Physical and Biological Sciences Division
Physical Sciences Building, 5th Floor
(831) 459-2931
https://science.ucsc.edu
The Division of Physical & Biological Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz invites you to join a vibrant community of curious minds and change-makers. Our academic programs span a wide range of disciplines designed to inspire and empower students. The intellectual rigor of these programs ensures that our graduates are well prepared for further studies in graduate and professional schools, as well as careers in research and development, healthcare and medicine, environmental and conservation careers, technology and engineering, education and outreach, public policy and consulting, industry and entrepreneurship, and specialized fields or emerging careers in AI, bioinformatics, or sustainability.
Our programs are deeply interdisciplinary, offering students unique opportunities to learn in and beyond the classroom through independent research, collaborative experiments, and hands-on fieldwork. Whether you're studying the intricacies of cells, exploring distant galaxies, investigating the forces of plate tectonics, developing innovative chemical compounds, or uncovering patterns in complex data, you'll gain the skills and experiences that prepare you to explore and discover the world and also to define and improve it.
We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student's perspective is valued. The diversity of personal experiences, cultures, and perspectives drives the innovation and creativity needed to meet the most pressing challenges at the cutting edge of scientific research and education. We aim to provide our students with degree-defining experiences and empower them to become impactful members of their community.
Our division encompasses the Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics; Chemistry & Biochemistry; Earth & Planetary Sciences; Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; Mathematics; Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology; Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology; Ocean Sciences; Physics; as well as interdisciplinary programs in Coastal Science & Policy, Environmental Science, Global & Community Health, Materials Science & Engineering, Science Communication, and Science Education. We also host world-renowned research centers, including UCSC’s Natural Reserve System, the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics, and the Institute of Marine Sciences, and have close relationships with UCSC's Genomics Institute, the University of California Observatories, and Lick Observatory.
To explore our program and learn more about how we can support you on your academic journey, please visit our website.