The Biological Systems cluster is ideal for pre-med and pre-health careers, and intended majors in Integrative Biology, Chemistry, and Molecular & Cell Biology.
Course Information
CHEM 1A 001: General Chemistry, 3 Units
- This course may satisfy prerequisites for these majors: Neuroscience, Molecular & Cell Biology, Earth & Planetary Science, and Integrative Biology.
- This course meets Physical Science, L&S Breadth.
- Schedule: MWF 9:00-10:00 AM; Discussion M 2:00-3:00 PM
CHEM 1AL 001: General Chemistry Laboratory, 2 Units
- This course may satisfy prerequisites for these majors: Neuroscience, Molecular & Cell Biology, Earth & Planetary Science, and Integrative Biology.
- Schedule: M 10:00-11:00 AM; Discussion R 6:00-9:00 PM
INTEGBI 11 001: California Natural History, 3 Units
- This course meets Biological Science, L&S Breadth.
- Schedule: TR 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
INTEGBI 77A 001: Integrative Human Biology, 1 Unit
- This course may satisfy a requirement for Integrative Biology.
- Schedule: W 2:00-3:00 PM
MATH 51 001: Calculus I, 4 Units
- This course may satisfy requirements for these majors: Molecular & Cellular Biology, Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Earth & Planetary Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
- This calculus series intended for STEM majors. It prepares students to continue on to more advanced mathematical study, including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, complex algebra, analysis, etc. The course provides an introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. To get a better idea of the course content, you can review the course outline and the archive of previous exams. Visit “Choosing Your First Math Course at UC Berkeley” for more information.
- Schedule: TR 9:30-11:00 AM; Discussion MWF 4:00-5:00 PM
MATH 1 001: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics, 2 Units
- This is a 2-unit course designed for students who are relatively prepared for calculus and do not need a full precalculus course, but would greatly benefit from targeted study of select foundational topics. It can be taken alongside other lower division math courses or prior to your first math course. The course covers algebraic operations, laws of exponents and logarithms, inequalities and absolute values, single-variable function properties, polynomials, power and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions, complex numbers, and functions of several variables. Visit “Choosing Your First Math Course at UC Berkeley” for more information.
- Schedule: TR 3:30-5:00 PM; Discussion Asynchronous
Full Course Descriptions
- CHEM 1A: General Chemistry, 3 Units
Stoichiometry of chemical reactions, quantum mechanical description of atoms, the elements and periodic table, chemical bonding, real and ideal gases, thermochemistry, introduction to thermodynamics and equilibrium, acid-base and solubility equilibria, introduction to oxidation-reduction reactions, introduction to chemical kinetics. - CHEM 1AL: General Chemistry Laboratory, 2 Units
An experimental approach to chemical sciences with emphasis on developing fundamental, reproducible laboratory technique and a goal of understanding and achieving precision and accuracy in laboratory experiments. Proper use of laboratory equipment and standard wet chemical methods are practiced. Areas of investigations include chemical equilibria, spectroscopy, nanotechnology, green chemistry, and thermochemistry. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in 1A is required. - INTEGBI 11: California Natural History, 3 Units
An introduction to the biomes, plants, and animals of California. The lectures will introduce natural history as the foundation of the sciences, with an overview of geology, paleontology, historical biology, botany, zoology, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. The field labs will include activities on the UC Berkeley campus and around the Bay Area. Course is open to all students without prerequisite and will provide a foundation for advanced study in biology and field biology. - INTEGBI 77A: Integrative Human Biology, 1 Unit
Each week a different Integrative Biology faculty member will give a one hour lecture on how their research field contributes to our understanding of human biology. The integration of the disciplines of evolution, ecology, paleontology, comparative physiology, and comparative anatomy in the study of how humans function in ecosystems illuminates our understanding of human biology. During each presentation, the faculty member will also inform students about IB courses they teach, research in their lab, and which Berkeley Natural History Museum they may be affiliated with. This course gives undergraduates an opportunity to learn about the spectrum of research and courses offered by the different IB faculty. - MATH 51: Calculus I, 4 Units
This course is intended for STEM majors. An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1A. - MATH 1: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics, 2 Units
This course aims to bring students with varying Math backgrounds up-to-speed with the expectations of UC Berkeley’s lower division mathematics courses. This course will support comprehension of the fundamental concepts necessary to excel in Math 16A/16B, 1A/1B, 10A/10B, and beyond. You can take this prep course concurrently with or prior to your Calculus classes. The course curriculum covers algebraic operations, laws of exponents and logarithms, inequalities and absolute values, single-variable function properties, polynomials, power and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions, complex numbers, and functions of several variables.
