Discovering Our Dynamic Planet

This cluster is ideal for intended majors in Earth & Planetary Science.

Course Information

CHEM 1A 001: General Chemistry, 3 Units

  • This course may satisfy prerequisites for these majors: Neuroscience, Molecular & Cell Biology, Earth & Planetary Science, and Integrative Biology.
  • This course meets Physical Science, L&S Breadth.
  • Schedule: MWF 1:00-2:00 PM; Discussion R 5:00-6:00 PM

CHEM 1AL 001: General Chemistry Laboratory, 2 Units

  • This course may satisfy prerequisites for these majors: Neuroscience, Molecular & Cell Biology, Earth & Planetary Science, and Integrative Biology.
  • Schedule: F 10:00-11:00 AM; Discussion W 6:00-9:00 PM

EPS 50 001: The Planet Earth, 4 Units

  • This course may satisfy requirements for Earth & Planetary Science.
  • This course meets Physical Science, L&S Breadth.
  • Schedule: F 2:00-5:00 PM; Discussion M 3:00-6:00 PM

 

MATH 51 001: Calculus I, 4 Units

  • This course may satisfy requirements for these majors: Molecular & Cellular Biology, Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Earth & Planetary Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
  • This calculus series intended for STEM majors. It prepares students to continue on to more advanced mathematical study, including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, complex algebra, analysis, etc. The course provides an introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. To get a better idea of the course content, you can review the course outline and the archive of previous exams. Visit “Choosing Your First Math Course at UC Berkeley” for more information.
  • Schedule: TR 9:30-11:00 AM; Discussion MWF 9:00-10:00 AM

MATH 1 001: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics, 2 Units

  • This is a 2-unit course designed for students who are relatively prepared for calculus and do not need a full precalculus course, but would greatly benefit from targeted study of select foundational topics. It can be taken alongside other lower division math courses or prior to your first math course. The course covers algebraic operations, laws of exponents and logarithms, inequalities and absolute values, single-variable function properties, polynomials, power and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions, complex numbers, and functions of several variables. Visit “Choosing Your First Math Course at UC Berkeley” for more information.
  • Schedule: TR 3:30-5:00 PM

 

Course Descriptions

  • CHEM 1A 001: 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 001: General Chemistry Laboratory, 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.

  • EPS 50 001: The Planet Earth, 4 Units
    An introduction to the physical and chemical processes that have shaped the earth through time, with emphasis on the theory of plate tectonics. Laboratory work will involve the practical study of minerals, rocks, and geologic maps and exercises on geological processes.

  • MATH 51 001: Calculus I, 4 Units
    This course is intended for STEM majors. An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1A.

  • MATH 1 001: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics, 2 Units
    This course aims to bring students with varying Math backgrounds up-to-speed with the expectations of UC Berkeley’s lower division mathematics courses. This course will support comprehension of the fundamental concepts necessary to excel in Math 16A/16B, 1A/1B, 10A/10B, and beyond. You can take this prep course concurrently with or prior to your Calculus classes. The course curriculum covers algebraic operations, laws of exponents and logarithms, inequalities and absolute values, single-variable function properties, polynomials, power and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions, complex numbers, and functions of several variables.
Illustration of planet Earth from space, with North and South America visible and lit up