Prerequisites
Having been accepted for graduate study, students commence their preparation for candidacy for either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Students remove deficiencies in their undergraduate training typically during their first and/or second quarter and begin their advanced graduate course work. Proficiency in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry will be determined by a knowledge profile exam shortly after arrival at Davis. The results of this exam will be used to determine whether additional background courses in these areas should be taken. The following is a list of course requirements normally completed as an undergraduate:
Mathematics:
Differential and integral calculus; 12 quarter units
Physics:
General physics (lecture & laboratory); 12 quarter units
Chemistry:
General chemistry including quantitative analysis; 15 quarter units Organic chemistry (elementary & advanced, lecture & laboratory); 15 quarter units Physical chemistry; 9 quarter units
Biology:
General biology including biochemistry, cell biology and genetics; 15 quarter units
Graduate work normally begins with an advanced biochemistry and molecular biology lecture and laboratory rotation course.
Additional courses may include work in biochemistry and molecular biology, biological sciences, and chemistry. However, in every case, a well-defined plan is formulated by the student with the aid of his/her graduate and thesis advisers. The course program is designed to give students a broad knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology and to prepare them for research.