In addition to the courses to be completed for the Business Administration degree and one of the biological sciences degrees, LSBE students gain exclusive access and are expected to complete three LSBE-specific courses: MCB C75/UGBA C95B (Intro to Biotech), UGBA 199 (LSBE New Admit Seminar), and MCB C175/UGBA C195C (LSBE Senior Capstone).
For more information about these courses, please visit the academic guide.
Course Code: MCB C75/UGBA C95B (2 units)
Intro to Biotech is offered in the spring semester for 1st year students. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, from its history to its profound impact on medicine and society. Students will dive into key methodologies, explore major therapeutic areas, and learn diverse career opportunities within the biopharmaceutical industry. Beyond lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship, students will benefit from guest speakers who are leaders in their fields, offering expertise in areas such as drug discovery, clinical trial design, and venture capital.
Course Code: UGBA 199 (2 units)
This 2-unit LSBE-only Seminar provides a structured, 12-week “Collider Space.” By integrating randomized seating, industry-specific panels, and cross-cohort mixers, the course ensures that by the time students reach their Senior Capstone, they have already built a high-trust professional network and strong relationships within their cohorts and the greater LSBE community. It fulfills the LSBE promise: Combining world-class science with the network of a top-tier business school.
Note: The New Admit Seminar is eligible to fulfill 2 units of Haas elective requirements.
Course Code: MCB C175/UGBA C195C (4 units)
In the fall semester of their 4th year, LSBE students are required to take the Capstone course — a dynamic, project-based class where student teams craft a comprehensive business plan for a partner biotech startup. This course challenges students to apply their knowledge in therapeutics and business development. Each team investigates critical aspects of a biotech startup, such as the technology overview, disease landscape, unmet medical needs, clinical development, commercialization strategies, risk management, and financial projections. This course presents LSBE students a unique opportunity to put into practice the theory they have learned over the previous three years.
Throughout the semester, students also gain invaluable insights and network from weekly guest lectures and coffee chats with industry professionals. The course culminates in a semester-end pitch competition, where students present their business pitch to a panel of key industry leaders and faculty.
Note: The Capstone course is eligible to fulfill one of the MCB/IB/Neuroscience AND Haas electives requirements.