What do I do if I want to major in Biology?

You should declare your major and start taking biology courses as soon as possible. Biology majors who postpone taking biology courses until they are upperclassmen may find themselves enrolled exclusively in science courses with laboratory components. They may have to attend lab four times a week, and can still have trouble graduating on time. It is far better to start your biology courses as a freshman, and spread them out over four years, than to cram them into the last two. Do not try to complete your core classes (Areas A-F) to, "Get them out of the way." Having no remaining core classes means you will have to take three or four science classes simultaneously to be considered a full-time student.

What courses should I take first?

Biology majors should try to take BIOL 1107 (Principles of Biology I) and BIOL 1108 (Principles of Biology II), as well as CHEM 1211/1211L, during their first academic year. Medical pre-professional students should additionally try to take CHEM 1212/1212L during their first year. Students unable to complete these courses during their first year should consult with their advisors to develop a strategy to prevent being overwhelmed with lab-based science courses later.

Do I have to declare a minor?

Biology majors do not need to declare a minor, but you are free to pursue any minor that you wish. We require a year of physics (with lab) and two years of chemistry (with lab), totaling 24 units, more coursework than most minors require. Some students choose to obtain a minor in chemistry, as only two additional classes (analytical chemistry and an upper-division chemistry elective) are needed in addition to the four we require.

What if I start my biology courses as a freshman and decide later I don’t want to major in biology?

No problem, you can change your major easily. You can even use your freshman biology courses in Area D of the Core Curriculum. The bottom line is: Declare your major now, and start taking biology courses as soon as possible. You can always change your mind later. There is no advantage to being "open option."

Also see the FAQ's posted by the Academic Advisement Center related to general aspects of advising.