IB combines a diversity of disciplines to unravel the complexity of biology.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrative Biology in the College of Letters & Science offers students a broad and deep knowledge in the biological sciences as well as an excellent foundation in the biology of organisms, populations, and communities. IB brings together a diversity of disciplines to unravel the complexity of biology. We work with animals, plants and other organisms and our research spans the levels of the biological hierarchy from molecules to ecosystems. If you are interested in medicine and related health sciences, ecology and environmental sciences, or whole-organism biology, then IB is the major for you.
Highlights
- Engage in biodiversity research through the Berkeley Natural History Museums and IB’s field lab classes.
- Help other students as an IB Peer Advisor or DeCal facilitator.
- Explore topics like anatomy and physiology through an evolutionary lens.
Curriculum
All IB students complete the same lower division major requirements including math, general chemistry, general biology, and physics. Upon declaring the major, IB students choose an emphasis in either 1) Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology or 2) Integrative Human Biology. Upper division requirements ensure that 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. These courses provide students the tools and techniques required to conduct multidisciplinary work in organismal biology, along with experience in and methodologies for the study of both living and extinct organisms. Students pursuing Emphasis 1 take more courses in organismal diversity and field biology. Students pursuing Emphasis 2 take more courses in anatomy, physiology, and structures.
Learn more at ib.berkeley.edu/undergrad/
Research Opportunities
Many IB students engage in undergraduate research—most through collaborations with graduate students and faculty. You can pursue research to learn how to solve problems and to put into practice what you are learning in your courses. Students can start research any time they wish, as long as they have a lab to work in. We recommend taking on research in your second or third year (or second semester for transfer students).
Declaring the Major
First-year students who are accepted to UC Berkeley are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the Integrative Biology major, you must be enrolled in or have completed either INTEGBI 77A or 77B; have a major GPA of 2.000 or higher (includes all lower- and upper-division IB requirements); and have an upper division major GPA of 2.000 or higher (only upper division IB requirements).
Transfer students who are accepted to UC Berkeley and have selected IB on their undergraduate admissions application will be admitted directly into the major (no declaration required). It is recommended for transfer students to meet with an IB Staff Advisor.
A degree in Integrative Biology prepares students for careers and graduate programs in fields such as animal behavior, bioinspired design, biotechnology, ecology, environmental education, museums, paleontology, resource management, science journalism, zoology, and more. IB also provides superb training for students interested in health-related professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, etc.), as well as careers incorporating biology (psychology, forestry, wildlife conservation, environmental and resource management, law, etc.).
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Integrative Biology. The College of Letters & Science offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career counseling, health professional school and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Behavioral Therapist
- Biology Professor
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Data Analyst
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Environmental Biologist and Consultant
- Journalist
- Medical Doctor
- Museum Scientist and Curator
- Naturalist
- Optometrist
- Physician Assistant
- Research Associate
- Teacher
- Veterinarian
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Biotechnology
- Business
- Dentistry
- Education
- Integrative Biology
- Medicine
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Optometry
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoology
Brandon, class of 2018
Brandon Weiss (BA, Integrative Biology) has built a life full of joyful community and enduring connections—from meeting his fiancé at UC Berkeley to thriving in a career as a veterinarian.
“The Pre-Vet Club at Berkeley was instrumental in shaping my experience and encouraging me to pursue veterinary medicine….I discovered some really fantastic opportunities that solidified my love for the field and made some amazing friends along the way (who I still keep in touch with to this day)! UC Berkeley as a whole provided me with a wealth of experiences that shaped me into the person, friend, and professional I am today.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and general requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the IB major; check out sample program plans and major emphases. Declare the major if you’re set on IB.
- Begin lower division requirements including INTEGBI 77; consider enrolling in INTEGBI 96 Studying the Biological Sciences.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, Berkeley Changemaker, or DeCal course.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student group.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Get academic help from the Student Learning Center.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Find support and community with the Biology Scholars Program, EOP STEM, and Cal NERDS.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Start using Handshake to connect with career events and opportunities.
- Learn about medical and health professional schools, and meet with a Health Careers Counselor if pre-health.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Look into study abroad; see guidelines and options in Biology abroad.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend department events like the IB Seminar Series or IB research mixers.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and IB websites; apply to URAP, Bakar Ignite Scholars, or work-study to work on a faculty research project.
- Look into the UHS Health Worker Program, Cal Sports Medicine, and other health opportunities.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or BASIS.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing, informational interviews, and professional certifications for training hours.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields; look into the HMAP Health Service or Field Study Internship.
- Browse graduate school resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Goldwater Scholarship, MARC, and UC LEADS.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor; continue choosing upper division courses that match your interests.
- Spend a term off-campus with field courses at Gump Station in French Polynesia, UCDC, or study abroad.
- Consider applying to the IB Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
- Meet with advisors to finalize plans for any double majors or minors.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as an IB Peer Advisor.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Get involved with Science at Cal, the Lawrence Hall of Science, or Berkeley Natural History Museums.
- Address real-world problems in the Fung Fellowship or Big Ideas Contest.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Join a professional association and attend a scientific conference.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Connect with IB alumni and alumni groups and events.
- Prepare for any post-graduate program entrance exams and requirements.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Improve your writing skills with an Art of Writing seminar.
- Enroll in INTEGBI H196A + B if doing the honors program; join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by facilitating your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your work to Cell Mates, Berkeley Medical Journal, or Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Volunteer at the IB table at Cal Day.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like INTEGBI 114 or 131.
- Engage in mentored research through the Amgen Scholars Program, National Science Foundation, or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Learn about health science with the UCSF Summer Research Training Program, Summer Student Research Program, or Undergraduate Research Internship.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Global Public Health and Clinical and Counseling Psychology.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
- Conduct research and explore graduate school through IB.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal, L&S New Transfer Student Guide, and our transfer mentor seminar.
- See info for transfer students; meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Complete lower division requirements (if needed); begin upper division requirements for your major emphasis.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Declare the major if you were not admitted directly to IB.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student group.
- Connect with the Transfer Student Center or Re-entry Student Program.
- Get academic help from the Student Learning Center.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Find support and community with the Biology Scholars Program, EOP STEM, and Cal NERDS.
- Look into the UHS Health Worker Program, Cal Sports Medicine, and other health opportunities.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement; meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Explore career paths for the major; speak with faculty and advisors about post-graduate options.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Learn about medical and health professional schools, and meet with a Health Careers Counselor if pre-health.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Focus on upper division coursework for your major emphasis.
- Look into study abroad; see guidelines and options in Biology abroad.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
- Consider applying to the IB Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend department events like the IB Seminar Series or IB research mixers.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and IB websites; apply to URAP, or Bakar Ignite Scholars, or work-study to work on a faculty research project.
- Get involved with Science at Cal, the Lawrence Hall of Science, or Berkeley Natural History Museums.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing, informational interviews, and professional certifications for training hours.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields; look into the HMAP Field Study or Health Service Internship.
- Browse graduate school resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Goldwater Scholarship, MARC, and UC LEADS.
- Prepare for any post-graduate program entrance exams and requirements.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue with upper division requirements.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Improve your writing skills with an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus with field courses at Gump Station in French Polynesia, through UCDC, or study abroad.
- Enroll in INTEGBI H196A if doing the honors program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as an IB Peer Advisor, IB Transfer Mentor, or Transfer Peer Advocate.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or BASIS.
- Address real-world problems in the Fung Fellowship or Big Ideas Contest.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association and attend a scientific conference.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Enroll in INTEGBI H196B if doing the honors program; join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by facilitating your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to Cell Mates, Berkeley Medical Journal, or Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Volunteer at the IB table at Golden Bear Welcome.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Connect with IB alumni and alumni groups and events.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like INTEGBI 114 or 131.
- Engage in mentored research through the Amgen Scholars Program, National Science Foundation, or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Learn about health science with the UCSF Summer Research Training Program, Summer Student Research Program, or Undergraduate Research Internship.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Global Public Health and Clinical and Counseling Psychology.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
- Conduct research and explore graduate school through IB.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Integrative Biology or the College of Letters & Science?
The Undergraduate Student Services Office in L&S Biological Sciences offers undergraduate advising for students in the Integrative Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Neuroscience majors. Staff Advisors are the main resource for intended and declared students, and offer drop-in and appointment advising. Peer Advisors are available to discuss the content of specific classes, help you develop plans, and answer general questions about being a student at UC Berkeley. Faculty Advisors work with you during the major declaration process, and can answer questions about coursework requirements, graduate school, and careers. For advising contacts, visit ib.berkeley.edu/undergrad/ or email ibusso@berkeley.edu.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
Related Programs
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