Overview
There is no single department of biology at UC Berkeley; courses in the biological sciences are offered through many campus departments including the Departments of Integrative Biology; Environmental Science, Policy & Management; Molecular & Cell Biology; and Plant & Microbial Biology.
However, Berkeley offers three interdepartmental biology courses, which provide a broad, basic introduction to the biological sciences for both majors and non-majors. These courses are taught by faculty from the four departments named above. The name "biology" has been retained for these courses to reflect their interdepartmental character.
BIOLOGY 1A & BIOLOGY 1AL and BIOLOGY 1B are taught fall, spring, and summer semesters, and students may enroll in either (but not both) during any semester. The courses do not need to be taken in any particular order.
For information regarding undergraduate programs and other courses in the biological sciences, see the following department listings in this Guide and visit the Biology @ Berkeley webpage.
Courses
Biology
BIOLOGY 1A General Biology Lecture 3 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017 8 Week Session
General introduction to cell structure and function, molecular and organismal genetics, animal development, form and function. Intended for biological sciences majors, but open to all qualified students.
General Biology Lecture: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A and 1AL or equivalent with grade of C- or higher, or a 4 or 5 score on the Chemistry AP test; Chemistry 3A or 12A recommended; Biology 1AL must be taken concurrently
Credit Restrictions: 1B may be taken before 1A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
BIOLOGY 1AL General Biology Laboratory 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017 8 Week Session
Laboratory that accompanies 1A lecture course. Intended for biological science majors, but open to all qualified students.
General Biology Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 1A must be taken concurrently
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 6 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
BIOLOGY 1B General Biology Lecture and Laboratory 4 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017 8 Week Session
General introduction to plant development, form, and function; population genetics, ecology, and evolution. Intended for students majoring in the biological sciences, but open to all qualified students. Students must take both Biology 1A and 1B to complete the sequence. Sponsored by Integrative Biology.
General Biology Lecture and Laboratory: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 4 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Biology/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.