Biochemistry-Molecular Biology B.S.

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) offers the bachelor of science degree in four departmental majors—biochemistry-molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and pharmacology. In addition, it cooperates with the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology in offering the interdepartmental biological sciences major, with both B.A. and B.S. objectives. The department offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of master of arts and doctor of philosophy, with emphasis in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. An interdepartmental graduate program is offered in biomolecular science and engineering, in cooperation with the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Materials, and Mechanical and Environmental Engineering. In addition, a wide range of courses is available to all undergraduates for elective enrollment or for the support of their preparation for degrees in other departments or programs.

Molecular, cellular, and developmental biology majors provide excellent preparation for a wide variety of biology-related careers, including careers in the health sciences, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, environmental health and safety, food technology, and forensic science, and for research careers in academic, industry, and government laboratories. Many MCDB students prepare for entry into graduate or professional schools. Students should become familiar with the requirements of programs of interest, and then discuss their undergraduate coursework with their advisor. In general, all of the department’s majors are suitable for students preparing for professional schools in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or nursing, and for graduate programs in biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, pharmacology, or virology.