Cell Biology, Development & Physiology
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) program at UC Berkeley offers a comprehensive education in the life sciences, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie biological processes. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the principles of molecular and cell biology, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in research, medicine, and other fields.
Program Tracks
The MCB program offers two tracks: Cell & Systems Biology and Medical Biology & Physiology. The Cell & Systems Biology track is designed for students interested in basic research, medical and health sciences, and teaching. The Medical Biology & Physiology track is designed for students interested in medical school, research, and careers in the health sciences.
Upper Division Requirements
The upper division requirements for the MCB program include:
- MCB 102: Survey of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- MCB 104: Genetics, Genomics, and Cell Biology
- MCB 140: General Genetics
- MCB C130: Cell Biology: From Discovery to Disease
- MCB 133L: Cell Biology and Physiology Lab
- MCB 170L: Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory
- CDP Elective A and B (see list below)
Sample 4-Year Plans
The following are sample 4-year plans for the MCB program:
- Track 1: Cell & Systems Biology
- Year 1: Math 10A, Chem 1A/1AL, Math 10B, Chem 3A/3AL
- Year 2: Chem 3B/3BL, Biology 1A/1AL, Biology 1B, Physics 8A
- Year 3: Physics 8B, MCB 104 or 140, MCB 102, MCB C130
- Year 4: MCB 133L, Elective A, Elective B
- Track 2: Medical Biology and Physiology
- Year 1: Math 10A, Chem 1A/1AL, Math 10B, Chem 3A/3AL
- Year 2: Chem 3B/3BL, Biology 1A/1AL, Biology 1B, Physics 8A
- Year 3: Physics 8B, MCB 104, MCB 102, Elective B
- Year 4: Elective B, MCB 133L, MCB 136
Approved Electives Lists
The following are approved electives for the MCB program:
- CDP Elective List A
- Molecular and Cell Biology:
- C103 Bacterial Pathogenesis
- C112 General Microbiology
- C114 Introduction to Comparative Virology
- C116 Microbial Diversity
- C117 Advanced Plant Biochemistry
- 120 Therapeutics Discovery and Development
- 132 Biology of Human Cancer
- C134 Chromosome Biology / Cytogenetics
- 135A Molecular Endocrinology
- 136 Physiology
- 137L Physical Biology of the Cell
- 141 Developmental Biology
- C144 Evolution
- C148 Microbial Genomics & Genetics
- 149 The Human Genome
- 150 Molecular Immunology
- 153 Molecular Medicine
- 160 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
- 161 Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
- 165 Neurobiology of Disease
- C175 LSBE Capstone
- Neuroscience:
- 100A Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
- 100B Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
- 165 Neurobiology of Disease
- Molecular and Cell Biology:
- CDP Elective List B
- Molecular and Cell Biology:
- C103 Bacterial Pathogenesis
- C112 General Microbiology
- C114 Introduction to Comparative Virology
- C116 Microbial Diversity
- C117 Advanced Plant Biochemistry
- 120 Therapeutics Discovery and Development
- C130 Cell Biology: From Discovery to Disease
- 132 Biology of Human Cancer
- C134 Chromosome Biology / Cytogenetics
- 135A Molecular Endocrinology
- 137L Physical Biology of the Cell
- 141 Developmental Biology
- C144 Evolution
- C148 Microbial Genomics & Genetics
- 149 The Human Genome
- 150 Molecular Immunology
- 153 Molecular Medicine
- 160 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
- 161 Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
- 165 Neurobiology of Disease
- C175 LSBE Capstone
- Integrative Biology:
- 103LF Invertebrate Zoology
- 104LF Natural History of Vertebrates
- 123AL Exercise and Environmental Physiology
- 131 General Human Anatomy
- 137 Human Endocrinology
- 140 Biology of Human Reproduction
- C143A Biological Clocks: Physiology & Behavior
- C143B Hormones and Behavior
- 148 Comparative Animal Physiology
- C160 Evolution
- Neuroscience:
- 100A Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
- 100B Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
- C126 Hormones and Behavior
- 165 Neurobiology of Disease
- Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology:
- 103 Nutrient Function & Metabolism
- 108A Introduction & Application of Food Science
- 110 Toxicology
- 160 Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases
- 161A Medical Nutrition Therapy I
- Plant & Microbial Biology:
- 135 Physiology & Biochemistry of Plants
- 150 Plant Cell Biology
- 160 Plant Molecular Genetics
- Psychology:
- 110 Introduction to Biological Psychology
- C113 Biological Clocks: Physiology & Behavior
- C116 Hormones & Behavior
- Public Health:
- 142 Intro to Probability & Statistics in Bio & Public Health
- 150B Intro to Environmental Health Sciences
- 162A Public Health Microbiology
- Statistics:
- C131A Statistical Methods for Data Science
- Molecular and Cell Biology:
Approved Courses but NOT Regularly Offered
The following courses are approved but not regularly offered:
- MCB 113 Applied Microbiology & Biochemistry
- MCB 115 Molecular Biology of Animal Virus
- MCB 137 Computer Simulation in Biology
- MCB 143 Evolution of Genomes, Cells & Development
- MCB 163 Mammalian Neuroanatomy
- MCB 167 Physiological & Genetic Basis of Behavior
- MCB C145 Genomics
- MCB C146 Topics in Computational Biology and Genomics
- MCB 166 Biophysical Neurobiology
- MCB 168 Sensory Neuroscience
- IB 117 & 117LF Medical Ethnobotany with Lab
- NSTX 150 Mechanics of Metabolic Regulation
- Pb Hlth 141 Intro to Biostatistics
- Pb Hlth 150A Intro to Epidemiology & Human Disease
MCB Undergraduate Advising Office
The MCB Undergraduate Advising Office is located at 3060 Valley Life Sciences and is open for in-person advising on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Advisors are available remotely every weekday.
Student Services Mission Statement
The MCB Undergraduate Advising Office is committed to creating an inclusive academic community that offers holistic advising and innovative services to support educational success.