Advising Index

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program
387 Thimann Laboratories
UC Santa Cruz,
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Phone: 831.459.4143
Fax: 831.459.1568
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PREPARING FOR BIOLOGY: Transfer students

It is imperative that transfer students complete science prerequisite courses before they transfer, especially a complete sequence of calculus, general chemistry, and introductory biology. Students should also take organic chemistry, if required for their intended major. Students who transfer without having completed the prerequisite coursework may have difficulty enrolling in courses and may require more than two years to complete a biological sciences degree.

www.ASSIST.org is a valuable resource for students preparing to transfer to UCSC from a California Community College. ASSIST lets students know exactly which courses they can take at their community college to satisfy their degree requirements at UCSC.

To use ASSIST:

1. Look up the Biological Sciences degree requirements for the major you intend to pursure at UCSC. Review the degrees offered within the Biological Sciences and download a degree checklist for a list of the requirements for your intended major.

2. Look up your community college on www.ASSIST.org to see what courses articulate to UCSC and count towards your Biological Sciences degree.

3. Satisfy as many of your calculus, general chemistry, introductory biology, organic chemistry (if required for your intended major), and physics requirements as possible before transferring.

NOTE: Pay close attention to the articulations in ASSIST. Some disciplines (such as general chemistrry) require that an entire series be completed to receive any credit towards the major requirements.

4. If you are accepted to UCSC as a transfer student, you must send the BioAdvising Office a copy of your unofficial transcripts so prerequisite credit for the courses you've completed towards the major can be entered into your academic record. For more complete instructions on transferring credit see Transferring Credit: California Community College....

If you are NOT transferring from a California Community College, you can follow the instructions for Transferring Credit: Other University/EAP to determine if the courses you are proposing to take will transfer to UCSC and apply towards your Biological Sciences degree.  Please note, transcripts can only be reviewed for students who are admitted to UCSC.

First step for admitted transfer students fax a copy of your transcripts with your name, student ID number, and intended major to the Biology Undergraduate Advising Office (831) 459-1568. The sooner you send your transcripts, the sooner we can articulate your courses and give you an idea of what to enroll in here at UCSC.  Please note, transcripts can only be reviewed for students who are admitted to UCSC.

Still have questions???? The best way to get your questions answered is to contact the BioAdvising office. Once we have received a copy of your transcript, we can advise you individually about which requirements you need to satisfy and which courses you should enroll in for the quarter.