2025-2026 General Catalog
Source: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/plant-sciences/biotechnology-bs/ Parent: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext
Every living organism, from the smallest and most primitive bacteria to every plant, insect, animal or human being, contains DNA as the primary genetic material. DNA directs all cellular processes, creating the incredible variety and diversity of living organisms in the biosphere. Biotechnology focuses on the mechanics of life processes and their application. Biotechnology means "life technology" and represents an integrated, multidisciplinary field, with a profound impact today on almost every aspect of human endeavor.
Preparatory Requirements
UC Davis students who wish to change their major to Biotechnology must complete the following courses (representing the subject areas of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Mathematics) with a grade point average of at least 2.500 in each subject area. All of these courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Course List
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | ||
| BIS 002A & BIS 002B & BIS 002C | Introduction to Biology: Essentials of Life on Earth and Introduction to Biology: Principles of Ecology & Evolution and Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity & the Tree of Life | 15 |
| Chemistry | ||
| One series: | 15 | |
| CHE 002A & CHE 002B & CHE 002C | General Chemistry and General Chemistry and General Chemistry | |
| CHE 003A & CHE 003B DISCONTINUED FOR FALL 2026 ** & CHE 003C DISCONTINUED FOR FALL 2026 ** | Chemistry for Life Sciences: Determining Structure & Predicting Properties and and (Discontinued for fall 2026) ** | |
| Mathematics | ||
| One series: | 6-8 | |
| MAT 016A & MAT 016B DISCONTINUED | and (Discontinued) 1 | |
| MAT 017A & MAT 017B | Calculus for Biology & Medicine and Calculus for Biology & Medicine | |
| MAT 019A & MAT 019B | Calculus for Data-Driven Applications and Calculus for Data-Driven Applications | |
| MAT 021A & MAT 021B | Calculus and Calculus |
1 : MAT 016A & MAT 016B are discontinued.
The Program
In the first two years, students develop a strong and general background in biological science with an emphasis on fundamental concepts and basic principles of genetics, molecular biology and cell biology. Four options, Animal Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Fermentation/Microbial Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, provide in-depth training and specialized knowledge in an aspect of biotechnology. Each option has a strong laboratory component to reinforce the theoretical concepts. Students also do an internship in a biotechnology company or university or government laboratory.
Internships & Career Opportunities
In the last decade, more industries are turning to biotechnology to solve problems and improve products, creating a growing job market for individuals trained in biotechnology in the agricultural, food and beverage, health care, chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical, and environmental and bioremediation industries.
Graduates trained in the technologies designed for biotechnology will find their training applicable to advanced research in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and the plant and animal sciences.
Lead Faculty Advisor
Diane Beckles in 133 Asmundson Hall
Faculty includes members of the Departments of Animal Science; Engineering: Chemical Engineering & Materials Science; Computer Science; Engineering: Biological & Agricultural; Food Science & Technology; Land, Air, & Water Resources; Plant Pathology; Plant Sciences; Viticulture & Enology; and the College of Biological Sciences.
Major Advisor
Advising Center for the major is located in 1220 Plant & Environmental Sciences; plsadvising@ucdavis.edu.
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