History of the Human Biology Program

Dr. Grant Hartzog

Today, we face a pressing need for health care professionals in the State of California. UCSC has a long tradition of preparing undergraduates for medical and health careers, and our students have been accepted at the eight California medical schools, as well as at Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins.

We are particularly proud of our Human Biology Bachelor of Science degree program - the first of its kind in the UC system. Introduced in 2003, Human Biology has quickly become one of our most popular majors. Professional schools across the country have enthusiastically endorsed the program for its innovative curriculum. Local physicians and hospital administrators are also major supporters.

Innovations like the Human Biology program are part of a larger effort to expand biomedical research and training at UCSC. We plan a 25% increase the size of our biomedical research faculty over the next five years and are constructing a new biomedical laboratory building to house them.

Please take time to browse our Human Biology page, which includes summaries of program features and requirements, as well as personal testimonies of students, health professionals, and faculty members who have participated.