Biochemistry & Cell Biology

This major is designed to provide students with the fundamental courses required for entry into a school of medicine or into post graduate training in a wide variety of areas of biological and biomedical sciences: biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, virology, human biology (physiology, metabolism, genetic disorders), cancer biology, pharmacology, and others. The emphasis is on basic principles which help us understand those processes unique to living organisms at the molecular level.

The program includes two required upper-division biology laboratory courses to provide practical experience with modern techniques and useful technology for those seeking positions as lab technicians in clinical and basic research laboratories. The opportunity to select four elective courses allows students either to seek a still broader background in a variety of biology courses or to begin specialization in a chosen field of study.


Degree Check (PDF format)

Sample Plan (PDF format)

Important things you should know....

Entered UCSD as a Freshman

Entered UCSD as a Transfer
Learning Goals (PDF format)

Biochemistry & Cell Biology Major Requirements

Lower-Division Requirements

BILD 1 & 3
Mathematics 10A, B, 11/10C or 20A, B, 20C
Chemistry 6A, B, C and 6BL
Physics 1A+1AL, 1B+1BL, 1C+1CL or 2A, B C and one lab (2BL, 2CL, 2DL)

Upper-Division Requirements

1. Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 140A and 140B)
2. Organic Chemistry Lab (Chemistry 143A) or Physical Chemistry Lab(Chemistry 105A)
3. Structural Biochemistry (BIBC 100) or Physical Biochemistry (BIBC 110) or Physical             Chemistry (Chemistry 126)
4. Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102)
5. Biochemical Techniques (BIBC 103)
6. Genetics (BICD 100)
7. Cell Biology (BICD 110)
8. Molecular Biology (BIMM 100)

9. Capstone Course-select one course from the following group:

     Biochemistry and Biotechnology of Plants (BIBC 104)

     Physical Biochemistry (BIBC 110)

     Nutrition (BIBC 120)

     Marine Biochemistry (BIBC 130)

     Pathways of Intracellular Protein Trafficking and Compartmentation (BICD 118)

     Pharmacology (BIMM 118)

     Microbial Physiology (BIMM 130)
10 . One upper-division biology lab to be chosen from the following: BIBC 105, BICD 101, 111, 123, 131, 133, 145, BIMM 101, 103, 121, 127, 141, BIPN 105, 145, or Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 143C).

11. Four additional upper-division courses (each course must be at least four units) taken through the UCSD Division of Biological Sciences are required. Only one quarter of BISP 195 and/or one quarter of BISP 196, 197 or 199 may be applied toward the fulfillment of this requirement. Subsequent quarters of BISP 195, 196, 197 or 199 may be applied toward college and university requirements.

* For more information on BISP 196 (Honors Thesis) or 199 (Independent Research) click here

* For more information on BISP 197 (Biotechnology Internship) click here


For further information, please contact Biology Student Affairs or check out the UCSD Catalog!