This is a year-long cluster. Participants will be enrolled in a full complement of courses that meet recommended first-year courses for medical school, as well as a hub course on the histories of race and immigration in public health debates, and a first-year writing course on writing for the biological sciences. Students will be enrolled in all courses for both semesters of their first year. Course descriptions for Spring 26 are also available below.
Course Descriptions (Fall 25)
Click on the courses below for more detail.
ETHSTD 12: Historical & Contemporary Issues in Ethnic Studies (4 Units)
Study of historical and contemporary issues in the field of Ethnic Studies, highlighting how the lived experiences of racial and ethnic groups in the past shape contemporary issues. Topics will vary from semester to semester, but may include topics such as pandemics, monuments, Black Lives Matter, social movements, immigration, and health disparities. Course topic will be posted to the online schedule of classes at the beginning of each term.
MATH 10A: Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics and Combinatorics (4 Units)
The sequence Math 10A, Math 10B is intended for majors in the life sciences. Introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, ordinary differential equations, and matrix algebra and systems of linear equations.
SOCIOL 1: Introduction to Sociology (4 Units)
Introduces students who are considering majoring in sociology to the basic topics, concepts, and principles of the study of society. This course is required for the major; 1 or any version of 3 is prerequisite for other sociology classes; students not considering a sociology major are directed to any version of 3 or 3AC.
Meeting Schedule (Fall 25)
- ETHSTD 12: F 2-5 PM
- MATH 10A: MWF 9-10 AM; Discussion T/Th 12:30-2 PM
- SOCIOL 1: MWF 10-11 AM; Discussion T/Th 11-12 PM and 2-3 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisite | Major Lower Division | L&S Breadth/General Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETHSTD 12 | N/A | Ethnic Studies* | Historical Studies |
| MATH 10A | Public Health* Cognitive Science* Psychology* Neuroscience* |
IB* MCB* Enviro Earth Sci* Marine Science* |
N/A |
| SOCIOL 1 | ISF* Legal Studies* Media Studies* Social Welfare* Public Health* Sociology Psychology* |
N/A | Social & Behavioral Sciences |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration
Course Descriptions (Spring 26)
Click on the courses below for more detail.
CHEM 1A: General Chemistry (3 Units)
Stoichiometry of chemical reactions, quantum mechanical description of atoms, the elements and periodic table, chemical bonding, real and ideal gases, thermochemistry, introduction to thermodynamics and equilibrium, acid-base and solubility equilibria, introduction to oxidation-reduction reactions, introduction to chemical kinetics.
CHEM 1AL: General Chemistry Lab (2 Units)
An experimental approach to chemical sciences with emphasis on developing fundamental, reproducible laboratory technique and a goal of understanding and achieving precision and accuracy in laboratory experiments. Proper use of laboratory equipment and standard wet chemical methods are practiced. Areas of investigations include chemical equilibria, spectroscopy, nanotechnology, green chemistry, and thermochemistry. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in 1A is required.
MATH 10B: Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics and Combinatorics (4 Units)
The sequence Math 10A, Math 10B is intended for majors in the life sciences. Elementary combinatorics and discrete and continuous probability theory. Representation of data, statistical models and testing. Sequences and applications of linear algebra.
COLWRIT R4B: Reading, Composition, and Research (4 Units)
A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process–a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.–are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.
