Biological Sciences, B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of California Irvine

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences, B.S. at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers a broad, in-depth study of modern biology, taking students from ecology and evolutionary biology through genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced biological sciences. It is particularly well suited to students interested in research, biotechnology, health professions, environmental biology, or further graduate and professional study, with opportunities to specialize through upper-division courses, laboratory work, and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their biological and scientific foundation through courses such as BIO SCI 93 – From DNA to Organisms (3 units), BIO SCI 94 – From Organisms to Ecosystems (3 units), and BIO SCI 90L – Introduction to Biology Research (3 units), alongside general chemistry and general education. BIO SCI 90L introduces the scientific method, environmental DNA, quantitative reasoning, science inquiry, and collaboration, giving students an early introduction to research.

Year 2: The second year develops the molecular and biochemical foundations of biology through the core sequence BIO SCI 97 – Genetics (4 units), BIO SCI 98 – Biochemistry (4 units), and BIO SCI 99 – Molecular Biology (4 units), together with organic chemistry and mathematics. Students progress from DNA replication and inheritance to protein structure, biochemical pathways, molecular genetics, and regulation of genetic information.

Year 3: Students begin concentrating on advanced areas of biological science through upper-division major courses and electives while completing physics and BIO SCI 100 – Scientific Writing (3 units). Options include BIO SCI D103 – Cell Biology (4 units), BIO SCI E106 – Processes in Ecology and Evolution (4 units), and BIO SCI E109 – Human Physiology (4 units), allowing students to explore cellular processes, evolution, ecosystems, or human health.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced electives, upper-division laboratory experience, and continued research. Students can select laboratories such as BIO SCI D111L – Developmental and Cell Biology Laboratory (4 units), BIO SCI M116L – Molecular Biology Laboratory (5 units), BIO SCI E166L – Field Biology (4 units), or other approved upper-division laboratories while completing their remaining biology and general education requirements.

Focus Areas

Cell biology, developmental biology, ecology and evolution, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, human physiology, microbiology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, biological research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of biological systems from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems, learn to apply scientific methods and quantitative reasoning, develop laboratory and research skills, analyze biological evidence, communicate scientific findings, and collaborate on scientific investigations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biological Sciences, B.S. is a biological science degree rather than an engineering or professionally licensed program, and the official UCI catalogue does not list a specialized professional accreditation for the major. Its curriculum instead emphasizes scientific foundations, laboratory methodology, research experience, and preparation for graduate and professional education.

Reputation (Employability)

UCI's Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences reports that approximately 91% of students participate in faculty-mentored research by their senior year, providing substantial research exposure alongside their coursework. UCI's latest school-level alumni data reports an average estimated bachelor's salary of $50,948 for Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences graduates, based on alumni with a digital footprint; this is an alumni estimate rather than a starting-salary figure.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UCI gives Biological Sciences students substantial opportunities to move beyond classroom learning through laboratory courses, faculty-mentored research, field-based study, and scientific communication. The Dunlop School has more than 250 laboratories across Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine, while students can earn academic credit through Bio Sci 199 Undergraduate Research and participate in research programs such as UROP, SURP, and the Excellence in Research program.

Students can also develop specialized practical skills through upper-division laboratories involving cellular biology, molecular biology, physiology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, image analysis, ecology, and field biology:

Bio Sci 199 Undergraduate Research: Students conduct supervised laboratory, field, or clinical research with a faculty mentor while earning graded academic units.
Environmental DNA research: BIO SCI 90L introduces students to scientific methods, environmental DNA, quantitative reasoning, inquiry, and collaboration.
Image analysis: BIO SCI E131L teaches scientific image analysis using high-speed and time-lapse imaging, thermal imaging, and flow visualization, with students creating and analyzing images using computers.
Molecular biology laboratory: BIO SCI M116L provides hands-on experience with nucleic acids and recombinant DNA techniques.
Neurobiology laboratory: BIO SCI N113L includes neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, pharmacology, behavior, experimental design, EEG, and scientific writing.
Field biology: BIO SCI E166L involves group and independent studies in Southern California ecosystems, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and communication of scientific findings.
Field-based ecology: BIO SCI E106L introduces students to local habitats and organisms through required field trips, while BIO SCI E160L includes field trips focused on identifying local birds and studying avian natural history.
Research programs: UROP, SURP, and the Excellence in Research program allow students to present research findings and potentially publish their work in the Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences.
Research institutes and centers: Undergraduate-accessible research infrastructure includes the Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Center for Virus Research, Beckman Laser Institute, Cancer Research Institute, Developmental Biology Center, Center for Immunology, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Center for Complex Biological Systems, and Reeve-Irvine Research Center.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biological Sciences, B.S. provides a flexible foundation for careers in biological research, biotechnology, health-related fields, education, and other science-focused professions, while also preparing students for advanced study. UCI specifically highlights pathways into research, health professions, biotechnology, and business, with extensive faculty-mentored research exposure supporting both employment and further academic progression.

Typical job roles include Biological Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Biotechnology Associate, Clinical Research Assistant.

Key progression and career opportunities include:

Career and academic advising: The Dunlop School provides professional counseling and advising, including pre-health professional advising, academic advising, peer tutoring, and guidance for graduate and professional-school applications.
Research preparation: Approximately 91% of students participate in faculty-mentored research by senior year, giving students experience that can strengthen applications for research careers and graduate or professional programs.
Employment and salary: UCI's October 2025 alumni snapshot reports an average estimated bachelor's salary of $50,948 for Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences graduates; the university cautions that this represents estimated alumni earnings rather than compensation immediately after graduation.
Industry and interdisciplinary connections: The School collaborates with UCI's Schools of Medicine, Physical Sciences, Social Ecology, Social Sciences, Information and Computer Sciences, and Engineering, creating opportunities to work across biological, medical, computational, and engineering disciplines.
Research-driven career preparation: Students can work in laboratories and research centers addressing areas such as cancer, infectious diseases, neurobiology, genomics, molecular medicine, immunology, and complex biological systems.
Graduation pathways: The degree provides a foundation for employment after the bachelor's degree as well as advanced study in biological sciences, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, public health, and other professional fields.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into UCI's M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Biological Sciences, including areas such as developmental and cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, and neurobiology and behavior. The B.S. also provides a strong foundation for medical, dental, veterinary, public health, physical therapy, and other professional-school pathways, while eligible students may pursue specialized biological sciences majors or advanced programs within UCI.