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Melody Frien
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Academics

My student is considering switching their major from Microbiology to Bioinformatics, and this is the class schedule they’d need to take next quarter to stay on track: BIMM 100 (Molecular Biology), MATH 20B (Calculus II), MATH 18 (Linear Algebra), CSE 8A (Intro to Programming, planning to take it Pass/No Pass). For context, they’ve already taken MATH 10A–10B. Does this seem manageable?

Switching from Microbiology to Bioinformatics at UCSD is generally feasible for students already within the School of Biological Sciences. However, the specific course load for the upcoming quarter—BIMM 100, MATH 20B, MATH 18, and CSE 8A—presents a significant challenge that necessitates strong organizational skills.

Course Load Intensity

  • BIMM 100 (Molecular Biology): This upper-division course is demanding and requires a solid foundation in biochemistry and organic chemistry, as it is a core requirement for Bioinformatics.
  • MATH 20B (Calculus II) and MATH 18 (Linear Algebra): Both are rigorous courses that, when taken concurrently, can be particularly taxing alongside science and programming labs.
  • CSE 8A (Intro to Programming): Designed for beginners, taking this course Pass/No Pass may alleviate some pressure, but it is essential to verify if this aligns with major requirements, as many courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Critical Considerations
  • Ensure that all courses align with major requirements, especially regarding grading policies. Most core courses for Bioinformatics require a letter grade of C- or better.
  • Given that the student has completed MATH 10A–10B, taking MATH 20B is a necessary step to meet the prerequisites for the Bioinformatics major.
For further guidance, consider scheduling a meeting with a Biological Sciences Advisor to confirm that this course plan meets all necessary prerequisites and requirements.

Recent questions at UCSD

MichelleH 💙
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Housing

When will returning students know what type of dorm they got for next year?

Returning students at UC San Diego (UCSD) will receive their official room assignments, including specific bed spaces and roommate contact information, through the Housing Portal in late August 2026.

Key Dates

  • February 18 – February 26, 2026: Eligible students submit their Continuing Student Housing Application and contract.
  • April 9 – April 10, 2026: Students will receive a lottery date and time for Room Selection Sign-Up via email.
  • April 16 – April 30, 2026: During this period, students will participate in the self-selection process to choose their specific space and building.
  • Late August 2026: Official room assignments will be released on the Housing Portal.
Additional Information

For more details on the housing process, students can visit the HDH Undergrad Housing Room Selection page or check the Deadlines & Details page.

SDMOM2
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

How do we find information for the General Room Selection Webinar scheduled for February 11?

To find information regarding the General Room Selection Webinar scheduled for February 11, 2026, you can refer to the official channels provided by UCSD.

Webinar Details

  • Event Name: Home Away From Home, Again: Navigating Student Housing for Next Year.
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM PST (Note: A session from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM may also be available).
  • Topics Covered: Applying for campus housing, off-campus apartment hunting, housing contracts, and commuter resources.
Where to Register
  • Official Registration: Register directly through the Triton Family Web Series page by clicking the "Register Now" button under the February 11 event.
  • HDH Housing Portal: Additional information and updates can be found within the UCSD Housing Portal.
Important Notifications

Eligible students should check their @ucsd.edu email for notifications sent during the first week of February, which will include specific links for participation. The application window for those with a housing guarantee opens on February 18, 2026, and closes on February 26, 2026. For further assistance, you can contact the housing team at roomselection@ucsd.edu or housingcontracts@ucsd.edu.

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
International

Is study abroad tuition through uceap more expensive than just the normal academic year? Trying to figure out if they should be doing uceap or a third party program

When considering UCEAP for study abroad, it's important to evaluate how tuition compares to a typical academic year at UC San Diego.

Tuition Rates

As a UCEAP participant, you will pay UC tuition and fees, which means your residency status will affect your costs. Non-residents will incur supplemental tuition, similar to what they would pay during a regular academic year.

Cost Variability

  • Fall Semester: Generally more expensive than a single UCSD Fall quarter due to extended academic time and credits.
  • Spring Semester: Often less costly than attending both Winter and Spring quarters at UCSD.
  • Additional Fees: UCEAP programs may include extra costs such as insurance and administrative fees that are not part of the standard tuition.
  • Location Impact: The overall cost can vary significantly based on the destination, with some locations offering a lower cost of living than San Diego, potentially making UCEAP more affordable overall.
Comparing UCEAP and Third-Party Programs

When deciding between UCEAP and third-party programs, consider:

  • Financial Aid: UCEAP offers full aid, including UC-specific support, while third-party programs may have limited aid options.
  • Academic Credit: UCEAP provides UC credit that impacts your GPA, whereas third-party credits may require petitioning for major/minor use and do not affect your UC GPA.
For more detailed cost estimates, visit the UCEAP Program Search to explore specific programs and their associated costs.

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