Getting Started:  Frosh Enrollment Guide

For new students, the primary concern is getting enrolled. Here is a quick overview of how to assess where you are at and 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 and B is recommended for MCD Biology majors.

MATH 11 series, Calculus with Applications: applying the standard development of calculus to problems in particular scientific fields. The most common series for majors in the biological sciences.

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

Which general chemistry class should I enroll in?

All students should look to begin the General Chemistry series at UCSC with CHEM 3A: General Chemistry.

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

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 ontrack 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 comprised 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.