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2026/2027 Academic Year

“ You have chosen to help shape the future.” Hello, BioSci Anteaters! Welcome to the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences — and congratulations! You are part of a very select group of students admitted from more than 140,000 applicants to UC Irvine this year. Even more, you’ve chosen to pursue what we believe is the most important, exciting, and meaningful field of study: life itself. By doing so, you are helping shape the future of humanity and our planet. Our school’s guiding theme is MIND | BODY | WORLD. You will see these three words often across campus and in our communications. They reflect a simple truth: life is interconnected. A healthy mind depends on a healthy body, and both depend on a healthy world. Today’s global challenges — whether in health, climate, energy or food security — make bold advances in biology more urgent than ever. As you begin your studies, you are on the path to becoming an innovator who can make a real difference. In joining BioSci, you become part of the only stand-alone biology school in Orange County, recognized at the highest level of research activity (R1). Here, knowledge is created daily, and as an undergraduate, your intellect and energy help drive that mission. Embrace the challenge and take pride in the satisfaction of discovery and achievement. Finally, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities available through our school and across UC Irvine. I look forward to getting to know you in the months ahead. Sincerely,

Frank M. LaFerla, PhD Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean Distinguished Professor

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027

“Explore all the possibilities.” Greetings! It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences. As you settle in here, you will find we are a community of people passionate about biology’s leading role in solving life’s most compelling issues, from climate change to human health. Your education here will launch you on the path of your dreams and prepare you to help shape a better world for all who inhabit it. I encourage you to take advantage of all the resources UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences offers to help you succeed, such as academic counseling, peer tutoring, mentorships, networking and much more. We hope you explore the spectrum of possibilities open to you to achieve your full potential. Please also take time to play as well as work. Check out the array of activities across campus. Friendships, exercise and fun are essential to a healthy life; they refresh and recharge you for your studies. Remember, too, that the Dunlop BioSci Student Affairs Office is here to answer your questions and provide assistance. Best wishes as you begin your first year here and see you around Dunlop School! Yours truly,

Raju Metherate, PhD Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education UCIrvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027

STUDENT AFFAIRS IS HERE FOR YOU! Academic Advising Come to us for course planning, understanding requirements, and staying on track for graduation

Pre-Health Planning From premed requirements to our Postbacc Pre-Health Program, we’re here to support

BioSci Careers Learn what you can do with your Bio degree, then prepare to land the perfect role

Bio 199 Research Find and participate in research, including our Excellence in Research program

Facilitating Opportunity Whether you want scholarships, study abroad, tutoring, or student leadership, we can help

Navigating Challenges Stuck in a tough situation? We can refer you to the right UCI resources

Connect with us! Chat: Ask quick questions with a live academic advisor during business hours Email: For responses within 2-3 business days. Schedule appointments online when you need a longer conversation undergraduate.bio.uci.edu 5

MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SHAPE YOUR EDUCATION AND FUTURE

BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

DEVELOPMENTAL & CELL BIOLOGY

PHYSIOLOGY & EXERCISE SCIENCES

GENETICS

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027

As a UCI BioSci undergraduate, you study the science of life and the interconnection between mind, body and world health. As you learn more about the extraordinary ways biologists shape the future, you may become intrigued by a particular area and decide to choose it as a major. Students begin by majoring in Biological Sciences, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology or Biology/Education, after meeting course and GPA requirements, it’s possible to apply for these additional majors:

HUMAN BIOLOGY

MICROBIOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY

NEUROBIOLOGY

SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

For more info on BioSci majors and the Change of Major process, please see undergraduate.bio.uci.edu/student-affairs/policies/

AN ACADEMIC HAND FROM STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE As you hit the books in coming weeks, there’s a special resource to help if you have questions on a particular course or would like more explanation of a concept. UCI BioSci Peer Tutoring is designed to assist you in exactly this situation, and it’s free! The weekly sessions are led by upperclass students who have excelled in the subjects you are studying. They cover key points of individual classes, provide worksheets so you can practice that week’s material and hold review sessions before exams. It’s an atmosphere of camaraderie and encouragement. The program’s tutors say they love seeing students learn and succeed. One undergraduate who attended Peer Tutoring said, “It really helped me understand concepts I didn’t grasp at first. Because of it, I felt I did better on my midterm scores and quiz scores.” Another participant commented, “My tutor created a comfortable environment. I got more exposure and extra help on the material.” There’s no need to sign up in advance. You can go to just one session or all of them; prior attendance is not necessary. For more information, visit https:// sites.google.com/a/uci.edu/biotutor/

“ Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

“ You have to stay in school. You have to. You have to go to college. You have to get your degree... The one thing people can’t take away from you is your education. And it is worth the investment.” – Michelle Obama

GRAB A DONUT AND START BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK What do eating a donut, spending time with alumni and getting an insider’s insights into hot biology topics have in common? They are all ways you can jump start your future plans now by networking. Please check out the many opportunities to get to know School faculty and leadership, UCI BioSci grads and acclaimed biologists from around the world. Here are just a few we suggest:

• D ONUTS WITH THE DEAN: Meet up with BioSci Dean Frank LaFerla and life sciences professionals at this casual quarterly get-together. Enjoy lively conversation sweetened by your choice of powdered, glazed and more. Yum! • M ENTOR PROGRAM: Register to be matched with an alumnus or alumna, or another community professional, who works in the life sciences and shares your field of focus. You’ll benefit from expert advice and encouragement as you work toward your goals. • L ECTURES: Attend the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series. BioSci faculty and other acclaimed scientists will fill you in on the newest developments on pressing biological and medical topics. Ask questions and mingle afterwards. You’ll come away with greater insights and new professional links. • S TARBUCKS: Keep in mind BioSci’s Starbucks is a favorite networking venue. The café, located in Mitosis Plaza across from BioSci 3, seems to have a special way of energizing conversation and connections, and we don’t think it’s just the caffeine! For more info on getting involved with the BioSci community, explore undergraduate.bio.uci.edu/get-involved/

UNDERGRADUATE EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH PROGRAM

Participation in the Excellence in Research Program is among the highest academic achievements for UCI undergraduates. To successfully complete the program, participants must: • Enroll in Bio Sci 199 for 4 quarters. • Complete a scientific paper. • Present a research poster. For complete eligibility requirements, please visit: undergraduate.bio.uci.edu/undergraduate-excellence-in-research-program/

WHY PARTICIPATE?

• Mentorship from world-class faculty and scientists. • Publish your research in a scientific journal. • Distinguish your post-graduation applications and interviews. • Sharpen your critical thinking, writing and oral communication skills. • Participate in a research symposium. Those who successfully complete the program are awarded the “Excellence in Research” designation, and their papers are published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences. Through these opportunities, our students gain a depth of understanding and appreciation for research at the highest level.

MAXIMIZING ACCESS RESEARCH CAREERS PROGRAM (MARC) The MARC program at UC Irvine is is a two-year, NIH-supported undergraduate honors initiative designed to expand the number of biomedical scientists who go on to earn advanced degrees and contribute to health research. The program strengthens the skills and research training of students in the biomedical sciences to develop leaders in the scientific workforce. This program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a PhD degree or dual PhD degrees upon completion of their baccalaureate degree.

For more information, visit https://marc.bio.uci.edu/

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027

10 TIPS AS YOU START AT BIOSCI Read through this entire welcome

10. booklet.

Look for all the Peter the Anteater

9. statues and benches across campus. Learn more about your academic

8. advising resources at undergraduate.

bio.uci.edu/contact-us/student-affairsservices/”

7. Walk, run or bike the Mountains to the Sea Trail.

lan to attend one or more Dean’s P Distiguished Lecture Series talks. If you need some help with your studies,

5. take advantage of the Peer Academic

Support in Sciences (PASS), BioSci’s free tutoring

4. Introduce yourself to BioSci Dean

Frank LaFerla and savor a pastry at “Donuts with the Dean.”

Explore your options after graduation by browsing the BioSci Careers website or attending a Careers workshop

2. Take a nap in Aldrich Park.

Study hard, but don’t be all work and no play. Make friends, explore new activities, exercise, eat right and get enough sleep. A well-balanced life will make you even more successful!

SAMPLE PROGRAM – BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES FIRST YEAR Fall

Winter

Spring

BIO SCI 93

BIO SCI 94

MATH 5A

CHEM 1A

CHEM 1B

CHEM 1C- 1LC

BIO SCI 90L

GE or Writing

BIO SCI 2A

General Education

UCIrvine Charles Dunlop School of Biological Sciences Buildings Map

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027

SOPHOMORE Fall

Winter

Spring

BIO SCI 97

BIO SCI 98

BIO SCI 99

CHEM 51A

CHEM 51B- 51LB

CHEM 51C-51LC

CHEM 1LD

General Education

MATH 5B

General Education

@UCIBioSci

UCIrvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences

@UCIBioSci

@ucibiosci

@UCIBioSci

GET THE MOST OUT OF ACADEMIC ADVISING Dunlop academic advisor provide guidance and resources to help you make decisions that fit your needs. This is your college experience -- your choices, your goals, and your outcomes, and we’re here to help.

We all play a role. What’s yours? STUDENT • Take responsibility for your academic performance and experience. Your advisor is here to guide you as you make informed decisions for yourself. • Take initiative to seek help before a situation becomes a crisis and advocate for yourself responsibly. • Remember you are part of the larger UC Irvine community: be mindful of how your actions affect others. Be considerate of advisors, faculty, and classmates by being on time for appointments, preparing for classes, and respecting your peers. • Remember you are part of the larger UC Irvine community: be mindful of how your actions affect others. Be considerate of advisors, faculty, and classmates by being on time for appointments, preparing for classes, and respecting your peers. • Be an active participant in the advising experience: think carefully about your academic and career plans and share your interests and goals with your advisor.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR • Provide a supportive environment and build trusting relationships with students. • Ask meaningful questions and listen to students to understand their strengths, challenges, and goals. • Connect students with resources and opportunities to maximize their college experience and teach students skills to navigate the university. • Respond promptly to student concerns, and use advising resources and knowledge to address students’ needs.

FAMILY MEMBERS • Respond promptly to student concerns, and use advising resources and knowledge to address students’ needs. • If you see your student is struggling, encourage them to check in with an academic advisor. • Learn about campus resources and remind your student to use these resources and talk to academic advisors regularly. • Encourage your student to explore their interests, make meaningful connections, and find community.

Visit our website: https://undergraduate.bio.uci.edu 18

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

RESPECT

COURAGE

We value diverse perspectives and commit to civil discourse.

We strive to innovate, bravely take action, and learn from our mistakes.

JUSTICE

ACCOUNTABILITY

We embrace diversity, uphold equity, and actively promote inclusion.

SECURITY

We commit to maintaining a collegial environment where everyone f eels safe.

INTEGRITY

We do what is right, even when it is difficult or no one i s looking.

We hold ourselves and others responsible for our actions.

TEAMWORK

We work together and encourage collaboration.

EXCELLENCE

We set high standards and recognize both individual and collective achievement. 25

FIRST YEAR BIOSCI T-SHIRTS!

Come get yours on these dates and locations: Thursday, 9/24

Natural Sciences I, Room 1202, 12:00-2:00 pm

Tuesday, 9/29

Natural Sciences I, Room 1202, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Wednesday, 9/30

Natural Sciences I, Room 1202, 1:00-3:00 pm

UCIRVINE CHARLIE DUNLOP BIOSCI WELCOME 2026/2027