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Preparatory Course Curriculum

This is the preparatory course curriculum that our freshmen and sophomores follow.

Mathematics (Calculus)
Started in freshman year
MAT 17A+17B+17C or MAT 21A+21B

The Math 17 series uses calculus in biology and health applications and provides biology students with calculus as a tool for solving problems. This series completely satisfies professional school (including medical) requirements. The Math 21 series studies calculus in depth and is recommended for students who enjoy mathematics and might want to continue their math studies to higher level course work or pursue majors in engineering, math or other physical sciences.

General Chemistry
Started in freshman year
CHE 2A+2B+2C or CHE 2AH+2BH+2CH The CHE 2 series is the recommended general chemistry offered at UC Davis and completely satisfies professional school (including medical school) requirements.

The CHE 2H series is recommended for students who enjoy chemistry and might want to continue their chemistry studies to higher level course work or pursue majors in chemistry or chemical engineering.

Biological Sciences (Introductory Biology)
Started in freshman or sophomore year BIS 2A, 2B, 2C
MUST be taken in order

These three courses constitute an excellent introduction to the field of biology and its sub-disciplines. These courses have no prerequisites; however, they must be taken in sequence.

For freshmen, we do not recommend BIS 2A for the first quarter.

Organic Chemistry
Started sophomore year
CHE 8A+8B or CHE 118A+118B+118C

The CHE 8 series provides a solid background in organic chemistry for biology students. If you desire a more in-depth coverage of organic chemistry or plan to attend a professional school (such as medical school) that requires a full year of organic chemistry, take the CHE 118ABC series. This series is required for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.

General Physics
Started in sophomore or junior year
PHY 7A+7B+7C

This is the recommended general physics course offered at UC Davis.