Introduction to the Major
Students in the Integrative Biology(link is external) (IB) major gain a broad and deep knowledge of the biological sciences as well as an excellent foundation in the biology of organisms, populations, and communities. Our research spans hierarchical levels from molecules to ecosystems, incorporating many diverse disciplines to unravel the complexity of biology.
If you are interested in medicine and related health sciences, ecology and environmental sciences, or whole-organism biology, including the study of genetic, cellular, and morphological processes in animals and plants, then this is the major for you.
Emphases in IB
Students majoring in Integrative Biology choose one of two emphases: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (Emphasis 1) or Integrative Human Biology (Emphasis 2).
The lower division requirements are the same for all IB students, regardless of the emphasis. The upper division requirements differ slightly for the two emphases, but all students take lecture and lab or field lab classes from IB’s three groups: Evolution and Genetics; Ecology, Behavior, and Biodiversity; Structure, Function, and Human Health.
Amplify Your Major
- Engage in undergraduate research(link is external) on a faculty-initiated project or your own research topic.
- Get teaching experience(link is external) in an IB course or as a DeCal facilitator.
- Expand your perspective through study abroad(link is external) while satisfying major requirements(link is external).
Jobs and Employers
- Analyst, Bank of America
- Biological Lab Aide, USDA
- Clinic Coordinator, Cal. Psychcare
- Clinical Research Coord., UCSF
- EMT, Lynch Ambulance
- Fellow, AmeriCorps
- Medical Fellow, E. Bay Ophthalmology
- Mental Health Counselor, Finch Youth
- Naturalist, Camp SEA Lab
- Research Assist., Stanford
- Research Associate, Genentech
- Teacher, Teach for America
- Veterinary Assist., VCA
- Visiting Nurse, Holistic Care
Graduate Programs
- Animal Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Ecology
- Education
- Evolution
- Genetics
- Law
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Nursing
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Veterinary Medicine
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, faculty, and staff. Visit ib.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
Staff advisors(link is external) are here to support you through remote and in-person appointments, plus drop-in advising options.
Junior and senior IB students also provide peer advising(link is external) on the content of specific classes, help you to develop plans, and answer general questions about being a student at Berkeley.
Faculty advisors(link is external) are also available by appointment to discuss courses, research, and the department as a whole.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
