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The undergraduate biology program at UCSB is collaboratively managed by two departments: Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB) and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB). Both departments provide multiple focused majors that result in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), while also offering a shared general biological sciences major that can lead to either a B.S. or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Their academic and research initiatives span the entire scope of biological disciplines, from biochemistry and molecular studies to ecological systems and community dynamics. Students can choose from more than 150 advanced biology courses, which encompass lectures, seminars, lab work, field research, and independent or collaborative projects.
The B.A. and B.S. programs in Biological Sciences are the broadest options available through EEMB and MCDB. Enrolled students complete coursework across diverse subjects, from molecular biology to ecology, with flexibility in selecting specific classes within each category. Compared to the department's specialized majors, the Biological Sciences programs offer more elective options. These majors could be ideal if you prefer greater freedom in tailoring your biology curriculum.