Now that you are a UCSC admitted first-year, the following information is your guide to getting started in your MCD major.

Introduction to Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

MCD Biology Advising will be inviting you to join an online Introduction to the MCD Biology Department modules specific to our sponsored majors. It has all the information you need prior to enrolling for your first quarter as well as tips on how to thrive as a Biology BS, MCD Biology BS, or Neuroscience BS major.

If you are proposed in one of the department’s majors, you should have received an email with instructions on how to register for the modules around mid-July. If you are not proposed as an MCD Biology Department major but would like access to it, please email mcdadvising@ucsc.edu or meet with your College Advisor.

Please note, the MCD modules do not replace SLUG Orientation, but to provide additional support for our majors!

AP/IB Test Credit

Students with Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit must provide Admissions with an official copy of your test score sent directly from the College Board. You can verify your AP/IB credit in your MyUCSC Portal’s Transfer Credit Report once it has been received and evaluated by UCSC’s Admissions office.

College-level Coursework

If you have taken a college-level course that you would like credit for, you must send an official transcript to Admissions. If you wish to have that same course applied toward your major requirements, be sure to upload your unofficial transcripts to the Introduction to MCD Biology Modules.

Enrollment Refresher

If you have already completed Slug Orientation and simply need a refresher on getting enrolled, see our Frosh Enrollment Guide.  

Letter Grade Policy

Remember, all courses for your MCD major must be taken for a letter grade, as outlined in our Letter Grade Policy. Only grades of C (2.0) or better will fulfill major requirements.

Q: I was wondering how I will be getting books for classes?

A: For most courses, the required books are available in the Bay Tree Bookstore. Please see the course syllabus for the list of required books for the course and how to access/purchase them.

Q: What general education classes are recommended?

A: This is a question for your college advisor to answer. We are specialists for the MCD Biology majors only (Neuroscience, Biology BS, and MCD Biology). Until transcripts are fully posted, we can not help determine what GEs they have remaining. In the meantime, check out the General Education Requirements website for courses that are of interest to YOU.

Q: How can I schedule a meeting with an adviser about fall classes?

A: Please refer to the Introduction to the MCD Biology Department Modules via Canvas for sample plans and how to submit your Qualification Planner for review. As a frosh, you will not need to make an appointment with us; please consult your college advisor and our Major Qualification webpage during your first two years regarding the courses you need to qualify for our majors.

Q: How do I make a 3-year plan?

A: We recommend taking the full four years to get the full experience of our majors. We also recommend taking 10-12 STEM units per quarter – no more. This will allow you to maintain a high GPA, progress in the major, complete your general education courses, and graduate in four years. Having said all that, we would be happy to support you in this endeavor by making an electronic plan for yourself using our Academic Planning website and then emailing it to us for feedback.

Q: What specific courses should I be taking to be able to qualify in PA School or Med School?

A: As MCD Biology Advisors, our job is to assist you in the coursework needed to earn one of our degrees. Any post-UCSC information can be found on the Career Success webpage – especially on their pre-health webpages.