Core Components

Scholars will choose one of the currated course pathways which include offerings in Science, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Arts & Humanities and Reading & Composition. All courses count toward UCB graduation requirements.

The courses offered for Summer 2026 are AfricAm 25AC, Chicano 50, ComLit R1A, English R1A, Geog N50AC, IntegBi 11, Math 3, Math 96, Psych 6, and Theater 5.  Learn more about these courses.

Explore our course pathways.

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. 

Geography N50AC (3 units)

California (American Cultures)

Explore the unique traits that make California "the great exception" and a global center of innovation. You will learn about the state's diverse history, from its economic wealth in agriculture and tech to the "dark side" of exploitation and racialization.

Satisfies: American Cultures Requirement | Prequisites: None | Lecture Time: T/W/Th at 3:00PM - 5:29PM

Mathematics 3 (4 units)
Pre-Calculus

Develop your understanding of the mathematical tools needed for calculus, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. You will also explore trigonometry, complex numbers, and the fundamental theorem of algebra to strengthen your quantitative skills.

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: Pass of Self-Assessment Exam with a Score of 15 or higher. (The exam is to be taken on Gradescope. The link will sent to your bMail, Date TBA. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam. You must complete the exam prior to turning in your Course Placement Input Form). | Lecture Time: M/T/W/Th/F at 3:00PM - 5:30PM

Mathematics 96/98 (3 units)
College Algebra

Math 96: Develop a solid understanding of the elements of college algebra. This class is specially designed to prepare you for higher-level mathematics if you have not completed the prerequisites for Math 3 (Precalculus).

Math 98: Taken in conjunction with Math 96, this course offers additional high-touch, high-quality academic support that guides you in cultivate learning practices and the mindset necessary to succeed in mathematics. Through individual consultations, small group discussion, and guided reflective practice, students will grow in their confidence and ability to navigate the rigor of mathematics instruction at Cal.

Satisfies: Prepares scholars for Mathematics 3 (which fulfills the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in L&S) | Prerequisites: None |
Lecture Time: M/T/W/Th/F at 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

Chemistry 32 (2 units)

Preparation for General Chemistry 

Build a strong foundation for General Chemistry by exploring core concepts like atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and gas laws. In the lab, gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and become familiar with the rigorous experimental approaches used in chemistry, such as titration and statistical analysis.

Satisfies: This course prepares scholars for Chemistry 1A and fulfills graduation requirements. | Prerequisites: None | Lecture Time: M/W/Th at 8:00AM - 10:00AM| Discussion Time: Friday at 8:00AM - 9:00AM.

Integrative Biology 11 (3 units)

California Natural History 

Discover the diverse biomes, plants, and animals of California. Through lectures and hands-on field labs around the Bay Area, you will build a foundation in ecology, botany, and conservation biology.

Satisfies: Fulfills Biological Science, L&S Breadth. | Prerequisites: None | Lecture Time: M/T/W at 10:30AM - 11:59AM

AfricAm 50AC (4 units)

African American Music and US Popular Culture

Examine the aesthetics and politics of the U.S. through the lens of Black popular music since WWII. You will explore how jazz, disco, and hip hop have shaped identities across diverse communities and placed the African American experience at the center of American culture.

Satisfies: Humanities/Social Science breadth (CoE); Arts and Literature breadth (CED and L&S) | Prerequisites: None | Lecture Time: T/W/Th at 10:00AM - 12:29PM

Psych 6 (2 units)
Stress and Coping 

Analyze how stress impacts your life by examining biological, social, and cognitive factors. You will discover practical coping techniques backed by empirical findings to help you effectively manage stress in various environments.

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. | Lecture Time: M/W at 2:30PM - 4:59PM

Chicano 50 (4 units)

Introduction to Chicanx History

Delve into the history of ethnic Mexicans in the United States. You will explore important currents that have shaped the experiences of Mexican communities in the U.S., including ideas of race, gender, and class, processes of cultural adaptation, community formation, state violence, and migration.

Satisfies: Humanities/Social Science breadth (CoE); Arts and Literature breadth (CED and L&S) | Prerequisites: None | Lecture Time: M/T/W/Th/F at 10:00AM to 12:00PM

Theater 5 (3 units)
Public Speaking 

This provide students with the ability to present themselves and material clearly, confidently, and persuasively, using age-old arts of oral communication. Students will learn techniques for overcoming the fear of public speaking, developing clear enunciation, finding and using their natural, unaffected vocal register, varying tone and intonation to hold audience interest, controlling pacing, moving with assurance and purpose, using appropriate gestures and eye contact, as well as exploring methods to change behaviors that bar effective communication and structure speeches to maximize persuasiveness.

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. | Lecture Time: TBA

ComLit R1A (4 units)

English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature

Sharpen your expository writing skills through the analysis of great works of literature. You will learn to craft clear, persuasive prose while satisfying the first half of the university’s Reading and Composition requirement.

Satisfies: Reading and Composition Part A | Prerequisites: None | Lecture Time: T/W/Th at 9:00AM - 11:59AM

English R1A (4 units)
Reading and Composition 

Grow your skills in writing expository prose through the study of literature. You will receive specialized instruction in composition while satisfying the first half of the university's Reading and Composition requirement.

Satisfies: Reading and Composition Part A | Prerequisites: None | Lecture Time: T/W/Th at 10:00AM to 12:30PM

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.