BS Cell Biology at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

The Cell Biology major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the cell, the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. To understand living organisms, the biologist must understand the cell. Hence, cell biology lies at the core of the biological sciences.

Faculty: College of Biological Sciences | Department: Molecular & Cellular Biology | Duration: 99 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 99 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, electives components. Required courses include PHY 007C General Physics and General Physics and General Physics OR; BIS 101 Genes & Gene Expression; BIS 101V Genes & Gene Expression; BIS 102V Structure & Function of Biomolecules; BIS 104 Cell Biology.

Career pathways

The major provides an excellent background for students wishing to enter postgraduate and professional programs in biological, health sciences or veterinary sciences; for students pursuing careers involving teaching or research in the biological sciences; for students interested in careers in the biotechnological or pharmaceutical industries; or for students interested in careers related to the administrative, legal, or commercial aspects of biomedical science.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Biological 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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