The UC Davis College of Biological Sciences (CBS) is launching a major revision of its introductory biology curriculum, known as the BIO123 Series, beginning this academic year. This initiative modernizes the long-standing BIS2A/B/C sequence, which was introduced in 2008 and has grown to serve over 9,000 students annually. Offering introductory biology comprises over 30% of CBS’s total student credit hours.

The BIO123 Series initiative was developed over five years through a collaborative effort involving the Faculty Executive Committee, the Dean’s Office, planning and implementation committees including representatives from the other undergraduate colleges, and a Community of Practice forum. It will better support the academic and professional goals of each student by enhancing the quality, coherence, and accessibility of introductory biology.

Key objectives of BIO123 include:

• Improving student mastery of key concepts, reducing course repetition rates and strengthening preparation for advanced coursework.
• Reinforcing key concepts with small group activities in discussion sections.
• Enhanced emphasis on learning the process of science through new lab courses, including a molecular biology lab.
• Exposing students to the concepts, techniques and approaches required in modern STEM field careers.
• Improving integration and consistency across the sequence.
• Facilitating articulation with other institutions.

Updates to the Curriculum

The new curriculum consists of three courses to be taken in sequence, each with required small-group discussions. The courses cover the fundamentals of ecology, evolution, and heredity (BIO1); the molecular basis of life, cellular biology, and metabolism (BIO2); and how organisms cope with the challenges of life, drawing on case studies and examples across the Tree of Life (BIO3). Two of these courses will have associated lab courses BIO1L and BIO2L, with increased focus on inquiry-based approaches, data analysis, multi-week projects, and a new molecular biology lab (BIO2L). The full series will be offered this year alongside the BIS2 series to support continuing students, making this a transitional year. The details of course content can be found on the BIO123 Series website.

An Overhaul for the “Common Good”

At the heart of the BIO123 Series is a “common good” philosophy, recognizing its role as a foundational service series for a wide range of majors and post-baccalaureate paths across all four colleges. Faculty Director Jay Stachowicz is leading the initiative, coordinating instruction, managing assessment, and convening a faculty advisory board representing campus-wide interests.

CBS currently invests about $2.8 million annually in the BIS2 Series, and this funding will continue for the BIO123 Series. Additionally, over $800,000 has been invested in planning, development, and lab equipment through Ravi and Kamal Khaira's generous Khaira Family Dean's Support Fund. The provost has committed a further $1.5 million to support the dual offering of the BIS2 and BIO123 series this year and to upgrade the Esau Science Hall media kitchen for BIO2L.

A Collective Thank You

I extend heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this effort, including recent FEC Chairs Karen Zito and Kassie Ori-McKenney, the Community of Practice forum led by Mark Simon, and the nearly 30 faculty who helped design and are now launching the new courses. Special thanks to department chairs, vice chairs, CAOs, Ebony McClain, and the Biology Academic Success Center for advising and managing the transition. I also deeply appreciate the Dean’s Office staff members who provided significant support for this process. Most importantly, I recognize the essential leadership of Michele Igo and Jay Stachowicz, without whom this transformation would not have been possible.

We will celebrate this milestone later in the year. For now, I thank and congratulate everyone involved in bringing the BIO123 Series to life.