Human cells and tissue

Human Biology

Spring 2022 Human Biology Lottery *now open*

The Human Biology major is currently only open to continuing students through a lottery that closes on April 25, 2022. Once closed, the next lottery will be run in Spring 2023.

A lottery for incoming transfer students will happen in Fall 2022. All incoming CBS transfer students will be eligible.

Selected Applicants

Approximately 250 students will be selected to enter the Human Biology Major and begin their coursework for the Fall 2022 quarter.

To be eligible:
  • You should have second year status with less than 135 units total and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in UC Davis coursework by Winter 2022.
  • You will need to have completed two of the following three series required for the major: BIS2, CHE (2 or 2H), MAT (17 or 21).

Enter the lottery

Human Biology

About the Major

The Human Biology major will provide students with a broad biological understanding of our species, from molecules, genes, and cells to tissues, organ systems and organism/environment interactions. The curriculum includes classes on the basic principles that help us understand normal human physiology, human health, and the molecular basis of disease. The Human Biology major will provide fundamental knowledge needed for a broad range of careers, including those in the areas of healthcare, biotechnology, public health, public policy, and education, and for advanced study in health-related disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • 1. Describe the human body at the level of molecules, cells, and systems, and apply this understanding to human function.
  • 2. Integrate knowledge of fundamental human physiology to explain homeostasis with respect to human health and well-being.
  • 3. Apply knowledge of cellular, molecular, genetic, evolutionary, and physiological mechanisms to describe the cause and consequence of human disease states.
  • 4. Integrate knowledge to predict the outcome of lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and medical interventions on human health across the lifespan.
  • 5. Demonstrate the ability to acquire an in-depth and advanced understanding of specific biological processes, for example, the neurobiology of brain disorders, cardiovascular physiology, or embryological development, as they apply to the human condition.
  • 6. Critically evaluate the scientific merits of widely disseminated information from the public domain as it applies to human health.
  • 7. Address scientific questions using quantitative approaches and critical reasoning, including developing hypotheses, analyzing data, and interpreting results.

Careers

Graduates with the B.S. degree in Human Biology may choose to pursue careers in health care, biotechnology and other biological science-related industries, education, public health, and public policy. Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced graduate degrees and advanced professional degrees, including those in medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, and optometry.