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New Students

Welcome to the College of Biological Sciences!

We are excited to have you join our college and want to make every effort to facilitate your transition to the university and to ensure your success as a student. As a UC Davis student, you'll have many opportunities to enrich your academic career.

The Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) is your one-stop-shop for all of your advising needs during your time as a CBS student. Make sure to stay connected with the BASC throughout your Aggie Orientation Experience, check back regularly for updates, and be on the look out for updates and communication from CBS.

How to Get Started:
  • Step 1: Complete Aggie 101
  • All incoming freshmen and transfer students must complete Aggie 101. Refer to your MyAdmissions checklist and follow the instructions on how to complete this online program designed to introduce you to key resources and provide you with information needed to be successful at UC Davis.
  • Step 2: Complete Your Aggie Advising Canvas Course
  • Your Aggie Advising Canvas course will include all you need to know to successfully register for your first quarter including course placement, course planning, building a schedule, how to register, and more! 
    First-Year Aggie Advising Canvas Course
    Transfer Aggie Advising Canvas Course
  • Step 3: Schedule and Aggie Advising Appointment (optional)
  • Have more questions or concerns related to your first quarter preparation that isn’t addressed in your Aggie Advising Canvas course? Please schedule an Aggie Advising appointment with a BASC advisor.
    - First-year student appointments begin on June 9 and Transfer student appointment begin on July 14.
    - Incoming students may begin booking their appointments up to three weeks in advance. 
    - Aggie Advising appointments are limited to 1 appointment per student.
    How to Schedule Your Aggie Advising Appointment
  • Step 4: Take Placement Exams for Your Major/College Requirements
  • Complete the math and chemistry placement exams in order to enroll in the appropriate math and/or chemistry course.  
    If you have not satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR), take the UC Davis Writing Placement Survey at least two weeks prior to class registration.
  • Step 5: Register for Classes

  • Register for your first quarter during your assigned Pass 1 time. Registration support will be available should you need assistance! Additional instructions to connect with the BASC Advising team during your Pass 1 time will be sent out approximately 1 week before your assigned Pass 1 time. Please refer to the registration section in your Aggie Advising Canvas course for additional registration details.

     

    First Year CBS Student Pass I: August 7
    Group 1: 8:00 a.m. – Midnight
    Group 2: 10:00 a.m. – Midnight

    Transfer CBS Student Pass I: 
    Group 1: 8:00 a.m. – Midnight - August 13
    Group 2: 8:00 a.m. – Midnight - August 14 

  • Step 6: Attend Aggie Orientation Events

  • Get excited about being an Aggie! Read more about Aggie Orientation here. This 2 1/2-day program is your opportunity to start building community networks of support, find resources, and begin your life on campus.

    If you have questions concerning your orientation, please visit the Orientation website for more information. For Parent & Family Orientation details, please visit this website.

Information for New Students

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Academic Planning Videos

BASC Advisors have compiled a series of short videos that guide you through registration, general education, and how to put together your first quarter schedule.
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FAQs for CBS Students

Here you will find a list of the most commonly asked questions about curriculum, academic performance and planning, courses and grading related to students in the College of Biological Sciences specifically. 
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FAQs for UC Davis Students

Here you will find a curated list of questions related to all aspects of student life, academic performance, health and wellbeing and the campus community that are applicable to all UC Davis students. 
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CBS Student Mandatory Advising

Mandatory advising gives students the opportunity to learn about academic expectations, degree requirements, supportive resources, and how to build an academic plan. 
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New Student Health Requirements

Learn more about the medical and health requirements all new students must comply with when enrolling at UC Davis.

Experiential Learning and Student Life Opportunities

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First-Year Seminars

These 1- or 2-unit seminars bring new students face-to-face with instructors and peers in small classes where conversation is key and are intended to fit into your busy schedule. 
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CBS Student Opportunity Bulletin

Announcements and recruitment invitations for biological science internships and research opportunities will be posted to this page as they arise. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly.
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Student-to-Student Peer Blog

Written by CBS students for CBS students, the blog shares advice about pursuing a degree in the biological sciences at UC Davis. New posts are added each quarter and cover a wide range of topics.