Become a More Competitive Applicant Today
UC Berkeley Extension offers numerous science and math prerequisite courses that you can complete fully online from anywhere in the world. Select the courses that you need to fill the gaps in your transcript, raise your GPA and become a qualified, competitive applicant to graduate school or the health professions program of your dreams. Or, choose a course to advance in your current career. Or simply learn more about a subject you enjoy. You do not need to be registered for a specific certificate or program—simply enroll in a course and you're on your way.
Start at any time
No waiting necessary: Start the course when you enroll. You have between 90 and 180 days to complete the coursework.
Begin your educational journey!
Biology of Aging
Aging is a process that has always intrigued humans, yet its causes and mechanisms have remained elusive. Medical advances within the last 150 years have dramatically increased human life expectancy, necessitating a better understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of the aging process to alleviate problems associated with longer life spans. In this course, you learn about modern aging research and explore various theories of aging. You examine the events that contribute to the aging process at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Using this detailed understanding of aging, you also explore anti-aging interventions and means to increase life spans.
The Biology of Human Cancer
Learn cancer biology fundamentals, including cell proliferation, cell death, the process of metastasis and tumor progression, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and cancer therapeutics. Explore scientific and clinical research on cancer through readings and presentations.
Cell Biology
Understand cell biology from a molecular perspective. Learn how to study cells, and investigate current knowledge of cell membranes, organelles, cytoskeletons, cell growth and division, cell communication, and the mechanism underlying cellular events.
Concepts of Physics
Gain an understanding of the principles of physics in the context of how everyday objects work. Intended for students majoring in the humanities and social sciences, as well as anyone with an interest in the subject, this course covers forces and motion, conservation laws, heat, fluids, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, and sound and light. Study the concepts of physics with a minimum of mathematics.
Current Topics in the Biosciences
Learn about recent scientific advances and emerging technologies in molecular and cell biology, neurobiology, genomics, immunology and infectious disease. Read current scientific literature, and learn how to analyze experimental data and critically evaluate the impact of research findings. Participate in classroom discussions and student presentations to enhance your ability to discuss some of the exciting scientific advances being published today. This course is intended for advanced science students with some previous knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. Industry professionals and health professions students can also benefit from this course.
General Human Anatomy
Examine the correlations between the structures and functions of the body's various systems in this intensive introductory course. Explore the functional anatomy of the human body through gross and microscopic examination. Topics include the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous and musculoskeletal systems, with an introduction to biomechanical principles. Investigate disease pathologies affecting normal body function. The course is especially useful as an introduction to human anatomy for students interested in the medical profession.
Exercise Physiology
Learn the general principles of exercise physiology and develop the ability to apply this knowledge in real-world settings. Explore the foundations of exercise and the importance of nutrition, environment and the impact of exercise training on performance and health with emphasis on the roles of the body systems. Examine current topics in the field of exercise physiology by reviewing research studies and their clinical relevance through lectures, case studies and required readings.
Genetics
Learn to integrate the most important concepts in classical and molecular genetics into an overall picture of what a gene is, how it functions, how it may be altered and how it is inherited. Study the molecular basis of gene function and mutation, Mendelian genetics, transmission systems, regulation of cellular processes, developmental genetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, population genetics and multifactorial inheritance. Learn about recent advances in biotechnology that have genetic implications, including the Human Genome Project and advances in genetic engineering technology.
Hematology
Study fundamental concepts of hematology–primarily human–including blood-forming organs and the origin and function of blood cells and plasma. You also examine the theoretical and clinical aspects of normal and pathological conditions of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, coagulation and blood group systems.
Immunology
The immune system plays the crucial role of battling infection and cancer in the body. As a defense system, it must recognize and distinguish between what is foreign and what is self. Examine the basic principles of immunology, and study the tissues and cells that make up the immune system. Understand the structure and function of immunoglobulins, and investigate the nature of their interactions with antigens. Learn to discuss biotherapeutics, cancer and AIDS from an informed standpoint.
Introduction to Chemistry
This nonlab course introduces you to basic principles in chemistry and demonstrates the role chemistry plays in various aspects of everyday lives.
Introduction to Human Physiology
Understand the complexities of the cells, tissues, and major organs and systems of the human body. Study a different system each week, concentrating on basic mechanisms underlying human life processes and important diseases affecting normal human function.
Introductory Biochemistry
Get an introduction to some of the basic chemical, physical and biological processes responsible for the survival and growth of humans and other complex life forms, bacteria and viruses. Explore the basic chemistry and overall structure of the most important biological macromolecules, including the study of enzyme catalysis; cellular architecture; intermediary metabolism; and special processes such as photosynthesis, biological oxidation and energy production. You also study the various ways that biological systems react to their environment. Learn to apply module topics to aspects of exercise, nutrition or inborn errors of metabolism that people have likely already been exposed to in their day-to-day lives.
Introductory Biology With Lab, Part A
How do cells convert nutrients into usable energy? What is the relationship among genes, chromosomes and DNA? Learn the answers to these and other questions while building a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of molecular and cell biology, including cell structure and function, metabolism and genetics, as well as animal development, form and function. Put theory into practice with "home wet lab" and virtual experiments, and explore the relation between biological issues and current topics in experimental research, biotechnology and medicine.
Introductory Organic Chemistry
Examine the compounds that comprise most living mass in this nonlab course. Following an introduction to covalent bonding and isomerism, you move into a detailed discussion of the molecular structures and properties of various classes of organic and other biologically important compounds.
Medical Microbiology
Gain familiarity with important microbial pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. You then study their biological characteristics, epidemiology, mechanisms and routes of transmission, pathogenesis and immunity, host response, control and prevention. This course is associated with Microbiology Laboratory MCELLBI X136. The lecture may be taken without the laboratory.
Neuroscience
Get an overview of the fundamental principles of the organization, function and development of the human nervous system, including neural development and diseases. Examine experimental approaches from anatomy to molecular biology, and critically evaluate papers from the primary scientific literature. This course is a foundation for advanced study in the neurosciences.
Pathophysiology
Learn the mechanisms of pathogenesis at the molecular, cellular, organ and system level in practical contexts, participating in discussions using real-life cases relating pathophysiological mechanisms to a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. Gain a deeper understanding of the pathology of organ systems, including endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal disorders. Use learning activities to explore many aspects of general pathology including cellular responses to injury, tissue repair, neoplasia and immunologically mediated diseases.
Pharmacology
Learn the general principles of pharmacology and mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level. Study the different drug classes and their effects on the various systems of the human body. Explore current topics of pharmacogenomics and gene/protein therapy, as well as the regulatory (FDA) and industrial aspects of pharmacological science. This course is designed for those interested in becoming health care professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing and pharmacy, as well as those interested in basic scientific research and biotechnology.
Principles and Techniques of Molecular Cell Biology
Gain a detailed understanding of genes from a perspective of structure and function. You learn details of nucleic acid structure, mechanisms of replication, repair, recombination and gene expression; you also examine the importance of nucleic acid/protein interactions in the context of these various mechanisms. Throughout the course, you get an introduction to a wide range of molecular biology methods that are currently in use in both academic and industrial research laboratories. This course can serve as an excellent foundation for other advanced biological science courses such as cancer biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, hematology and developmental biology.
Need to refine your math skills? Check out our online math courses.
Not seeing a course that you need? E-mail extension-science-online@berkeley.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get an Inside Look Into the Online Learning Environment
How do I enroll?
You can enroll at any time. Simply visit the course page you're interested in and click on "Add to Cart." If you're new to UC Berkeley Extension, you'll need to create a student profile. Already have a profile? Simply log in with your student number and password. Once you're logged in, you'll be directed to the checkout where you will need to pay for the course. Instructions will follow on accessing your course in our online environment.
How long do I have to complete the course?
To make sure you get the most out of your course, you have a maximum of 180 days after you enroll. This allows you to participate in instructor-led interaction and get feedback between assignments. You complete one module at a time, turn in your assignment, receive feedback from your instructor, and then you're on to the next module. After all your work is submitted and graded, your final exam is released to a local proctoring site. Make sure you review your course syllabus, which will have further details specific to your course.
How do I take a proctored exam?
Most of our courses require you to take a proctored exam at the end of the coursework to receive credit. Select a proctor from our pre-approved list, which includes a multitude of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Alternatively, you can nominate a proctor for consideration.
Can I transfer credits to another school?
Many of our courses are accepted by other schools, but be sure to check with your desired school to ensure they accept these credits.
Featured Instructors
When you take a science course at UC Berkeley Extension, you learn from educators who bring their years of real-world experience to your online class. Here are just a few:
Monica Ranes-Goldberg
I love the flexibility of the online classroom. I have had students from just about every state and every continent, and I can stay connected when I am traveling. Most students who enroll need to complete requirements for graduate schools. It is very rewarding to help them achieve their goals.Monica Ranes-Goldberg, Ph.D., has been an Extension instructor for more than 20 years, teaching classroom and online biological sciences courses.
Weiwei Gu
I am glad to be part of this online teaching community. I am able to meet so many students from around the world, even though we live in different time zones. I feel greatly rewarded that my teaching effort has helped my students achieve their academic or career goals.Weiwei Gu, Ph.D., has held research positions at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UCSF. She is a reviewer for ACS journals Nano Letts and Analytic Chemistry. Gu now devotes her professional efforts to teaching.
Geoff Sargent
Teaching online allows me to teach to the world! I am constantly amazed at the high quality of the Biochemistry student discussions, which, in turn, feeds my enthusiasm to teach.R. Geoffrey Sargent, Ph.D., is a scientist at UCSF researching the genetic stability of human embryonic stem cells. He has worked in biotech for the past 10 years, most recently directing research programs at Ocata Therapeutics, a biotechnology company. Learn more about Geoff.
Kashif Ahmad
I thought that being an M.D. who taught pre-professional-level classes would be a great opportunity to do more critical thinking with my students online. It's flexible, and new technologies allow me to better interact with my students. I can send voice notes, a media comment—this is the future.Kashif Ahmad, M.B.B.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., is a medical doctor who has taught a variety of graduate and undergraduate life sciences courses, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and general biology, in both classroom and online formats. Learn more about Ahmad.
Fatemah Fazely
Online courses are well structured, the coursework is quite standardized, and they are available 24/7. Working with my students on a regular basis makes it possible for me to monitor their progress and help them get back on track quickly. It also allows me to be there for them as a mentor.Fatemeh Fazely, Ph.D., is a faculty member at Excelsior College, where she teaches biological sciences. She completed her postdoctoral studies at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School and University of California, Davis.
The University of California, Berkeley, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). UC Berkeley Extension–like all other UC Berkeley schools, colleges and departments–is accredited by WASC through the University.