Freshman Admits to Cal

Welcome to Integrative Biology!  On this page, we will provide you with some answers to frequently asked questions and help you to separate fact from fiction. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact our staff and peer advisors by email, or stop by the IB/MCB Undergraduate Student Services Office in 3060 Valley Life Sciences Building. Our contact information and advising hours can be found on the Undergraduate Home page. 

How do I get started in Integrative Biology? What are the courses required?

All students who plan to major in Integrative Biology must take the same set of prerequisites, even though you can choose from two different upper-division emphases within the major. See the chart below, which shows you all of the lower-division courses and when they are offered. Not all lower-division courses are required to declare IB. See our page on Declaring IB for more details on that process.

Can I use my AP scores in biology, math, physics, or chemistry to waive requirements?

The Department of Integrative Biology does not accept any test scores (AP, IB, A-Levels, etc) to waive the lower-division IB requirements.

What should I take during my first semester at Cal?

I'm confused. Is there anyone I can talk to?

We are available to speak with you in-person or over zoom all year (including the summer). Our contact info and office hours can be found on the undergrad homepage.

Our staff advisors also presented major overview sessions during Golden Bear Advising and Orientation events for incoming freshmen. Click below to rewatch the GBA webinar or go through the GBO slides.

What if I want to work out a four-year plan?

We have some sample plans for you to take a look at here. You can always come into the advising office and speak with a peer advisor (fall, spring) or a staff advisor. Our contact info and office hours can be found on the undergrad homepage.

Example of a 4-year plan beginning in the fall semester of freshman year

*Upper-division course requirements differ depending on emphasis and are flexible depending on what is offered each semester.

Example of 3-year plan beginning fall semester of freshman year

Examples of pre-med plans* (also applicable to other pre-health fields, see the Career Center's website for more info)

IB Only**  Pre-Med Only   Covers Both

*In addition to IB's requirements, most med schools require organic chemistry, a 2nd semester of physics, and biochemistry (MCB 102, which can count as an IB elective)

Should I graduate in 3 or 3.5 years? 

It depends, while it is possible to complete IB requirements in 3 years (see plan above), students should consider the impact that these course-intensive options may have on the Integrative Biology (IB) and Cal experience. First, students may lose the opportunity to participate in substantial research training and to develop their own pathways in original research, which could limit post-graduate options. Second, because some IB courses are offered only every two years, course options may be limited. Lastly, students may be limited in their participation in off-campus programs, study abroad programs, and internships, as well as in department student organizations.

Why do I receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree even though I'm studying IB?

The word "Arts" in Bachelor of Arts does not mean arts in the modern sense. You are receiving a "liberal arts" degree in the classical sense: the term refers to those subjects that were considered essential for a free citizen to study in ancient Rome – and those subjects included mathematics and astronomy! Like Harvard undergraduates, who also earn a BA degree, you attend a liberal arts college. A liberal arts education will ensure that you graduate with both a depth of knowledge in your major and a breadth of knowledge across the disciplines, making you well prepared for a range of graduate school and career options.

Specifically, the IB major is housed within the College of Letters & Science and is designed to balance depth in the science and knowledge of subjects beyond your major, such as anthropology, legal studies, economics, etc. Many students use this opportunity to declare a minor, participate in the Course Threads program, and/or demonstrate success in a multitude of areas.