Core Components

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

Anthropology 3AC (4 units)

Introduction to Social/Cultural Anthropology (American Cultures)

Satisfies: American Cultures Requirement | Prequisites: None

Geography N50AC (3 units)

California (American Cultures)

This course explores the geography of California. California had been called "the great exception" and "America, only more so." Yet few of us pay attention to its distinctive traits and to its effects beyond our borders. California may be "a state of mind," but it is also the most dynamic place in the most powerful country in the world, and would be the 8th largest economy if it were a country.

Satisfies: American Cultures Requirement | Prequisites: None

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.

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.

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

Art and Humanities C132 (3 units)
Archiving as Social Justice Practice 

In this course you will explore how archival practices support social justice scholarship. Archives run the gamut from small personal collections to major institutions. You will study several special collections built by and for activists, review their missions and processes, and learn about the role that archival practice plays in the building of knowledge. You will work with a community organization to digitize and catalog their collection of posters and other documents, to research the history behind them, and make this archive available online to the public. As case studies you may investigate the Center for the Study of Political Graphics (Los Angeles), the Interference Archive (Brooklyn), the Freedom Archives (San Francisco), and Docs Populi / Documents for the Public (Berkeley).

Satisfies: Humanities/Social Science breadth (CoE); Arts and Literature breadth (CED and L&S) and fulfills the studio requirement for the Certificate in Urban Humanities | Prerequisites: None. 

Chicano 50 (3 units)
Introduction to Chicanx History

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.

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 commnunication/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.

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.

Asian American Studies R2A (4 Units)

Description: TBA

Satisfies: R&C requirement first half | Prerequisites: Score of 30 or higher on the ACT, English Language Arts; Score of 680 or higher on the SAT, Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing; Score of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition or English Language and Composition, 5 or above on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Literature exam.

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:

• Athletic Study Center (scholar athletes)
• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP scholars)
• Hope Scholars (current or former foster youth, probabation youth, or orphaned before the age of 18)
• Underground Scholars (students impacted by the carceral system)
• Undocumented Student Program (undocumented scholars)

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).

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