Importance of an early start:

Due to the demanding nature of the major, students must begin their science coursework as early as possible. MATH 11A or MATH 19A; either CHEM 3A, CHEM 3B CHEM 3C or CHEM 4A and CHEM 4B; and CHEM 8A; and BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOL 20L must be completed by the campus-established declaration deadline in order for students to qualify for admission to the microbiology major. Students are strongly encouraged to take METX 100 and begin, if not complete, other requirements such as CHEM 8B and BIOE 20C by the end of their sixth quarter. 

Students are required to complete a Mathematics Placement assessment to enroll in their first math course at UCSC. Microbiology majors are expected and encouraged to work in the learning modules of this process until they place into calculus (MATH 11A or 19A) or higher.

Qualification requirements and/or prerequisites for the major:

Review Major Qualification Requirements in the General Catalog.

Frosh who intend to pursue this major should do the following things prior to the beginning of fall term...

• Complete the Math Placement process. It takes up to three business days for ALEKS PPL placement to post in your student record. Completing the assessment by July 16 will ensure your placement is posted before enrollment begins (although depending on your enrollment appointment, you may have more time!).
• Decide which General Chemistry series to take:
  • CHEM 3 - General Chemistry
  • CHEM 4 - Advanced General Chemistry (requires special enrollment procedure; see prerequisite information in the class schedule)

...and should take these courses their first term:

• CHEM 3A or CHEM 4A/4AL
• MATH 11A or MATH 19A

Special enrollment procedures:

Enroll online during your enrollment appointment.

Sample Academic Plan:

Review the Sample Academic Plan in the General Catalog.

Links to Review:

Advisor Contact Information:

microadvising@ucsc.edu
Microbiology Advising Website