Core Components

Coursework

Bridge curriculum is designed to spark scholars' intellectual curiosity, stretch their academic horizon, and bolster their ability to succeed at Cal. Scholars will be placed in two academic courses, for a total of 6-8 units, which are carefully selected to advance their major and career interests.

Course Offerings

Scholars will be able to choose from courses offered in Science, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Arts & Humanities and Reading & Composition. All courses count toward UCB graduation requirements.

Course Placement

To help scholars solidify their academic foundation and close any gaps of knowledge, the Summer Bridge Course Placement Committee will identify and place scholars in two courses that will best position them for success in the Fall. Prior to placement, scholars will be asked to complete a survey,  which will help the committee determine the best course combination for them. 

In general, the Committee makes the determination based on the following factors:

  • Scholars' self-identified academic and career interests
  • Previous college-level coursework
  • Performance on selected AP and IB
  • Score on Analytical Writing Placement Exam

Textbook and Supplies

Textbooks and supplies are available for order from the campus bookstore or alternative sources. Scholars who are eligible for financial aid support may receive refunds from which the costs of texts and supplies may be paid.

Academic Expectations

Bridge scholars are expected to pass all courses with a grade of C or better (or Pass in Pass/Not Pass courses). Scholars are further expected to:

  • Attend all lectures, discussions, workshops, and scheduled tutoring sessions;
  • Come prepared to engage fully in lectures, discussions, workshops, and tutoring sessions;
  • Complete all reading, writing, and homework assignments on time, including any missed work; and
  • Maintain the utmost academic integrity in all coursework.

Grades

Each scholar's UC transcript and GPA will include the grades and credits earned during Bridge. Bridge scholars are encouraged to take all courses for a letter grade, except where only offered on a Pass/Not Pass (P/NP) basis. Scholars should consult with their course instructor and college advisor/counselor before changing a letter grade to P/NP. 

Course Offerings

Scholars will be placed in two of the following courses as determined by the Course Placement Committee (see above). Scholars are strongly encouraged to study the course offerings to make an informed decision about which courses, if eligible, they would like to take.

American Cultures

Geography N50AC (3 units)

California (American Cultures)

This course explores the geography of California and how the state's greatest resource is its wealth and diversity of people, who have made it a center of technological and cultural innovation from Hollywood to Silicon Valley.

Satisfies: American Cultures Requirement | Prequisites: None

Mathematics

Mathematics 32 (4 units)
Pre-Calculus

This course is designed to prepare scholars for success in university-level coursework in calculus. Scholars will be introduced to exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, complex numbers, binomial theorem, conics, and analytic geometry.

Satisfies: Prepares scholars for Mathematics 1A, 10A and 16A (all colleges); fulfills major requirement in CNR and also satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement (L&S) | Prerequisites: None.

Mathematics 96/98 (3 units)
College Algebra

This course is designed to introduce scholars to the fundamental concepts of precalculus within a university setting; emphasis is on math theory, rather than math computation. Scholars will learn to integrate algebraic concepts and to develop problem-solving strategies.

Satisfies: Prepares scholars for Mathematics 32 (which fulfills the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in L&S) | Prerequisites: None.

Science

Chemistry 32 (2 units)

Preparation for General Chemistry 

This 2-unit course provides students with the foundation and preparation for General Chemistry at UC Berkeley. Topics and concepts covered include elements, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, chemical calculations, properties of gases and gas laws;  thermodynamics, acid/base chemical equilibrium, and periodic trends. In addition, by practicing learning as a process, students will cultivate the habits, strategies, and mindset necessary to succeed in the sciences. Through rigorous practice and guided reflection, students will grow in their ability to master the subject matter and hone their disposition toward scientific learning.

SatisfiesThis course prepares scholars for Chemistry 1A and fulfills graduation requirements. Prerequisites: None.

Integrative Biology 11 (3 units)

California Natural History 

An introduction to the biomes, plants, and animals of California. The lectures will introduce natural history as the foundation of the sciences, with an overview of geology, paleontology, historical biology, botany, zoology, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. This course provides a foundation for advanced study in biology and field biology.

SatisfiesFulfills Biological Science, L&S Breadth. Prerequisites: None.

Social Science

Chicano 50 (3 units)

Introduction to Chicanx History

This course is an introduction to the Chicanx historical experiences in the United States. It will introduce you to the foundations forming the field of Chicano Studies, beginning with the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. We will explore current and historical issues affecting Chicanx people, including identity formation, race, gender, class, sexuality, colonization, globalization, and migration.

Satisfies: Humanities/Social Science breadth (CoE); Arts and Literature breadth (CED and L&S) | Prerequisites: None. Recommended for scholars who desire to develop their ability to communicate confidently and persuasively.

Psychology 6 (2 units)

Stress and Coping

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth analysis of the various areas within the field of psychology that address topics related to stress and coping. In particular, we will cover the biological, social, personality, cognitive, and clinical factors that play a role in the development of stress and subsequent coping techniques that can be used to deal with stress. The class will have a strong focus on the empirical findings relating to the subject.

Theater 5 (3 units)
Public Speaking 

This highly interactive class is devoted to the development of clear oral and physical communication skills that minimize anxiety, build confidence, and foster the skills necessary for clear, persuasive oral communication in professional settings. Students will begin by learning exercies to free their voices from physical tension and to develop breath support. They will develop clear articulation. They will explore numerous different communication/public speaking situations, develop techniques for organizing material for maximum impact, discover their communication gifts and challenges and seek to find a clear, confident, and authentic means of communication. Small class size will allow individual attention and offer participants ample opportunity to "rehearse" the techniques in a safe and nurtuting environment.

SatisfiesHumanities/Social Science breadth (CoE); Arts and Literature breadth (CED and L&S) |Prerequisites: None. Recommended for scholars who desire to develop their ability to communicate confidently and persuasively.

Academic Support

Scholars will be plugged into a comprehensive network of peer academic support via the Student Learning Center.  Moreover, they will have access to peer advising via campus partners such as the Athletics Study CenterDisabled Students ProgramEducational Opportunity ProgramGender and Equity Resource CenterHope Scholars ProgramUndocumented Student Program, etc.

Advising & Counseling

Advising and Counseling

Scholars have access to academic advising and counseling professionals who can help them explore and clarify their academic interests and develop plans of study appropriate for their goals and priorities.  

Academic Advising

Scholars can meet with advisors from their academic college to better understand graduation requirements, course planning, major selection, and research and internship opportunities.

Academic Counseling

Scholars can also schedule appointments with academic counselors to obtain strategies for navigating any affective, personal, and social issues affecting their academic wellbeing and transition to Cal. Contact the appropriate office below:

Psychological Counseling

Professional therapists from Counseling and Psychological Services offer short-term counseling for academic, career, and personal issues and also offers psychiatry services for circumstances when medication can help with counseling. Drop-in and by appointment services are available at two locations: 150 César Chávez Center and the Tang Center (2222 Bancroft Way).

Academic Accommodations

Scholars with specific learning needs, chronic conditions, or disabilities can request support from the Disabled Students' Program.

Mentorship: "You Belong Here"

Scholars will enroll in a mentorship program—co-created by Summer Bridge and Berkeley Connect—to further help them navigate the research university. This one-unit  free-of-charge seminar matches scholars with an advanced graduate student who will serve as their mentor for the summer. Through one-on-one and group mentoring, scholars will further cultivate their academic community and mentor network at Cal.