Cell Biology
BIO SCI D104 Developmental Biology
BIO SCI D114 Developmental and Cell Biology Majors Seminar
BIO SCI D145 Genomics, Development, and Medicine
B. Upper-Division Laboratories:
BIO SCI D111L Developmental and Cell Biology Laboratory
and select two of the following: 1
Habitats and Organisms
Physiology Laboratory
Evolution Laboratory
Image Analysis in Biological Research
Evolution and the Environment Laboratory
Biology of Birds Lab
Field Biology
Field Freshwater Ecology
Biochemistry Laboratory
Molecular Biology Laboratory
Experimental Microbiology Laboratory
Advanced Immunology Laboratory
Neurobiology Laboratory
C. Upper-Division Biology Electives:
Select one of the following:
Human Anatomy
Eukaryotic and Human Genetics
Applied Human Anatomy
and select one of the following:
Advances in Regenerative Medicine
Cell Biology of Human Disease
Topics in Developmental and Cell Biology
Cell Organelles and Membranes
and select three of the following:
Cell, Developmental, and Molecular Biology of Plants
Photomedicine
Introduction to Precision Medicine
Advances in Regenerative Medicine
Human Anatomy
Eukaryotic and Human Genetics
Applied Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Advanced Biochemistry
Advanced Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology of Cancer
Microbial Genetics
Human Parasitology
Cell Organelles and Membranes
Neurobiology and Behavior
Neurobiology of Aging
Neuropharmacology
Molecular Neurobiology

NOTE: No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.

1

Students may petition to substitute Excellence in Research (BIO SCI 199) for two upper-division laboratories (other than BIO SCI D111L); 199 research is strongly encouraged. The 199 laboratory must be approved by the Department, and Excellence in Research must be successfully completed. Final approval is given by the Department.

Application Process to Declare the Major: The major in Developmental and Cell Biology is open to junior- and senior-level students only. Applications to declare the major can be made at any time. Information can also be found at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website. Double majors within the School of Biological Sciences or with Public Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering: Premedical, Nursing Science, or Pharmaceutical Sciences are not permitted.

Freshman
Fall Winter Spring
BIO SCI 93BIO SCI 94CHEM 1C- 1LC
BIO SCI 93LBIO SCI 94LSTATS 7 (or Math 5A or General Education)
CHEM 1ACHEM 1BLower-Division Writing1
BIO SCI 2ALower-Division Writing1 
General Education  
Sophomore
Fall Winter Spring
BIO SCI 97BIO SCI 98BIO SCI 99
CHEM 51ACHEM 51B- 51LBCHEM 51C- 51LC
CHEM 1LDMATH 5B (or General Education)General Education
MATH 5A or 5B  
Junior
Fall Winter Spring
BIO SCI D103BIO SCI D104PHYSICS 3C
PHYSICS 3APHYSICS 3BPHYSICS 3LC
BIO SCI 100PHYSICS 3LBBIO SCI D114
General EducationBIO SCI D145UD Bio Sci Elective
  General Education
Senior
Fall Winter Spring
BIO SCI D111LBIO SCI 199 or UD Bio Sci LabUD Bio Sci Lab or UD Bio Sci Elective
BIO SCI 199 or UD Bio Sci LabUD Bio Sci ElectiveUD Bio Sci Elective
UD Bio Sci ElectiveBIO SCI 199 or General EducationBIO SCI 199 or General Education
  General Education
1

Students have the option of taking HUMAN 1AS, HUMAN 1BS, HUMAN 1CS or WRITING 40, WRITING 50, WRITING 60 in order to fulfill the lower-division writing requirement.