The undergraduate major in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) focuses on the study of molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. This covers a broad range of specialized disciplines, such as biochemistry, microbiology, biophysics, molecular biology, genetics, cell physiology, cell anatomy, immunology, and neurobiology. The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials are as diverse as its disciplinary specializations, ranging from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks, to fish, amphibia, and mammals.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the study of the molecular basis of life. Biochemistry uses the principles of chemistry and physics to understand biological molecules, structures, and reactions. Molecular biology focuses on how biological molecules interact to form cells, organisms, and behaviors. [OTHER UNIVERSITY SITE]
The MCB concentration focuses on understanding biological processes through the study of molecules and their interactions in the context of cells and tissues. This concentration integrates methodologies ranging from chemistry and genetics to computer science and engineering.
What you’ll study: You’ll explore topics related to molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics. You’ll also learn about genomes - or an organism’s complete set of DNA - and the developmental biology of living organisms.
For students interested in: The structure and function of cells, the basic units of life; and molecules, which carry out essential biological activities in living organisms.
The molecular and cell biology (MCB) major is intended for students with interests in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or genetics, including subsequent careers in research and biotechnology.
Graduates may pursue a broad range of careers in biological and medical research, public and global health, science policy, law and intellectual property, business, education, and science writing. OR in a variety of fields, including medicine, health care, research, education, government, policy, and more.
The Department has graduate and undergraduate programs in four major areas of concentration:
Cell Biology; Genetics and Genomics; Microbiology; and Structural Biology and Biophysics. The department today houses two undergraduate majors (MCB and Structural Biology and Biophysics),