Program Overview

Introduction to the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) Program

The Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) program at UCLA offers undergraduate and graduate degree options for students interested in the study of biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and developmental levels. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and mechanisms that govern life, from the molecular machinery of cells to the development and function of complex organisms.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in MCDB is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as specialized courses in molecular, cell, and developmental biology. The program requires students to complete a series of core courses, including:

• Biochemistry: Intro to Structure, Enzymes, & Metabolism (CHEM 153A)
• Genetics (LIFESCI 107)
• Cell Biology (MCDB 165A)
• Developmental Biology (MCDB 138)
• Molecular Biology of Cellular Processes (MCDB 144)

In addition to these core courses, students must also complete a series of elective courses, which can be chosen from a variety of categories, including:

• Category 1: MCDB upper-division electives
• Category 2: Upper-division electives from MCDB and other departments
• Category 3: Additional upper-division electives from MCDB and other departments

Preparation for the Major

To prepare for the MCDB major, students must complete a series of lower-division courses, including:

• Life Science Series: LIFESCI 7A, 7B, 7C, 7L (formerly 23L)
• Physical Science Series: CHEM 14A or 14AE, 14B or 14BE, 14BL, 14C, 14CL, 14D
• Math: MATH 3A, 3B, 3C or LIFESCI 30A, 30B, STATS 13 or LIFESCI 40
• Physics: PHYSICS 5A, 5B, 5C or PHYSICS 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, 4BL

Upper-Division Major Requirements

In addition to the core courses and elective courses, students must also complete a laboratory requirement, which can be fulfilled by taking one of the following courses:

• MCDB 104AL: Research Immersion Lab in Developmental Biology
• MCDB 187AL: Research Immersion Lab in Genomic Biology
• MCDB 150AL: Research Immersion Lab in Plant-Microbe Ecology
• MCDB 196B: Research Apprenticeship II in MCDB
• MCDB 198C: Honors Research in MCDB
• MCDB 199B/C: Directed Research in MCDB

Computing Specialization in MCDB

The MCDB program also offers a Computing Specialization, which allows students to develop skills in computational biology and bioinformatics. To complete the Computing Specialization, students must take a series of courses, including:

• COMPTNG 10A: Introduction to Programming
• COMPTNG 10B: Intermediate Programming
• COMPTNG 10C: Advanced Programming
• COMPTNG 16A: Python with Applications
• STATS 13: Introduction to Statistical Methods for Life and Health Sciences or LIFESCI 40: Statistics for Biological Systems
• One upper-division course from the approved list of courses

Graduate Program

The graduate program in MCDB is designed to provide students with advanced training in molecular, cell, and developmental biology. The program requires students to complete a series of core courses, as well as original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Admission Criteria

To be admitted to the graduate program in MCDB, students must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Students must also have a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Research Areas

The MCDB program at UCLA has a strong research focus, with faculty members working in a variety of areas, including:

• Molecular biology
• Cell biology
• Developmental biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics

Students in the graduate program can work with faculty members in these areas to develop their research skills and complete their thesis or dissertation.

Conclusion

The Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology program at UCLA offers undergraduate and graduate degree options for students interested in the study of biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and developmental levels. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and mechanisms that govern life, from the molecular machinery of cells to the development and function of complex organisms. With a strong research focus and a variety of research areas, the MCDB program at UCLA is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in biology or a related field.