Undergraduate FAQ

Prospective Scholar Questions 

• What if I have Advanced Placement credit? 
• Scholars are allowed to use scores of 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) exams for college credit. These courses may be comparable to lower division courses and therefore can be used to satisfy major requirements, university writing requirements, and the 180 minimum unit requirement to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. However, credit received from AP Exams cannot be used to satisfy UC Davis’ General Education requirements. 
   
  To see the courses or number of units corresponding to each exam or score, please refer to the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Credit table. 
• What if I have International Baccalaureate credit?  
• Higher Level exams presented with scores of 5, 6, or 7 receive 8 units of college credit and sometimes may be comparable to lower division courses. Scholars who complete and submit the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive a maximum of 30 quarter units. College credit will apply towards the minimum 180-unit requirement to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. To learn how many units can be received for an IB examination, please refer to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination Credit table. 
   
  While scholars generally will not earn university credit for college courses or Advanced Placement (AP) transfer credits that duplicate credit already earned through IB, there are a few exceptions. Additionally, courses for which IB credit has been granted cannot be used towards fulfilling the University’s General Education Requirements. 
• What if I am planning on attending a Community College or University before UC Davis, what classes can I take that will transfer to the major?
• Scholars are encouraged to complete as much of the preparatory coursework before transferring to UC Davis. To understand the pathway towards a successful transfer admission please review the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer website.  Scholars that are attending a California Community College are strongly encouraged to Visit the ASSIST website to identify which courses at your CCC that will meet your major requirements.
• What if I got a grade in a course at Community College that I would like to repeat at UC Davis?
• Any course that you received a C- or higher in cannot be repeated at UC Davis. While it is possible to repeat a course that you received a D-, D, or D+ in at UC Davis, there may be issues with illegal repeats (https://registrar.ucdavis.edu/records/grades/repeat-illegal). Please talk to your Staff Advisor about this to receive information about next steps. If it is a course, you received an F in, then you can retake that course here at UC Davis.
• What is an Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certificate? 
• An IGETC certificate fulfills your College General Education requirement and possibly the College English requirement as well. If you have questions concerning your IGETC or College requirements, please contact your California Community College representative if you are a prospective scholar. If you are a current UC Davis scholar, please contact the college advising team at caesadvising@ucdavis.edu  

Current Scholar Questions 

• How many units should I register for? 
• You should be registered for at least 12 units in order to be considered as a full time scholar and to meet minimum progress requirements (at least 12 units per quarter). You also need 12 units to receive financial aid. 
• What if I am at 10-11 units? What can I register for? 
• If you are at 10-11 units, then we recommend you register for additional courses such as a GE course, a non-major elective, or a first-year seminar in order to reach a minimum of 12 units for full time status.
• What is a Pass Time? 
• A Pass Time is an assigned date and time when you can enroll for your courses. 
• What if I miss my Pass Time? 
• Your Pass Time is four hours long from your assigned time noted on your Schedule Builder. If you happen to miss that registration window you can register during Open Hours. Open Registration is a time after hours and on weekends that allow scholars to edit their schedules and enroll in additional courses (given the unit cap). You can find out when open registration is by viewing the Registration Calendar.
• What are Upper-Division and Lower-Division courses?
• Lower-division courses are numbered 0-99 and are appropriate for Freshman and Sophomore scholars (Juniors and Seniors may take them as well if desired). Upper-division courses are numbered 100-199 and are more rigorous than lower-division courses. Upper-division courses are more appropriate for Junior and Senior scholars and should not be taken during a scholar’s Freshman year. Any course numbered 200 or above is for graduate and professional scholars and should not be taken. 
• How do I waitlist a course?
• During registration, you may find that some of your desired classes are full. If a class is full and closed, scholars can place themselves on a wait list using Schedule Builder and wait lists are established on a first-come, first-serve basis. During the academic terms, wait lists begin during Pass 1 registration appointments and end after the last day to add classes, the 12th day of instruction. The wait list process is run several times a day, moving scholars from the wait list into a course when seats are available, and pauses during the registration freeze. Scholars are notified via their UC Davis email address when they are moved from the wait list and are enrolled into a class. Be sure to check your schedule regularly if you wait-list a course. 
• Does being on the waitlist guarantee you a seat in the class?
• Being on the waitlist does not guarantee scholars a seat in the class. The likelihood of getting off a waitlist depends on many factors such as your number on the waitlist; number of actual seats available; graduation timeline; and the instructor's policy. It is very important that you enroll in at least 12 units during your Pass 1 registration window (if you add a course from the waitlist, you can still adjust your schedule at that time). If you are trying to add a course while being on the waitlist, make sure to attend the desired class from the first day of instruction.
• While registering Schedule Builder shows that I have not completed the prerequsite(s)? How shall I proceed? 
• If you believe you have completed the prerequisite course at a different institution, it is possible that your transfer courses have not been fully processed by the university on time for your registration. 
   
  If you completed the prerequisite at a California Community College, you can use Assist to check the articulation agreement. 
   
  If you completed the prerequisite at a non-California Community College, you'll need to provide the department with additional information on the course ( syllabus and/or detailed course description)  
   
  In any scenario, you will be able to submit a petition which will allow you to register in the course. Please make sure to follow-up with the instructor to make sure your petition is approved by the beginning of the quarter.
• How do I write a prerequisite(s) petition in Schedule Builder?
• If you have satisfied the prerequisites from a previous institution, include: 
  •             Name and number of course that satisfies the prerequisite (Example: BIS 002A)  
  •             Final grade (B) 
  •             Name of the college or university where you completed the class 
  •             Term in which you completed the course (Spring 2022)  
  •             Additional information you may have or any supporting documentation (a syllabus and/or digital copy of your transcript to upload) 
  Don’t forget to click REGISTER for the course after creating the petition! 
  By submitting a petition you will be allowed to register in the specific course. Please make sure to follow-up with the instructor to make sure your petition is approved by the beginning of the quarter. 
• Can I receive a PTA Number to register for a course?
• We always do our best to provide as many seats in department courses) as we can, and can sometimes increase the maximum capacity of courses with large waitlists (depending on classroom size and TA/instructor resources). If you are trying to get into a course that is currently full, the best option is to waitlist and also find a backup class in case you are not able to get in. Your instructor will keep you informed about any developments related to enrollment.  If expansion is not possible, your only way to get off of the waitlist is if enrolled scholars drop the course. 
   
  We will not provide PTA numbers during pass one registration and will only consider issuing PTAs to scholars beginning pass two registration, PTA requests come from the instructor directly to the advising team. 
• Can I take a course as Pass/No Pass?
• Scholars in the College of Agricultural Environmental Sciences may not take courses as Pass/No Pass (P/NP) if the coursework will be used for major requirements.
• Can I repeat a course more than once?
• You are allowed to repeat a course one time for credit in which you received a D+, D, D-, or F. If you wish to repeat a course for a second time you must submit a Petition for Multiple Repeat of a Course and meet with the College Advising Team.  If your petition is approved, you will be allowed to repeat the course another time. If you are unsure whether you should repeat a course for a second time, please consult with your major advisor.
• Can I enroll part-time at UC Davis?
• Part-Time status is available only to scholars who are unable to pursue their studies full-time due to extenuating circumstances, such as employment (30 hours or more worked per week), health conditions, accommodation for disability, or primary care responsibilities. Scholars must apply for part-time status with the Office of the University Registrar by the 10th day of instruction each quarter they wish to be part-time, please review this department website that also includes the application. 
• Can I take summer classes at a community college or another university over the summer and need to transfer the credit? How do I do that?
• It is highly recommended that you discuss your summer plans with your major and/or college advising team before your enrollment to ensure that coursework can be applied to your UC Davis degree. Once coursework is completed and your final grade is posted to your record, you can send your official transcripts to:
  Undergraduate Admissions 
  University of California, Davis 
  One Shields Avenue 
  Davis, CA 95616-8507

Major Related Questions

Plant Sciences 

• What is the difference between Plant Sciences and Plant Biology majors?
• The Plant Sciences major is designed for scholars who are interested in a scientific understanding of how plants grow and develop in managed agricultural ecosystems and how plant products are utilized for food, fiber and environmental enhancement. The Plant Biology major is designed to learn more about how plants function as organisms with the focus in cellular and molecular levels. 
• What are the entry requirements to change majors into Plant Sciences?
• In order to change into the Plant Sciences major, students need to be in good academic standing. Your next step is to attend Drop In Advising with the staff major advisor or schedule an advising appointment with a peer advisor to review your academic progress and create an academic plan. 
  You are also encouraged to enroll in PLS 003: Overview of the Plant Sciences Major course offered in winter quarter(s) only. This course will Introduce scholars to topics covered in the core courses and areas of specialization within the Plant Sciences major. Research and internship opportunities and potential career paths in plant breeding, crop management and ecology, horticulture, precision agriculture, crop quality and safety, ecosystem management and restoration, and related fields.
• I’m not sure what specialization I am interested in for the Plant Sciences Major, who can I talk to about my questions?
• You are encouraged to talk to your major advisor or your specialization faculty advisor. Specialization Advisors also present during PLS 003: Overview of Plant Sciences Major and will highlight each specialization’s coursework and learning objectives. 
• When should I declare my specialization option? How do I get my specialization option approved? 
• It encouraged to declare your specialization at the beginning of your junior year or earlier to ensure proper course planning and advising. You can speak with your specialization and major advisor to seek approval.  
• How can I find out more information about internship and/or research options?
• The Internship & Career Center, located in South Hall, has a great network of internship opportunities, including a job database Aggie Job Link. They also offer workshops on resume building, interviewing skills, finding internships, and much more. Be sure to also participate in the quarterly Internship and Career Fairs where many employers are looking for interns. Additionally, you can visit the Undergraduate Research Center for help with finding a research opportunity. It is recommended that you meet with a faculty member whose research interests you. Please see our list of faculty and their research area. Sometimes persistence is needed to receive a position, so be prepared to email a few faculty members and follow-up with them in person. 
• Can I receive research or internship credit toward my degree?
• Yes. All three of our majors require an internship or research component to complete your degree. Please review the internship page for more information about how to receive internship credit.  Please discuss your research goals and expectations with your faculty, they will partner with the advising team to issue research credit to you. 
• Can I “double dip” my major requirements (can one class required for my major count for two or more major requirements)?
• No. Coursework for major requirements can count once for your major, this includes preparatory, depth and restricted electives.  If you have any questions about your degree requirements please speak with your major or peer advisor. 
• I noticed that the PLS 100AL, 100BL and/or 100CL has a waitlist to get in the lab course. Can I take the lecture and lab in a different year? 
• Yes. You can take the lecture and lab in a different year. Please speak to your major advisor if you are unable to get into the course.
• Are there any other course substitutes available for the Plant Sciences Major?
• PLS 120 is an upper division plant sciences focus statistics course. For this requirement the faculty have agreed to accept STA 101 as a substitute of PLS 120. Please speak with your major advisor if you would like utilize STA 1001in place of PLS 120. 
• I am approaching the end of my degree and some of my major required classes have time conflicts, will I be able to graduate on time?
• If you have any challenges or concerns about your schedule, you must be proactive and speak with your major advisor about your concerns. 

International Agricultural Development

• What are the entry requirements to change majors into International Agricultural Development?
• The only entry requirement for the International Agricultural Development major is to be in good academic standing. Your next step is to attend Drop In Advising with the staff major advisor or schedule an advising appointment with a peer advisor to review your academic progress and create an academic plan. 
  You are also encouraged to enroll in IAD 010 and IAD 190 offered during Fall Quarters. IAD 010 is the prerequisite to IAD coursework. IAD covers theories, practices and institutions relating to agricultural development; the interaction of changing social, cultural and economic organization through successive stages of economic development; impact of new agricultural technology on underdeveloped region. IAD 190 has various topics and speakers from campus and industry representatives that connect the theories that scholars are learning about in their preparatory coursework like IAD 010 and demonstrate the practice and application in our current time. 
• When should I declare my specialization option? How do I get my specialization option approved? 
• It encouraged to declare your specialization at the beginning of your junior year or earlier to ensure proper course planning and advising. You can speak with your faculty and major advisor for more information.
• What are restricted electives, how can I get my restricted electives approved?
• Restricted electives are upper-division coursework that complement the scholar’s interest.  You are encouraged to compile the courses that you would like to take an email them to plsadvising@ucdavis.edu.  Your major and or faculty advisor will review your request.  You can also make an advising appointment with your major or faculty advisor to discuss course options and submit your request during the advising appointment.
• Can I “double dip” my major requirements (can one class required for my major count for two or more major requirements)?
• No. Coursework for major requirements can count once for your major, this includes preparatory, depth and restricted electives.  If you have any questions about your degree requirements please speak with your major or peer advisor. 
• I am approaching the end of my degree and some of my major required classes have time conflicts, will I be able to graduate on time?
• If you have any challenges or concerns about your schedule, you must be proactive and speak with your major advisor about your concerns. 

Biotechnology

• What are the entry requirements to change majors into Biotechnology?
• Since Biotechnology is a selective major, scholars must complete the requirements below to be eligible to switch.
  - Complete BIS 2A, 2B, and 2C with a 2.5 GPA
  - Complete MAT 16/17/19/21 A,B with a 2.5 GPA
  - Complete CHE 2A, 2B, and 2C with a 2.5 GPA
  - Be in good academic standing 
  
  Once you’re done with the required prep work, then you can meet with a peer advisor or advisor to create a graduation academic plan and go over the change of major form. 
• Can I “double dip” my major requirements (can one class required for my major count for two or more major requirements)?
• No. Coursework for major requirements can count once for your major, this includes preparatory, depth and restricted electives.  If you have any questions about your degree requirements please speak with your major or peer advisor.  
• When should I declare my specialization/emphasis option? How do I get my specialization option approved? 
• It encouraged to declare your specialization at the beginning of your junior year or earlier to ensure proper course planning and advising. You can speak with your faculty and major advisor for more information. 
• I am approaching the end of my degree and some of my major required classes have time conflicts, will I be able to graduate on time?
• If you have any challenges or concerns about your schedule, you must be proactive and speak with your major advisor about your concerns.