BS Biotechnology at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

Every living organism, from the smallest and most primitive bacteria to every plant, insect, animal or human being, contains DNA as the primary genetic material. DNA directs all cellular processes, creating the incredible variety and diversity of living organisms in the biosphere. Biotechnology focuses on the mechanics of life processes and their application.

Faculty: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences | Department: Plant Sciences | Duration: 113 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 113 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, electives components. Required courses include BIT 001Y Introduction to Biotechnology; CHE 128C Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry; MAT 021B Calculus and Calculus Physics; PHY 007A General Physics; PLS 120 Applied Statistics in Agricultural Sciences.

Career pathways

Each option has a strong laboratory component to reinforce theoretical concepts. Students also do an internship in an academic, government, commercial, or medical laboratory.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences; the catalogue entry gives no major-specific admission requirement beyond the major requirements below.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents, cohort first enrolled in 2026-27 (annual, quarter system); rate is the same for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus-based fees, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Source

First-year and transfer students enter in the fall term (quarter system); the UC application opens Aug. 1 and the filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year.

The UC application filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year, and a single application covers all UC campuses.

The UC application filing fee is $80 per campus for domestic applicants and $95 per campus for international applicants, payable by credit card or mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses.

Transfer applicants submit the UC application by Nov. 30; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) applications are due Sept. 1-30; the priority deadline for the Transfer Academic Update is Jan. 31.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions

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