Exploring Life Science Majors at UCLA: A Comprehensive Overview

A major challenge of modern biology is to seek answers to the many secrets of living organisms. UCLA's Division of Life Sciences offers a diverse range of undergraduate majors, each providing a unique pathway for students interested in exploring the complexities of the living world. These programs span a wide array of disciplines, from molecular biology and physiology to ecology and neuroscience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in various careers and advanced studies.

The Breadth of Life Science Majors at UCLA

UCLA boasts twelve different life science majors, ranging from traditional bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology, to more unique and specialized fields of study including Neuroscience or Computational and Systems Biology. These majors are housed within various departments and institutes, each with its own research focus and academic culture.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB)

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate instruction in the biology of whole organisms, the environment, population, evolution, and behavior. To meet this challenge, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate instruction in the biology of whole organisms, the environment, population, evolution, and behavior. The Biology major allows students to design their major to include courses from several large categories covering all of the life sciences departments. The Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution major includes environmental and conservation biology as well as in the three main fields of the major. In the Marine Biology major, students can specialize in marine sciences at any level from molecular biology to community ecology. Internships are available for credit in which students participate in hands-on learning about animal behavior, the local land and ocean environment, and science education. In addition Stunt Ranch (part of the UC Natural Reserve System), and the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden offer opportunities for internships and for service to the community. The three majors in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology provide specialized instruction and strong preparation for employment or graduate study in many fields, including medicine, dentistry,pharmacy, and other health-related professions, biotechnology, scientific research, teaching, and public health.

Biology Major: This major provides a broad foundation in the life sciences, allowing students to select courses from various categories to tailor their studies to their specific interests.
Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution Major: This major focuses on the interactions between organisms and their environment, as well as the evolutionary processes that shape life on Earth. It includes environmental and conservation biology as well as in the three main fields of the major.
Marine Biology Major: This major allows students to specialize in the study of marine organisms and ecosystems, from the molecular level to community ecology. Students can specialize in marine sciences at any level from molecular biology to community ecology.

The EEB department also offers a Minor in Conservation Biology and a Specialization in Computing.

Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP)

Physiological Science (Dept. The cornerstone of the Integrative Biology and Physiology curriculum is vertebrate physiology, with an emphasis on integrative functions. The research and educational programs focus on integrative physiology at several levels of organization from molecules to living organisms,microscopic structures to macroscopic organization, and cellular properties to organ functions. Interactions, by means of coursework and undergraduate research, within the Division of Life Sciences and with the Center for Health Sciences departments, provide unique opportunities for intellectual development. Members of our faculty are active in organized research units at UCLA such as the Brain Research Institute, the Jules Stein Eye Institute, and the Jerry Lewis Neuromuscular Research Center. Research in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP) is dedicated to explaining the function of complex biological systems, in cells, organs, and individuals. The cornerstone of the Integrative Biology and Physiology curriculum is vertebrate physiology, with an emphasis on integrative functions.

The research and educational programs focus on integrative physiology at several levels of organization from molecules to living organisms, microscopic structures to macroscopic organization, and cellular properties to organ functions.

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG)

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics major has as its goals not only the introduction of the student to general and medical microbiology, but also to the associated disciplines of molecular genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, and immunology. Study in the major includes broad survey of general microbiology, immunology, advanced molecular genetics, and biochemistry.In addition to the core, the student may choose elective courses from diverse microbiology-related topics to complete the program. Because the major allows some flexibility in choosing electives, programs tailored to the student’s educational objectives are easily obtained. To make best use of the opportunity, the department suggests each microbiology major meet with the undergraduate staff or faculty advisor for individualized program counseling. Amongst the various research interests of our faculty are gene transcription and regulation; the study of pathogenic bacteria; immunology; biochemical and molecular basis of microbial interactions. The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) aims to provide the highest quality research and education possible in the interdisciplinary fields of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics major has as its goals not only the introduction of the student to general and medical microbiology, but also to the associated disciplines of molecular genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, and immunology.

Study in the major includes broad survey of general microbiology, immunology, advanced molecular genetics, and biochemistry.

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB)

In the last twenty years there has been a revolution in modern biology.Powerful molecular, genetic and physical techniques have been developed to analyze living systems at increasingly higher levels of resolution: from cells to genes to molecules. This has led to an enormous increase in our knowledge of basic processes in biology, as well as our ability to intervene in and control biological events. The MCD Biology faculty use molecular biology and genetics to study multicellular model organisms such as mouse, zebrafish, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis. Our goal is to understand processes such as cell signaling, gene regulation, circadian rhythms, and morphogenesis. For the student, the molecular genetic approach taught in the MCD Biology major will be particularly important in the years to come. Research in the Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology (MCDB) focuses on the basic mechanisms that regulate cell differentiation and function. The MCD Biology faculty use molecular biology and genetics to study multicellular model organisms such as mouse, zebrafish, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis.

The MCDB department offers an undergraduate Major in MCDB, a minor in Biomedical Research, and a Ph.D. program.

Neuroscience

Welcome to neuroscience at UCLA! For decades, neuroscientists have probed the brain and the central nervous system through behavioral, molecular, cellular, anatomical, and physiological studies. As a Neuroscience major, you are encouraged to explore the exciting worlds of neuroscience, including neurophysiology, molecular neurobiology, pharmacology, neuropsychiatry, psychoneuroimmunology, neural imaging, perception, and higher cognitive function. As our technology advances, so does our understanding of nervous system structure and function. The Neuroscience Undergraduate Interdepartmental Program is the newest addition to the Life Sciences majors at UCLA. Our main goal is to introduce students to research at an earlier stage in their academic careers in preparation for post-graduate and professional school studies. In addition to coursework in molecular, behavioral, and integrative neurosciences, our students pursue laboratory research at the undergraduate level with participating Neuroscience faculty members from departments in the College of Letters and Science and the School of Medicine. UCLA Neuroscience, an interdepartmental program, includes about 150 laboratories in diverse areas spanning the field from molecular analysis to genetics and behavior. As a Neuroscience major, you are encouraged to explore the exciting worlds of neuroscience, including neurophysiology, molecular neurobiology, pharmacology, neuropsychiatry, psychoneuroimmunology, neural imaging, perception, and higher cognitive function.

The Neuroscience Undergraduate Interdepartmental Program is the newest addition to the Life Sciences majors at UCLA.

Psychobiology

The Psychobiology Major is intended for students interested in studying behavior, neural information processing, and cognition from a biological perspective. Psychobiology students are exposed to the core topics of psychology (including learning, cognition, perception, and psychopathology) and of biology(including cellular and molecular biology, evolution, and organ system physiology). The coming decades are expected to be a time of great progress in understanding the brain as the instrument of behavior. The major is intended to provide basic understanding of the biological basis of behavior and to prepare the student to stay abreast of the expected developments in the field. A degree in psychobiology provides an excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in psychology or neuroscience or in medicine or allied health fields. The Psychobiology Major is intended for students interested in studying behavior, neural information processing, and cognition from a biological perspective. Psychobiology students are exposed to the core topics of psychology (including learning, cognition, perception, and psychopathology) and of biology (including cellular and molecular biology, evolution, and organ system physiology).

A degree in psychobiology provides an excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in psychology or neuroscience or in medicine or allied health fields.

Human Biology and Society

Real-world problems of the 21st century consistently involve both biological and societal processes. In response, the UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics attempts to incorporate scientists fully in the process of understanding ethical, legal, and societal impacts of the applications of their genetic and genomic research. We aim to educate the public to understand, discuss, and make informed decisions about issues in biotechnology, genetics and genomics. This interdisciplinary degree emphasizes critical thinking skills and helps students understand the ethical, legal and social implications of research in the biological sciences, especially with respect to modern genetics and genomics. If you like to explore the secrets of human organisms or think you might have a talent for healing, you may find your calling in the biological sciences and health field. The Institute for Society and Genetics (ISG) is an interdisciplinary unit that encourages scholarly research and educates students and the public about the ethical, legal and societal implications and interconnections of modern biotechnology, genetics and genomics.

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ISG offers undergraduate courses, major degrees in Human Biology and Society, B.A.

Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (MCIP)

The Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (MCIP) program is an interdepartmental Ph.D. program that brings together a large group of renowned faculty to educate the next generation of scientists to explore complex biological functions. The Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (MCIP) program is an interdepartmental Ph.D. program that brings together a large group of renowned faculty to educate the next generation of scientists to explore complex biological functions.

Resources and Opportunities at UCLA

UCLA offers many resources for deepening your knowledge in your chosen field, including hundreds of research centers, institutes and labs that encourage collaboration across disciplines. UCLA offers many resources for deepening your knowledge in your chosen field, including hundreds of research centers, institutes and labs that encourage collaboration across disciplines.

Research Opportunities

UCLA offers many resources for deepening your knowledge in your chosen field, including hundreds of research centers, institutes and labs that encourage collaboration across disciplines. As a Neuroscience major, you are encouraged to explore the exciting worlds of neuroscience, including neurophysiology, molecular neurobiology, pharmacology, neuropsychiatry, psychoneuroimmunology, neural imaging, perception, and higher cognitive function. Our main goal is to introduce students to research at an earlier stage in their academic careers in preparation for post-graduate and professional school studies. In addition to coursework in molecular, behavioral, and integrative neurosciences, our students pursue laboratory research at the undergraduate level with participating Neuroscience faculty members from departments in the College of Letters and Science and the School of Medicine. I am an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Jessica Wang’s lab dedicated to rare inherited cardiovascular diseases … As a first-generation college student, I recognize the importance of encouraging underrepresented students to pursue higher education in STEM.

Internships and Experiential Learning

Internships are available for credit in which students participate in hands-on learning about animal behavior, the local land and ocean environment, and science education. In addition Stunt Ranch (part of the UC Natural Reserve System), and the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden offer opportunities for internships and for service to the community. Internships are available for credit in which students participate in hands-on learning about animal behavior, the local land and ocean environment, and science education. In addition Stunt Ranch (part of the UC Natural Reserve System), and the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden offer opportunities for internships and for service to the community.

Pre-Health Advising

A majority of our incoming students are self-designated “pre-health”, which means they are on a path to fulfilling curricular requirements which will allow them to apply to specific professional schools. While the campus does not have a designated pre-health or pre-med program, academic advisors and campus resources are available to help our students along their pre-health journey. A majority of our incoming students are self-designated “pre-health”, which means they are on a path to fulfilling curricular requirements which will allow them to apply to specific professional schools. While the campus does not have a designated pre-health or pre-med program, academic advisors and campus resources are available to help our students along their pre-health journey.

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Choosing the Right Major

From advising the many underclassmen I have met during my time here, one oft discussed topic is the decision of which major to pursue, considering there are so many choices. I’ll present several criteria for considering in picking a major that is right for you as a medical school applicant, and then offer some practical tips of advice for those who may be in the thick of making a major decision (shameless pun!). From advising the many underclassmen I have met during my time here, one oft discussed topic is the decision of which major to pursue, considering there are so many choices.

Factors to Consider

Pick a major that you’ll excel in. If the ultimate goal is to secure acceptance into a medical school (or any health professional school, for that matter), one of the most important factors of your application will be your GPA. As my undergraduate adviser puts it, “Grades aren’t everything, but they are IMPORTANT.” To put things in perspective, the average GPA of the matriculant to the UC Irvine School of Medicine is a 3.71. That being said, make sure that you’re not going to pick a major that proves painstakingly difficult for you, simply because you might think it “looks good” on your application. Pick ONE major. Cal Newport makes an argument against double majors on his blog, and I highly encourage you give that post a read. Along with the discussion about GPA above, I would advocate that you choose ONE major and ensure that you perform well in that single major. My argument is that it’s easy to spread yourself too thin with two majors, and while having a double major may hold some value in medical school admissions, it remains to be proven. I strongly recommend choosing one major and performing the best you are able to in one field of study, rather than trying to split your time between two different areas and performing mediocre at both. Pick a major that interests you. Each of the life science majors at UCLA have their own subdisciplines that they explore. As a personal anecdote, I chose against majoring in Biology because I wasn’t a huge fan of studying macroevolution of species and memorizing different species of plants. If you’re studying what you enjoy, chances are you won’t mind spending more time studying to maximize success in your major coursework. Don’t forget that you don’t have to major in the sciences to apply to medical school. Statistics from past medical school matriculants from UCLA show a vast variety of majors that aren’t strictly life sciences (Bioengineering, Biochemistry), let alone traditional science majors (History, Linguistics)! You don’t need to make a decision right away. In fact, I would suggest that you do not make a decision until after you’ve taken the full life science core (Life Science 1-4). Each of these four courses actually have a corresponding major that expands on the introductory course you’ll have in this series. For any major that you’re interested in, check the UCLA Catalog for your course requirements. A point for consideration is the perceived difficulty of the life science majors relative to one another. Don’t get me wrong-each major has its difficult classes and no major is “easy”. However, from personal opinion and general consensus from my peers, Physiological Science is perceived as having the most difficult life science curriculum, followed by MCDB/MIMG/Neuroscience. “Easier” life science majors include Biology and Psychobiology. That being said, not everyone will agree with this order of difficulty. This points back to the two points above-pick a major that you’ll excel in, as well as a major that you will enjoy studying. My personal opinion: Lean toward picking a major that you will perform well in, even if the material may not be as interesting. If you choose not to major in one of the life sciences, or even if you do, ensure that you take all of the pre-requisites required by medical schools you intend to apply to. A general list can be found here, under the Medicine tab. This list is pretty comprehensive and should cover all your bases, but do be aware that requirements differ from medical school to medical school. The MCAT2015 will begin to include sections on Psychology, Sociology, and Biochemistry. Though only introductory courses should be required to have the knowledge to perform well on those sections of the exam, it may be prudent to pick a major for which you can apply those courses as pre-requisites to (e.g. If you’re looking for a decision to be made for you, unfortunately I don’t have that for you here.

Pick a major that you’ll excel in: GPA is a critical factor for medical school applications.
Pick ONE major: Focus your efforts on one area of study to maximize your performance.
Pick a major that interests you: Studying what you enjoy will make it easier to succeed.
Consider pre-requisites: Ensure you take all the necessary courses for your desired medical schools, regardless of your major.

General Advice

You don’t need to make a decision right away. In fact, I would suggest that you do not make a decision until after you’ve taken the full life science core (Life Science 1-4). Each of these four courses actually have a corresponding major that expands on the introductory course you’ll have in this series. For any major that you’re interested in, check the UCLA Catalog for your course requirements. Don’t forget that you don’t have to major in the sciences to apply to medical school. Statistics from past medical school matriculants from UCLA show a vast variety of majors that aren’t strictly life sciences (Bioengineering, Biochemistry), let alone traditional science majors (History, Linguistics)! A point for consideration is the perceived difficulty of the life science majors relative to one another. Don’t get me wrong-each major has its difficult classes and no major is “easy”. However, from personal opinion and general consensus from my peers, Physiological Science is perceived as having the most difficult life science curriculum, followed by MCDB/MIMG/Neuroscience. “Easier” life science majors include Biology and Psychobiology. That being said, not everyone will agree with this order of difficulty. This points back to the two points above-pick a major that you’ll excel in, as well as a major that you will enjoy studying. My personal opinion: Lean toward picking a major that you will perform well in, even if the material may not be as interesting.

Notable Bruins in Life Sciences

Bruins have achieved great heights in all walks of life - health, sports, entertainment, public service, science and technology, and arts and letters. Bruins have achieved great heights in all walks of life - health, sports, entertainment, public service, science and technology, and arts and letters.

Barber: A marine biologist who strives to advance diversity in STEM fields.
Bates-Jensen: A world-renowned researcher, author, and inventor, and a co-developer of the SEM Scanner.
Crosbie: Passionate about understanding the molecules that drive muscle cell function, with pioneering research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Johnson: A recipient of the National Science Foundation Career Award and the dean of the division of life sciences.

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