Physiological Science

Physiological Science BS Learning Outcomes

The Physiological Science major has the following learning outcomes:

• Demonstrated broad knowledge of the fundamentals of vertebrate anatomy and physiology
• Demonstrated ability to address scientific questions and solve problems quantitatively, learn to form hypotheses, design and perform experiments, analyze data, and interpret results
• Reading, understanding, and application of critical thinking to primary scientific literature
• Understanding of how to assess key questions and hypotheses
• Interpretation of results and conclusions
• Discrimination of quality through critique
• Appreciation for research by participating in one or more laboratory experiences
• Clear and fluent communication of scientific knowledge
• Effective written and verbal skills

Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, 14CL, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, and 30BL; Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C, 23L, and 30A, 30B, and 40 or Statistics 13, or Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A, 31B, and 32A; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 5A, 5B, and 5C.

To enter the Physiological Science major, students must complete Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, and 14C, or 20A, 20B, and 30A, Life Sciences 7A, 7B, Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A, 31B, and 32A, or Life Sciences 30A, 30B, and 40, or Statistics 13, and Physics 1A or 5A, with a minimum grade of C in each course and a grade-point average of 2.5 or better in all before fall quarter of their third year. Repetition of more than one of these nine preparation courses results in denial of admission to the major. After successful completion of the courses, students must contact the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the major.

For all preparation courses, students must complete each course with a grade of C or better. Repetition of more than one preparation course results in dismissal from the major.

Transfer applicants to the Physiological Science major with 90 or more quarter units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 7A, 7B, and 7C, one year of calculus, one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.

Transfer credit for UCLA Extension coursework and for any departmental courses is subject to prior approval by the department; consult with the undergraduate counselor before enrolling in any courses for the major.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Required: Physiological Science 107, 111A, 111B, 111L, Chemistry and Biochemistry 153A.

A total of five upper-division physiological science electives is required. Eight units of course 199 or 4 units each (8 units total) of courses 198A and 198B, for students in the departmental honors program, may be applied toward the elective requirement. One 200-level graduate course may be applied toward the elective requirement with departmental approval. Courses 189HC, 191H, 192, 193, 195, 196, and graduate courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level may not be applied toward the elective requirement.

Each required and elective course must be taken for a letter grade, and a C average must be maintained in all upper-division courses taken for the major. A grade of C or better is required in Physiological Science 107 and 111A to enroll in course 111B. If students fail to meet these requirements, they may be dismissed from the major.

The honors program provides exceptional students with the opportunity for individual research culminating in an honors thesis. Requirements for admission include a 3.0 overall grade-point average (GPA) and a 3.2 GPA in the Life Sciences core curriculum. After completion of all requirements and with the recommendation of the faculty adviser, the undergraduate affairs committee confers departmental honors at graduation.