Usually for new students, their primary concern is getting enrolled. Here is a quick overview of FAQs to assess which courses you should enroll in:

What classes do I enroll in to start my MCD Biology major?
What math class should I enroll in?
What calculus series should I take?
When should I take math?
What general chemistry class should I enroll in?
When should I take chemistry?
When do I take biology?

What classes do I enroll in to start my Biology major?

Since the qualification policy is identical for all our MCD Biology Department sponsored majors, students should begin with math and chemistry. Using the following information, students should prioritize their enrollment in math and chemistry courses. Remember, all courses for your major must be taken for a letter grade, see our Letter Grade Policy.

What math class should I enroll in?

If you have a math AP score, refer to the Advanced Placement Credit page for guidance on which math you may enroll in.

College level math transfer credit can also be used to determine which math course you will begin with.

If you do not have math AP credit, take the Mathematics Placement. Your score will determine which math course you can enroll in.  

Which calculus series should I take?

UCSC offers several calculus sequences; MATH 11A/B, MATH 16A/B, and MATH 19A/B. All three sequences are approved to meet the Calculus requirement for the MCD Biology Department Sponsored Majors.

Some things to consider when choosing your calculus-based courses:

• Remember! MATH 16A, MATH 11A, or MATH 19A is 1 of the qualification courses you must complete to qualify to declare one of the MCD Biology Department sponsored majors. 
• The MATH 16 series was specifically created for Life and Environmental Sciences majors (including Biology – both MCD Biology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) departments)
  • NOTE: There is no transition pathway between the MATH 16 and MATH 11/19 series. For example, if you choose to complete MATH 16A and find that you will need to complete either the MATH 11 or MATH 19 series, you will need to complete MATH 11A/19A. Additionally, if you choose to complete MATH 11A/19A and want to change to the MATH 16 courses, you will need to complete MATH 16A.
  • There is a Calculus Series Transition Policy to change Calculus courses (MATH 11, MATH 19, AM 11, MATH 22)
• Interested in Pre-Med or other Healthcare/Health-related programs or careers
  • Not all medical schools/Health related post-bachelors programs require traditional Calculus courses (such as MATH 11A/B or MATH 19A/B at UCSC)
  • Check the school/career you are interested in applying to to be sure you know the prerequisites you must complete (we also highly suggest checking out Career Success’ Pre-Health resources or scheduling a meeting with Career Success.
• Changing and/or adding a major or Minor
  • a minor is not required to complete your degree at UCSC
  • be sure you read the General Catalog for that major/minor to see what courses are required and if that major has a qualification requirement policy
  • Most notably, the Bioinformatics minor (one of the more popular minors for MCD Biology majors) does not accept the Math 16 Series, but does accept the Math 11 and Math 19 series
• Though Calculus is recommended in your first year at UCSC, you do not need to complete the first part of one of the Calculus-based series ( MATH 16A, MATH 11A, or MATH 19A ) until your 5th quarter at UCSC
  • Be sure you still complete your Math Placement Assessment so when you do look to enroll in a Math course, you do not have to rush to complete the Math Placement Assessment.

Students who successfully complete MATH 19A and B or 20A and B satisfy the calculus requirement for the major; but these sequences, while accepted, are generally not recommended unless a physics or engineering major is being considered. Students who are seeking more rigorous calculus can also choose this calculus series.

Your AP Calculus test score may exempt you from taking one or more of the calculus courses, see our Advanced Placement Credit page for more information.

When should I take math?

You should take math in your first quarter. Reference the sample academic plans on the MCD Biology Academic Planning page (scroll to the bottom of the page) and your math placement score to determine which sample plan is appropriate for you

When should I take chemistry?

You should look to enroll in CHEM 3A at UCSC in your first Fall or Winter quarter at UCSC to ensure you remain on track to Qualifying for the Major.

When do I take biology?

You should take BIOL 20A by the spring quarter of your first year.

The introductory biology sequence is composed of three courses and a laboratory: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOL 20L. You may begin the series with either BIOL 20A, Cell & Molecular Biology, or BIOE 20C, Ecology & Evolution. BIOL 20A has CHEM 1A as a prerequisite; BIOE 20C has no prerequisites.

Your AP Biology test score may exempt you from taking some introductory biology courses, see our Advanced Placement Credit page for more information.

NOTE: Introductory biology is included in the MCD Qualification Policy, for more information see Qualifying for the Major.