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Engineering and Computing

UC Santa Cruz offers a wide range of majors focused in engineering, information sciences and technology. The following information is for majors in bioengineering, bioinformatics, computer engineering, computer science, computer science: computer game design, electrical engineering and information systems management. In addition to the college core course or first year seminar, first quarter UCSC students choose two other classes. These can be classes in the major they are considering pursuing or which may satisfy a general education requirement.

Initial placement:

Mathematics is an important foundation for all the above majors. Begin Mathematics in the first quarter.

If you have no college or AP credit in mathematics or biology, you will need to take a placement exam.

Mathematics – this placement exam tells you if you must complete AMS 3: Precalculus for Science and Engineering, before proceeding to calculus (MATH 19A)

Biology – tells you whether to begin in BIOL 3 before proceeding to BIOL 20A (required for Bioengineering and Bioinformatics)

Special notes for engineering majors:

• If you place into precalculus, take AMS 3 instead of MATH 3.
• Getting As or Bs in your math courses will better prepare you for your future courses.
• If the mathematics placement exam places you into MATH 11A, enroll in AMS 3 instead of MATH 11A. You will enroll in MATH 19A after completing AMS 3.
• Information Systems Management students may take either MATH 19A and 19B or ECON 11A and 11B. However, the Math 19 series is strongly recommended.
• School of Engineering introductory courses are listed by department and title. Be sure to visit the School of Engineering web site (http://www.soe.ucsc.edu) or the Advising Cluster web site (http://advising.ucsc.edu/clusters/ISE9) for specific information (most of the courses are sequential and must be taken in order).
• The recommended course load for engineering students is two courses for the major per quarter.
• Entry to the School of Engineering is based upon your grades in certain introductory courses. Once admitted you must maintain your engineering GPA to remain in the major. For information on the School of Engineering policies, go to http://www.soe.ucsc.edu.
• Contact a School of Engineering undergraduate advisor if you are experiencing any difficulties.
• Bioinformatics majors may choose to focus in either biology or computer science.

Suggested courses if you are undecided:

Possible first year courses (requirements vary depending on major):

For information regarding which classes you should take for your intended major, please see the Specific Cluster Information page.

Contact Information:

School of Engineering
advising@soe.ucsc.edu, (831) 459-5840
227 Baskin Engineering Building
http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/advising/undergraduate

Last updated on 3/2008.