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.

Course Number Course Title Semester Units
Math Group A: Math 16A, 1A, or 10A   F, Sp, Su 3-4
Math Group B: Math 16B, 1B, 10B, Stats 2, 20, or Data C8   F, Sp, Su 3-4
Chemistry 1A/1AL General Chemistry and Lab F, Sp, Su 3+2
Biology 1A/1AL General Biology and Lab F, Sp, Su 3+2
Biology 1B General Biology (includes lab) F, Sp, Su 4
Physics 8A2 Calculus-based Physics (includes lab) F, Sp, Su 4
IB 77A or 77B3 Integrative Human Biology F, Sp 1

1 AP Calc cannot replace a math option but can place you into higher-level math, please contact an IB advisor for more information. 

2 Physics 7A can be taken in place of 8A.

3 Only one of IB 77A or 77B is required.

 

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?

High School Preparation Suggested classes for the IB major for fall
Chemistry & pre-calculus IB 77A; Chem 1A/1AL; Math 1A, 10A, or Math 32
AP Calculus AB or BC test IB 77A; Chem 1A/1AL; Math 1A or 10A

 

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.

youtube       GBO17-IBslides_thumb.png

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

  Fall Spring
Year 1
Bio 1B
Math group A
IB 77A

Math group B
Chem 1A/1AL

Year 2

Bio 1A/1AL
Physics 8A

IB Upper-Division*

Year 3
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
Year 4 IB Upper-Division* IB Upper-Division*

*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

  Fall Spring
Year 1
Bio 1B
Math group A
IB 77A

Math group B
Chem 1A/1AL

Year 2

Bio 1A/1AL
Physics 8A

IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
Year 3
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*
IB Upper-Division*

 


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

  Fall Spring     Fall Spring
Freshman
Bio 1B
Chem 1A/1AL
IB 77A
Biology 1A/1AL
Math 1A
  Year 1
Bio 1B
Math 1A or 10A
IB 77A
Chem 1A/1AL
Math 1B or 10B
Sophomore

Math 1B
IB Upper Div 

Chem 3A/3AL
IB Upper Div 
  Year 2
Chem 3A/3AL
Bio 1A/1AL
Chem 3B/3BL
IB Upper Div
Junior

Chem 3B/3BL
IB Upper Div

Physics 8A
MCB 102 (IB elective)
  Year 3
Physics 8A
IB Upper Div
Physics 8B
IB Upper Div
Senior
Physics 8B
IB Upper Div
IB Upper Div
IB Upper Div
  Year 4
MCB 102 (IB elective)
IB Upper Div
IB Upper Div
IB Upper Div

*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)

**IB upper division courses will count into your BCPM/science GPA for Med school, but it isn't required to take specific upper division courses. 

 

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.