A prospective major must consult with the student and faculty advisers to obtain detailed information about the program and guidance in the development of an individual course of study.
At the time the major is declared, the student must submit a written statement (3-5 pages) of academic and long-term goals and the proposed list of courses satisfying the requirements for the major. The proposal is then reviewed by the student advisers who help identify an appropriate faculty adviser. Final approval of the proposed course of study rests with the faculty adviser.
It is important to declare early, preferably in early spring as soon as students have passed both Autumn and Winter Quarter core courses (HUMBIO 2A Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology, HUMBIO 2B Culture, Evolution, and Society, HUMBIO 3A Cell and Developmental Biology, HUMBIO 3B Behavior, Health, and Development). The University requires students to declare a major by the end of Spring Quarter of the sophomore year. Under special circumstances students may declare as late as Autumn Quarter of the junior year. Petitions to declare late require additional documentation and are less likely to be approved.
Students who plan to pursue graduate work should be aware of the admission requirements of the schools to which they intend to apply. Early planning is advisable to guarantee completion of major and graduate school requirements.
