This cluster is ideal for pre-med and pre-health careers, and intended majors in Neuroscience, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Integrative Biology.
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 T 1:00-2:00 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.
- This course meets Physical Science, L&S Breadth.
- Schedule: F 10:00-11:00 AM; Discussion W 8:00-11:00 AM
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 3:00-4:00 PM
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
MUSIC 26AC 001: Music in American Culture, 4 Units
- This course fulfills the American Cultures requirement and meets Arts & Literature, L&S Breadth.
- Schedule: TR 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM; R 2:00-3:00 PM
Full 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: 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.
MATH 51: 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: 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.
MUSIC 26AC: Music in American Culture, 4 Units
HYBRID FORMAT FOR FALL 2026
Lectures are online accessible through bCourses. Discussion sections are **in-person** and students should enroll in a discussion section they plan to attend in real time without a time conflict override. This course offers an introductory exploration of diverse musical cultures in the United States, examining how various ethnic groups have brought musical traditions with them and created new hybrid forms through ongoing processes of intercultural dialogue and exchange. Rather than providing an exhaustive survey of every musical culture in America, we will focus on several key voices, moments, and genres within this broader history. Throughout the semester, you will develop essential listening skills and learn fundamental musical concepts and terminology that will enhance your understanding of music both in this course and beyond. We will investigate the diverse ways people use music to express individual and collective identities, explore how communities incorporate musical practices into their lives, and examine music within broader historical, political, and economic contexts. Central to our discussions will be questions of identity and identification as established through music, particularly within the specific history of cultural contact and exchange that has shaped American musical landscapes. Our coverage will necessarily be selective and introductory in scope. Please note that this is not a history of American music but rather an examination of some key moments and elements in that history.
