Molecular and Cell Biology: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu/.

About the Program

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The undergraduate major in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) encompasses the diversity of scientific interests of the Department's faculty. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) emphasis is dedicated to the mechanistic understanding, at the molecular level, of essential processes for the life of the cell using rigorous and reductionist approaches. Students will learn not only how the molecules of life work in the healthy cell and organism but also how disruption of their function leads to disease. This knowledge is essential for the design of pharmacological treatments that target these molecules to alter their activity.

The major program has two tracks: Track 1, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Track 2, Biological Chemistry. For specific information regarding the requirements for each track, please see the Major Requirements tab on this page.

Declaring the Major

MCB is not an impacted major. Therefore, the program will accept any interested student who meets the minimum course and grade point average (GPA) requirements and is realistically able to complete the major requirements during the student's remaining time at UC Berkeley.

In order to declare the MCB major, students must have completed or be enrolled in BIOLOGY 1A/BIOLOGY 1AL (C or better on first midterm) and CHEM 3B (past the early drop deadline), have at least a 2.0 overall GPA, a 2.0 GPA in the lower-division prerequisites for the major, and know which emphasis they will declare. (Note: Transfer students must have completed at least one semester at UC Berkeley and have received a 2.0 GPA in the courses that they have taken for the major). Intended MCB students are not required to have completed the Math or Physics requirement at the time of declaration (though the requirement must be met in order to graduate).

To start the major declaration process, students must: (1) fill out the MCB major declaration form online  and (2) download and fill out the Petition to Declare a Major .

Students should bring the Petition to Declare a Major to the Undergraduate Advising Office (3060 Valley Life Sciences Building) no earlier than the next business day to discuss their academic plan. When signing in, students should inform the Intake Adviser that they declared online. S/he will hand them the printed course planning form to take to an academic adviser for planning their courses in the major. Please note that major declarations are limited during the first week of class and the first week of TeleBEARS Phase 1. Any restrictions will be advertised on the homepage and in the weekly email. Please plan accordingly.

Honors Program

The MCB honors program offers exceptional senior students recognition for outstanding academic achievement and excellence in research. To graduate with honors in the major, students must satisfy the following:

  1. Complete at least two credited semesters of research including 4-8 units of MCELLBI H196A and/or MCELLBI H196B (Honors Research)
  2. Have a cumulative Berkeley GPA of at least 3.3 in all work completed at UC Berkeley
  3. Have at least a 3.5 GPA in the MCB major requirements or a 3.5 GPA in MCB upper division courses
  4. Present their research in an approved forum, such as an MCB symposium, the Undergraduate Poster Session, or other scientific meeting
  5. Write an honors thesis approved by an MCB faculty sponsor

Additional information on the honors program is available in the Undergraduate Affairs Office and on the MCB website .

Minor Program

There is no minor program in Molecular and Cell Biology.

Other Molecular and Cell Biology Majors (Emphases)

Cell and Developmental Biology  (CDB)
Genetics, Genomics, & Development  (GG & D)
Immunology & Pathogenesis  (IM & P)
Neurobiology

Visit Department Website

Major Requirements

In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.

General Guidelines

  1. All courses taken to fulfill the major requirements below must be taken for graded credit, other than courses listed which are offered on a Pass/No Pass basis only. Other exceptions to this requirement are noted as applicable.
  2. No more than one upper-division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs, with the exception of minors offered outside of the College of Letters and Science.
  3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained in both upper- and lower-division courses used to fulfill the major requirements.

For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.

Lower-division Requirements: All Tracks

MATH 10AMethods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics4
MATH 10BMethods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics4
CHEM 1A
  & 1AL		General Chemistry
   and General Chemistry Laboratory		4
Students in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology emphases must take the following Chemistry sequence:
CHEM 3A
  & 3AL
Chemical Structure and Reactivity
   and Organic Chemistry Laboratory 1
CHEM 3B
  & 3BL
Chemical Structure and Reactivity
   and Organic Chemistry Laboratory 1
Students in the Biological Chemistry emphasis must take the following Chemistry sequence:
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
BIOLOGY 1A
  & 1AL		General Biology Lecture
   and General Biology Laboratory		5
BIOLOGY 1BGeneral Biology Lecture and Laboratory4
PHYSICS 8AIntroductory Physics 14
PHYSICS 8BIntroductory Physics 14
1

 PHYSICS 7A and PHYSICS 7B can be taken in place of PHYSICS 8A and PHYSICS 8B.

Upper-division Requirements: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Track

MCELLBI C100ABiophysical Chemistry: Physical Principles and the Molecules of Life4
MCELLBI 100BBiochemistry: Pathways, Mechanisms, and Regulation4
MCELLBI 110Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Synthesis and Cellular Function4
MCELLBI 140General Genetics4
MCELLBI 110LCourse Not Available4
One BMB Elective (see below)4

Upper-division Requirements: Biological Chemistry Track

MCELLBI C100ABiophysical Chemistry: Physical Principles and the Molecules of Life4
CHEM 130BBiophysical Chemistry3
CHEM 135Chemical Biology3
MCELLBI 130ACell and Systems Biology4
or MCELLBI 140 General Genetics
MCELLBI 110LCourse Not Available4

Approved Electives, BMB

BIO ENG C141Course Not Available4
CHEM 113Advanced Mechanistic Organic Chemistry3
CHEM 115Organic Chemistry--Advanced Laboratory Methods4
CHEM 130BBiophysical Chemistry3
ESPM C148Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology3
MATH 110Linear Algebra4
MATH 127Mathematical and Computational Methods in Molecular Biology4
MCELLBI C103Bacterial Pathogenesis3
MCELLBI C112General Microbiology4
MCELLBI C114Introduction to Comparative Virology4
MCELLBI 115Course Not Available2
MCELLBI C116Microbial Diversity3
MCELLBI 130ACell and Systems Biology4
MCELLBI 132Biology of Human Cancer4
MCELLBI C134Chromosome Biology/Cytogenetics3
MCELLBI 135ATopics in Cell and Developmental Biology: Molecular Endocrinology3
MCELLBI 136Physiology4
MCELLBI 137Computer Simulation in Biology3
MCELLBI 141Developmental Biology4
MCELLBI 143Evolution of Genomes, Cells, and Development3
MCELLBI C145Course Not Available4
MCELLBI C146Course Not Available4
MCELLBI C148Microbial Genomics and Genetics4
MCELLBI 150Molecular Immunology4
MCELLBI C160Course Not Available
MCELLBI 163Mammalian Neuroanatomy4
MCELLBI 165Neurobiology of Disease3
MCELLBI 166Biophysical Neurobiology3
MCELLBI 167Course Not Available
NUSCTX C114Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology3
PHYSICS 112Introduction to Statistical and Thermal Physics4
PHYSICS 132Course Not Available
PHYSICS 177Principles of Molecular Biophysics3
PLANTBI C112General Microbiology4
PLANTBI C114Introduction to Comparative Virology4
PLANTBI C116Microbial Diversity3
PLANTBI C134Chromosome Biology/Cytogenetics3
PLANTBI 135Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants3
PLANTBI C145Course Not Available4
PLANTBI C146Course Not Available4
PLANTBI C148Microbial Genomics and Genetics4
PLANTBI 150Plant Cell Biology3
PLANTBI 160Plant Molecular Genetics3
PB HLTH 141Introduction to Biostatistics5
PB HLTH 142Introduction to Probability and Statistics in Biology and Public Health4
STAT 131AIntroduction to Probability and Statistics for Life Scientists4
STAT C141Course Not Available4

College Requirements

Undergraduate students in the College of Letters and Science must fulfill the following requirements in addition to those required by their major program.

For detailed lists of courses that fulfill college requirements, please see the College of Letters and Sciences  page in this bulletin. 

Entry Level Writing

All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement. Fulfillment of this requirement is also a prerequisite to enrollment in all reading and composition courses at UC Berkeley. 

American History and American Institutions

The American History and Institutions requirements are based on the principle that a U.S. resident graduated from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.

American Cultures

American Cultures is the one requirement that all undergraduate students at Cal need to take and pass in order to graduate. The requirement offers an exciting intellectual environment centered on the study of race, ethnicity and culture of the United States. AC courses offer students opportunities to be part of research-led, highly accomplished teaching environments, grappling with the complexity of American Culture.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning requirement is designed to ensure that students graduate with basic understanding and competency in math, statistics, or computer science. The requirement may be satisfied by exam or by taking an approved course.

Foreign Language

The Foreign Language requirement may be satisfied by demonstrating proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, and conversation in a foreign language equivalent to the second semester college level, either by passing an exam or by completing approved course work.

Reading and Composition

In order to provide a solid foundation in reading, writing and critical thinking the College requires two semesters of lower division work in composition. Students must complete a first-level reading and composition course by the end of their second semester and a second-level course by the end of their fourth semester.

Breadth Requirements

The undergraduate breadth requirements provide Berkeley students with a rich and varied educational experience outside of their major program. As the foundation of a liberal arts education, breadth courses give students a view into the intellectual life of the University while introducing them to a multitude of perspectives and approaches to research and scholarship.  Engaging students in new disciplines and with peers from other majors, the breadth experience strengthens interdisciplinary connections and context that prepares Berkeley graduates to understand and solve the complex issues of their day.

Unit Requirements

  • 120 total units, including at least 60 L&S units

  • Of the 120 units, 36 must be upper division units

  • Of the 36 upper division units, 6 must be taken in courses offered outside your major department

Residence Requirements

For units to be considered in "residence," you must be registered in courses on the Berkeley campus as a student in the College of Letters and Science. Most students automatically fulfill the residence requirement by attending classes here for four years. In general, there is no need to be concerned about this requirement, unless you go abroad for a semester or year or want to take courses at another institution or through University Extension during your senior year. In these cases, you should make an appointment to see an adviser to determine how you can meet the Senior Residence Requirement.

Note: Courses taken through UC Extension do not count toward residence.

Senior Residence Requirement

After you become a senior (with 90 semester units earned toward your B.A. degree), you must complete at least 24 of the remaining 30 units in residence in at least two semesters. To count as residence, a semester must consist of at least 6 passed units. Intercampus Visitor, EAP, and UC Berkeley-Washington Program (UCDC) units are excluded.

You may use a Berkeley summer session to satisfy one semester of the Senior Residence Requirement, provided that you successfully complete 6 units of course work in the Summer Session and that you have been enrolled previously in the College.

Modified Senior Residence Requirement

Participants in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) or the UC Berkeley-Washington Program (UCDC) may meet a Modified Senior Residence Requirement by completing 24 (excluding EAP) of their final 60 semester units in residence. At least 12 of these 24 units must be completed after you have completed 90 units.

Upper Division Residence Requirement

You must complete in residence a minimum of 18 units of upper division courses (excluding EAP units), 12 of which must satisfy the requirements for your major.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plans below show a four-year plan for completing the major, taking classes only during Fall and Spring semesters. All of the lower-division classes are offered during the Summer as well. Please consult the sample plan appropriate to your track.

Please note that the sample plans below include only courses required for your major. For more detailed information regarding other requirements, including unit minimums per semester, Letters and Science Breadth Requirements, Reading and Composition (R & C), and the American Cultures (AC) requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.

Track 1: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Freshman Admits

Track 2: Chemical Biology, Freshmen Admits

Freshman
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MATH 10A4MATH 10B4
CHEM 1A
  & 1AL		4BIOLOGY 1A
  & 1AL		5
 8 9
Sophomore
FallUnitsSpringUnits
CHEM 3A
  & 3AL		5CHEM 3B
  & 3BL		5
PHYSICS 8A4PHYSICS 8B4
 9 9
Junior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MCELLBI C100A4MCB Core Course 
BIOLOGY 1B4MCB Elective 
 8 0
Senior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MCB Core Course MCB Lab 
MCB Elective  
 0 0
Total Units: 43

Track 1: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Fall Program for Freshmen Students

Track 2: Chemical Biology, Fall Program for Freshman Students

Freshman
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MATH 1A4MATH 1B4
 CHEM 1A
  & 1AL		4
 4 8
Sophomore
FallUnitsSpringUnits
BIOLOGY 1A
  & 1AL		5CHEM 3A
  & 3AL		5
PHYSICS 8A4BIOLOGY 1B4
 9 9
Junior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
CHEM 3B
  & 3BL		5MCELLBI C100A4
PHYSICS 8B4MCB Elective 
 9 4
Senior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MCB Core Course MCB Lab 
MCB Elective MCB Core Course 
 0 0
Total Units: 43

Student Learning Goals

Mission

The department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) is a large department that is subdivided into five divisions: Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology (BBS); Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB); Genetics, Genomics & Development (GGD); Immunology & Pathogenesis (IMMP); and Neurobiology (NEU). All MCB students complete the same lower division coursework to gain critical training in Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. All or most lower division coursework is completed before major declaration. Upon declaring the major, MCB students choose an emphasis, or specialization, which determines the upper division core courses they will take and elective choices from which they will choose. Students can choose among several areas of specialization; emphases are broadly defined along divisional lines and allow students to focus on a more defined topic within MCB. MCB students who elect to participate in independent research may choose from sponsoring research laboratories within any MCB division, or upon approval, in laboratories outside the Department (other UCB departments, LBNL, CHORI, UCSF, biotechnology companies). The MCB major provides excellent preparation for many careers and post-baccalaureate training programs including graduate programs and heath-related professional programs (e.g., medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy), science writing, law school, biotechnology, teaching, and academic research.

Learning Goals for the Major

  1. Describe basic biological concepts and principles
  2. Appreciate the different levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems
  3. Understand that biology has a chemical, physical, and mathematical basis
  4. Explain the importance of the scientific method to understanding natural phenomena
  5. Effectively communicate scientific data and ideas, both orally and in writing
  6. Critically evaluate data, develop a hypothesis, and design experiments to address an interesting and novel problem
  7. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized field of molecular and cell biology

Advising

The Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) Department offers three types of undergraduate advising: staff advisers, faculty advisers, and peer advisors .

Staff Advisers

Staff academic advisors are trained to support students and assist them in successfully completing their MCB major. They are excellent resources for questions concerning administration and academics or finding out about other available services. Students should see a staff adviser for the following:

  • Ask questions about major requirements
  • Ask advice about schedule planning
  • Declare the MCB major
  • Consult about research opportunities, graduate and professional schools, career opportunities, scholarships, and internships
  • Get their Adviser Code (AC) to access Tele-BEARS registration
  • Get information and course control numbers (CCN's) for independent research
  • Request general assistance, advice, or information
  • Find out about upcoming events and programs

Staff advisers are primarily available for drop-in advising. However, limited appointments are available for more complex issues such as probation, academic difficulty,and re-admission. Students who would like to schedule an appointment should call 510-643-8895 during drop-in advising hours.

The general email address is mcbuao@berkeley.edu . This email is checked daily, Monday to Friday, so students will receive an answer to questions within one business day.

Advising Staff:
James Depealteau, 510-643-8895
Anwar Thomas, 510-643-8895

Faculty Advisers

Faculty advisers are MCB professors assigned to advise students about the MCB department including its courses, research, and other academic issues. Students are assigned a faculty adviser when they declare an MCB major. Students should see their faculty advisers for the following:

  • Receive guidance toward achieving academic and career goals
  • Ask questions about the content of MCB courses
  • Request exceptions to MCB major requirements and policies (obtain their signature on MCB Substitution Form)
  • Ask questions about biological research and about the field of biology in general
  • Ask for recommendations on which graduate schools to attend
  • Get their signature on the Curriculum Planning Form after speaking with a UAO staff advisor first

For a list of advisers and their office hours, please see the Department's website . Office hours listed are designated for drop-in advising unless otherwise noted. Faculty adviser office hours are effective from the first day of instruction until the final day of instruction for the fall and spring semesters. Faculty advisers are not available for office hours during winter or summer break. Students may refer to staff drop-in advising hours during summer sessions and non-instructional periods.

Peer Adviser Walk-in Services (PAWS)

Peer advisers are junior & senior MCB majors who volunteer their time to complement the UAO advising services by sharing their knowledge of and experience with lower-division requirements and upper-division classes, student groups on campus, preparation for life beyond the BA, and the use of various campus resources. To see the schedule and more information about who our peer advisers are and which courses they have taken, click here .

Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Research

Under the guidance of an Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) faculty sponsor, undergraduates in the MCB major may have the opportunity to work in a laboratory to gain valuable experience in scientific research. Interested students must take the initiative to make such arrangements. Over 40% of MCB majors work in a lab to gain valuable experience in scientific research. To get started, students should talk with classmates, peer advisers, a staff undergraduate adviser, graduate student instructors (GSIs), and faculty about their interest in learning more about laboratory research. For more information on research, see How to Find a Lab Position .

Benefits of research:

  • Science is a way to figure things out, so doing research will aid students in other aspects of their life. Through asking and answering open-ended questions, students link seemingly disconnected pieces of information and find results that were not predicted.
  • Exploring things at the cutting edge and that no one has explored before.
  • Learning tenacity, problem solving, and how to be critical about the details because things have to be reproducible.
  • Solving mysteries and experiencing the excitement of discovery.

Students may receive academic credit for their work by enrolling in an independent study course: MCELLBI 99/MCELLBI 199 or MCELLBI H196A/MCELLBI H196B.  Enrollment applications are due in the Undergraduate Advising Office by the fifth week of each semester.

Other Research Opportunities

For additional resources for information regarding research opportunities, please see the links below:
Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)
Scholarship Connection
Summer research opportunities
Office of Research

Funding for Student Research

There are a variety of ways to support your research. The Department recommends that students attend a workshop at the Office of Undergraduate Research  or look for funding opportunities on their website  or the Scholarship Connection website .

Courses

Molecular Cell Biology: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

MCELLBI 15 Current Topics in the Biological Sciences 2 Units

Students in this course will critically examine modern methods of biological investigations and their social implications. Relevant literature will be used to present basic biological concepts that address the cultural, technological and health aspects of current topics in the biological sciences. Designing and evaluating scientific questions will be stressed.

MCELLBI C31 Big Ideas in Cell Biology 3 Units

An introduction for students who do not intend to major in biology but who wish to satisfy their breadth requirement in Biological Sciences. Some major concepts of modern biology, ranging from the role of DNA and the way cells communicate, to interactions of cells and creatures with their environment, will be discussed without jargon and with attention to their relevance in contemporary life and culture.

MCELLBI 32 Introduction to Human Physiology 3 Units

A comprehensive introduction to human cell biology. The course will concentrate on basic mechanisms underlying human life processes, including cells and membranes; nerve and muscle function; cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal physiology; metabolism, endocrinology, and reproduction.

MCELLBI 32L Introduction to Human Physiology Laboratory 2 Units

Experiments and demonstrations are designed to amplify and reinforce information presented in 32. Exercises include investigations into the structure and function of muscle, nerve, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine, and blood systems.

MCELLBI 41 Genetics and Society 3 Units

Basic communication of inheritance; gene mapping; gene expression and genetic disease in animals and humans; social inheritance of genetics.

MCELLBI C44 Biology for Voters 3 Units

This is a Discovery Course for non-Biology majors designed to introduce lower-division college students to biology through the lens of the contemporary problems facing people, the planet and the species of the planet. Modern genetic contributions will be presented on such issues as genetic engineering of plants and animals, the emergence of new pathogens, the role of genetic variation among individuals, and the extent to which DNA is and isn’t destiny. Each week will close with the presentation and discussion of a defining biological challenge facing the world.

MCELLBI 50 The Immune System and Disease 3 Units

Course will discuss how the immune system resolves, prevents, or causes disease. A general overview of the immune system will be covered in the first five weeks followed by five weeks discussing infectious diseases including anthrax, mad cow, herpes, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. In addition, other lectures will focus on current immunology topics including vaccines, autoimmunity, allergy, transplantation, and cancer.

MCELLBI 55 Plagues and Pandemics 3 Units

Discussion of how infectious agents cause disease and impact society at large. We will examine historical and current examples of plagues and pandemics and consider the question of what we should do to ameliorate the impact of infectious disease in the future. The course is intended for non-majors and will begin by briefly providing necessary background in microbiology and immunology. The primary focus in each subsequent week, however, will be on discussing a particular infectious disease. The course will be broad in scope covering biological, historical, ethical and social implications of each disease.

MCELLBI C61 Brain, Mind, and Behavior 3 Units

Introduction to human brain mechanisms of sensation, movement, perception, thinking, learning, memory, and emotion in terms of anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the nervous system in health and disease. Intended for students in the humanities and social sciences and others not majoring in the biological sciences.

MCELLBI W61 Brain, Mind, and Behavior 3 Units

This course deals with the structure and function of the human nervous system, with an emphasis on how brain physiology and chemistry are related to human behavior. This is a comprehensive introduction to the exciting field of contemporary neuroscience for students of all backgrounds and interests, including those from the humanities and social sciences, as well as physical and biological sciences. The Final Examination will be administered in a proctored setting. See Schedule of Classes for meeting information. This course is web-based.

MCELLBI C62 Drugs and the Brain 3 Units

The history, chemical nature, botanical origins, and effects on the human brain and behavior of drugs such as stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, analgesics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, steroids, and other psychoactive substances of both natural and synthetic origin. The necessary biological, chemical, and psychological background material for understanding the content of this course will be contained within the course itself.

MCELLBI 63 Introduction to Functional Neuroanatomy 3 Units

This course emphasizes beginning anatomy of the brain and spinal cord to individuals interested in understanding the dynamics of motor and sensory functions in the human body. Students in the Departments of Education, Psychology, and Integrative Biology, as well as students interested in medicine and the life sciences, are especially encouraged to attend.

MCELLBI C64 Exploring the Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience 3 Units

This course will introduce lower division undergraduates to the fundamentals of neuroscience. The first part of the course covers basic membrane properties, synapses, action potentials, chemical and electrical synaptic interactions, receptor potentials, and receptor proteins. The second part of the course covers networks in invertebrates, memory and learning behavior, modulation, vertebrate brain and spinal cord, retina, visual cortex architecture, hierarchy, development, and higher cortical centers.

MCELLBI 84B Sophomore Seminar 1 or 2 Units

Sophomore seminars are small interactive courses offered by faculty members in departments all across the campus. Sophomore seminars offer opportunity for close, regular intellectual contact between faculty members and students in the crucial second year. The topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 sophomores.

MCELLBI 90A Freshman Seminars: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 1 Unit

The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

MCELLBI 90B Freshman Seminars: Cell and Developmental Biology 1 Unit

The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

MCELLBI 90C Freshman Seminars: Genetics and Development 1 Unit

The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

MCELLBI 90D Freshman Seminars: Immunology 1 Unit

The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

MCELLBI 90E Freshman Seminars: Neurobiology 1 Unit

The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

MCELLBI 91D Immunology 2 - 4 Units

Freshman and sophomore seminars offer lower division students the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member and a group of peers in a small-seminar setting. These seminars are offered in all campus departments; topics vary from department to department and from semester to semester.

MCELLBI C96 Studying the Biological Sciences 1 Unit

Freshmen will be introduced to the "culture" of the biological sciences, along with an in-depth orientation to the academic life and the culture of the university as they relate to majoring in biology. Students will learn concepts, skills, and information that they can use in their major course, and as future science professionals. Restricted to freshmen in the biology scholars program.

MCELLBI 98 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Lectures and small group discussions focusing on topics of interest, varying from semester to semester.

MCELLBI 99 Supervised Independent Study 1 - 4 Units

MCELLBI 100B Biochemistry: Pathways, Mechanisms, and Regulation 4 Units

We survey cellular metabolic pathways, with focus on the underlying chemistry, bioenergetics, and mechanisms. We discuss signaling in the context of a physical chemical understanding of diffusion, transport and molecular interactions. We will highlight the intertwining of signaling and dysregulation with metabolic disorders and cancer, and the production of renewable chemicals such as biofuels. The course is designed for majors in the biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics and development, or immunology emphases.

MCELLBI C100A Biophysical Chemistry: Physical Principles and the Molecules of Life 4 Units

Thermodynamic and kinetic concepts applied to understanding the chemistry and structure of biomolecules (proteins, DNA, and RNA). Molecular distributions, reaction kinetics, enzyme kinetics. Bioenergetics, energy transduction, and motor proteins. Electrochemical potential, membranes, and ion channels.

MCELLBI 102 Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 4 Units

A comprehensive survey of the fundamentals of biological chemistry, including the properties of intermediary metabolites, the structure and function of biological macromolecules, the logic of metabolic pathways (both degradative and biosynthetic) and the molecular basis of genetics and gene expression.

MCELLBI C103 Bacterial Pathogenesis 3 Units

This course for upper division and graduate students will explore the molecular and cellular basis of microbial pathogenesis. The course will focus on model microbial systems which illustrate mechanisms of pathogenesis. Most of the emphasis will be on bacterial pathogens of mammals, but there will be some discussion of viral and protozoan pathogens. There will be an emphasis on experimental approaches. The course will also include some aspects of bacterial genetics and physiology, immune response to infection, and the cell biology of host-parasite interactions.

MCELLBI 104 Genetics, Genomics, and Cell Biology 4 Units

This course will introduce students to key concepts in genetic analysis, eukaryotic cell biology, and state-of-the-art approaches in genomic medicine. Lectures will highlight basic knowledge of cellular processes with the basis for human diseases, particularly cancer. Prerequisite courses will have introduced students to the concepts of cells, the central dogma of molecular biology, and gene regulation. Emphasis in this course will be on eukaryotic cell processes, including cellular organization, dynamics, and signaling.

MCELLBI 110 Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Synthesis and Cellular Function 4 Units

Molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their viruses. Mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, translation. Structure of genes and chromosomes. Regulation of gene expression. Biochemical processes and principles in membrane structure and function, intracellular trafficking and subcellular compartmentation, cytoskeletal architecture, nucleocytoplasmic transport, signal transduction mechanisms, and cell cycle control.

MCELLBI C110L General Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory 4 Units

Experimental techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology, designed to accompany the lectures in Molecular and Cell Biology 100B and 110.

MCELLBI C112 General Microbiology 4 Units

This course will explore the molecular bases for physiological and biochemical diversity among members of the two major domains, Bacteria and Archaea. The ecological significance and evolutionary origins of this diversity will be discussed. Molecular, genetic, and structure-function analyses of microbial cell cycles, adaptive responses, metabolic capability, and macromolecular syntheses will be emphasized.

MCELLBI C112L General Microbiology Laboratory 2 Units

Experimental techniques of microbiology designed to accompany the lecture in C112 and C148. The primary emphasis in the laboratory will be on the cultivation and physiological and genetic characterization of bacteria. Laboratory exercises will include the observation, enrichment, and isolation of bacteria from selected environments.

MCELLBI C114 Introduction to Comparative Virology 4 Units

This course will provide a comparative overview of virus life cycles and strategies viruses use to infect and replicate in hosts. We will discuss virus structure and classification and the molecular basis of viral reproduction, evolution, assembly, and virus-host interactions. Common features used during virus replication and host cellular responses to infection will be covered. Topics also included are common and emerging virus diseases, their control, and factors affecting their spread.

MCELLBI C116 Microbial Diversity 3 Units

This course for upper-division and graduate students will broadly survey myriad types of microbial organisms, both procaryote and eucaryote, using a phylogenetic framework to organize the concept of "biodiversity." Emphasis will be on the evolutionary development of the many biochemical themes, how they mold our biosphere, and the organisms that affect the global biochemistry. Molecular mechanisms that occur in different lineages will be compared and contrasted to illustrate fundamental biological strategies. Graduate students additionally should enroll in C216, Microbial Diversity Workshop.

MCELLBI 118 The Cancer Karyotype: What it is and What it Does 1 Unit

Mutational cancer theories do not explain why cancers: 1) have clonal individual karyotypes; 2) have polygenic transcriptomes and phenotypes; 3) have flexible karyotypes, which evolve progressive malignancy and drug resistance, but maintain autonomy and even immortality; and 4) Why carcinogens induce cancer only after conspicuously long latent periods of years to decades. To answer these questions, this course tests a new karyotypic theory, which postulates that cancers evolve much like new species.

MCELLBI 130A Cell and Systems Biology 4 Units

This course will provide a detailed discussion of a wide range of topics in cell biology emphasizing experimental approaches and key experiments that have provided important insights. The course is aimed at conveying an understanding of how cellular structure and function arise as a result of the properties of cellular macromolecules. An emphasis will be placed on the dynamic nature of cellular organization and will include a description of physical properties of cells (dimensions, concepts of free energy, diffusion, biophysical properties). Students will be introduced to quantitative aspects of cell biology and a view of cellular function that is based on integrating multiple pathways and modes of regulation (systems biology).

MCELLBI 132 Biology of Human Cancer 4 Units

The course is designed for students interested in learning about the molecular and cell biology of cancer and how this knowledge is being applied to the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Topics covered include tumor pathology and epidemiology; tumor viruses and oncogenes; intracellular signaling; tumor suppressors; multi-step carcinogenesis and tumor progression; genetic instability in cancer; tumor-host interactions; invasion and metastasis; tumor immunology; cancer therapy.

MCELLBI 133L Physiology and Cell Biology Laboratory 4 Units

Experimental analyses of central problems in cell biology and physiology using modern techniques, including DNA cloning and protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy of the cytoskeleton and organelles, DNA transfection and cell cycle analysis of cultured mammalian cells, RNA interference and drug treatments to analyze ion channel function in cell contractility and intracellular signaling, and somatosensation.

MCELLBI C134 Chromosome Biology/Cytogenetics 3 Units

Survey of behavior, structure, and function of chromosomes with emphasis on behavior in model organisms. Topics include mitosis, meiosis, chromosome aberrations, genome function, dosage compensation, transposons, repetitive DNA, and modern cytological imaging.

MCELLBI 135A Topics in Cell and Developmental Biology: Molecular Endocrinology 3 Units

Molecular mechanisms by which hormones elicit specific responses and regulate gene expression; hormone-receptor interaction; synthesis, transport and targeting of hormones, growth factors and receptors.

MCELLBI 136 Physiology 4 Units

Principles of mammalian (primarily human) physiology emphasizing physical, chemical, molecular and cellular bases of functional biology. The following topics will be covered: cellular and membrane ion and nonelectrolyte transport; cell and endocrine regulation; autonomic nervous system regulation; skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle; cardiovascular physiology; respiration; renal physiology; gastrointestinal physiology. Discussion section led by Graduate Student Instructor will review material covered in lecture.

MCELLBI 137 Computer Simulation in Biology 3 Units

Modeling and computer simulation of dynamic biological processes using special graphical interfaces requiring very little mathematical or computer experience. Models are drawn from the current literature to teach concepts and technique. The later part of the course is a workshop for student-selected individual projects. Computer work may be done at home or in the university laboratory.

MCELLBI 140 General Genetics 4 Units

In-depth introduction to genetics, including mechanisms of inheritance; gene transmission and recombination; transposable DNA elements; gene structure, function, and regulation; and developmental genetics. Some exams may be given in the evening.

MCELLBI 140 General Genetics 4 Units

In-depth introduction to genetics, including mechanisms of inheritance; gene transmission and recombination; transposable DNA elements; gene structure, function, and regulation; and developmental genetics. Some exams may be given in the evening.

MCELLBI 140L Genetics Laboratory 4 Units

Experimental techniques in classical and molecular genetics.

MCELLBI 141 Developmental Biology 4 Units

An introduction to principles and processes of embryonic and post-embryonic development, stressing mechanisms of cell and tissue interactions, morphogenesis and regulation of gene expression.

MCELLBI 143 Evolution of Genomes, Cells, and Development 3 Units

This course is intended for upper-division undergraduates seeking an interactive course based on modern concepts in evolution and comparative genomics. The course will emphasize the contribution of molecular evolution to a series of seminal events in life's history: origin of life; origin of cells; origin of eukaryotes; origin of multicellularity; evolution of animal development; human origins.

MCELLBI C148 Microbial Genomics and Genetics 4 Units

Course emphasizes bacterial and archaeal genetics and comparative genomics. Genetics and genomic methods used to dissect metabolic and development processes in bacteria, archaea, and selected microbial eukaryotes. Genetic mechanisms integrated with genomic information to address integration and diversity of microbial processes. Introduction to the use of computational tools for a comparative analysis of microbial genomes and determining relationships among bacteria, archaea, and microbial eukaryotes.

MCELLBI 149 The Human Genome 3 Units

This is an upper division course for majors in MCB with an interest in an in-depth exploration of the forces that shape the human genome and the human population, as well as the ways that human genetic information can be used in medicine, ancestry and forensics. The course will combine lectures and discussion of research papers.

MCELLBI 150 Molecular Immunology 4 Units

Fundamentals of immunology with emphasis on biochemical and molecular approaches to study of the immune system and its application in medicine and biotechnology. Topics covered include description of the immune system, antibody and T-cell receptor structure and function, genes of the immunoglobulin superfamily, cells and molecular mediators that regulate the immune response, allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, tissue and organ transplants, and tumor immunology.

MCELLBI 150L Immunology Laboratory 4 Units

Experimental techniques in mammalian molecular biology and cellular immunology. Molecular techniques covered include PCR and recombinant DNA procedures such as gene cloning, gene transfer, DNA sequencing, Southern blot, and restriction mapping. Immunological techniques covered include cell culture and monoclonal antibody production, flow cytometry, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, and western blot.

MCELLBI 160 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 4 Units

Comprehensive introductory survey of cellular and molecular neuroscience, including cellular neurophysiology, ion channel function, synaptic function and plasticity, sensory transduction, and brain development. Includes introduction to molecular basis of neurological disease. Analysis from the level of molecules to cells to simple circuits.

MCELLBI 160L Neurobiology Laboratory 4 Units

Experimental analyses of properties and interactions of nerve cells and systems, illustrating principal features and current methods. Techniques employed include computer simulation of neuron properties, electrophysiological recording and stimulation of nerves and cells, digitally enhanced video imaging of outgrowth, fluorescence immunocytochemistry, analysis of sensory: CNS mapping, human-evoked potential recording, sensory psychophysics.

MCELLBI 161 Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience 4 Units

Comprehensive survey of circuits and systems neuroscience, including sensory and motor systems, learning and memory, neuromodulatory systems and brain state and higher functions.
Biological and computational principles of neural circuit function. Analysis from the level of small circuits to behavior.

MCELLBI 163 Mammalian Neuroanatomy 4 Units

Development, structure (gross and microscopic), and functional relationships of the mammalian nervous system.

MCELLBI 165 Neurobiology of Disease 3 Units

The molecular, cellular, and neural circuit basis of neurological disease. Includes neurochemistry and reward systems, neural development and its disorders, addiction, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Students will read and discuss primary papers from the research literature.

MCELLBI 166 Biophysical Neurobiology 3 Units

Electrochemistry and ion transport phenomena, equivalent circuits, excitability, action potentials, voltage clamp and the Hodgkin-Huxley model. Biophysical properties of ion channels. Statistical and electrophysiological models of synaptic transmission, Quantitative models for dendritic structure and neuronal morphogenesis. Sensory transduction, cellular networks as computational devices, information processing and transfer.

MCELLBI 180 Undergraduate Teaching of Biology 1A Laboratory 1 or 2 Units

Course consists of a weekly three-hour training session that focuses on laboratory techniques, instructional aids, and problem solving, plus an additional three hour weekly laboratory where the UGSI is required to assist a GSI in the instruction of laboratory (answering questions, providing demonstrations, etc.).

MCELLBI 180C Undergraduate Teaching of Molecular and Cell Biology 32 Laboratory 1 - 2 Units

Course consists of a weekly three-hour training session that focuses on laboratory techniques, instructional aids, and problem solving, plus an additional three-hour weekly laboratory where the UGSI is required to assist a GSI in the instruction of laboratory (answering questions, providing demonstrations, etc.). Students will be graded on lecture and laboratory attendance and preparation of one quiz.

MCELLBI H196A Honors Research 1 - 4 Units

Individual research and thesis preparation under the supervision of a faculty member. Acceptance to the Molecular and Cell Biology Honors Program is required. Contact the MCB Undergraduate Affairs Office, 3060 Valley Life Sciences Building, for application and details. Honor students must complete at least two semesters of research, taking a minimum of 4 units and a maximum of 8 units of H196A-196B. If desired, one semester of 199 can be used to replace H196A.

MCELLBI H196B Honors Research 1 - 4 Units

Individual research and completion of thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. This course satisfies the thesis requirement for the Molecular and Cell Biology Department Honors Program. Contact the MCB Undergraduate Affairs Office, 3060 Valley Life Sciences Building, for program details and an application. Honor students must complete at least two semesters of research, taking a minimum of 4 units and a maximum of 8 units of H196A-196B. One semester of H196B is required.

MCELLBI 197 Supervised Internship 1 Unit

Supervised experience relevant to specific topics of biology in off-campus organizations. Written report and evaluation from internship supervisor required.

MCELLBI 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Lectures and small group discussions focusing on topics of interest, varying from semester to semester.

MCELLBI 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Enrollment restrictions apply; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.

Faculty

Professors

Georjana Barnes, Professor. Biochemistry, genetics, cancer, biology, microtubule cytoskeleton, cell cycle controls, cellular imaging.
Research Profile

James M. Berger, Professor. Structural & mechanistic biochemistry of macromolecular assemblies & machines, multiprotein complexes; DNA replication, maintenance of chromosome superstructure;catalytic mechanism & enzyme/small-molecule inhibitor studies.
Research Profile

David Bilder, Professor. Genetics, cancer, Drosophila, cell biology, cell polarity, tumor suppressor, epithelial architecture, polarity, and proliferation control.
Research Profile

W. Zacheus Cande, Professor. Genetics, cell biology, microbial biology, plant biology.
Research Profile

Jamie H. D. Cate, Professor. Molecular basis for protein synthesis by the ribosome, RNA, antibiotics, a thermophilic bacterium, escherichia coli.
Research Profile

Kathleen Collins, Professor. RNA, telomerase, Telomere function, Telomere replication.
Research Profile

Yang Dan, Professor. Neuronal circuits, mammalian visual system, electrophysiological, psychophysical and computational techniques, visual cortical circuits, visual neurons.
Research Profile

Abby Dernburg, Professor. Genomics, chromosome remodeling and reorganization during meiosis, Down syndrome, DNA.
Research Profile

Andrew Dillin, Professor.

Jennifer A Doudna, Professor. RNA machines, hepatitis C virus, RNA interference, ribosomes.
Research Profile

David G. Drubin, Professor. Cellular morphogenesis, plasma membrane dynamics, microtubule cytoskeletons, cytoskeletal proteins, morphological development.
Research Profile

Peter H. Duesberg, Professor. Genetic structure of retroviruses, carcinogenesis, aneuploidy, virology, HIV-AIDS.
Research Profile

Michael B. Eisen, PhD, Professor. Genomics, genome sequencing, bioinformatics, animal development.
Research Profile

Marla B. Feller, Professor. Neurophysiology, developmental neuroscience.
Research Profile

Gary L. Firestone, Professor. Cancer, steroid hormones, molecular endocrinology, tumor biology, growth factors, dietary compounds, tumor cells, glucocorticoids.
Research Profile

Gian Garriga, Professor. Developmental neurobiology; molecular genetics, development of nervous systems, cell division, cell migration, axonal pathfinding, caenorhabditis elegans.
Research Profile

Iswar Krishna Hariharan, Professor.

Rebecca Heald, Professor. Cell division, Xenopus, mitotic spindle assembly and function, size control of intracellular structures.
Research Profile

James H Hurley, Professor.

Ehud Y. Isacoff, Professor. Ion channel function, synaptic plasticity, neural excitability, synaptic transmission, the synapse.
Research Profile

Douglas E. Koshland, Professor. Higher order chromosome structure, genome integrity, sister chromatid cohesion, chromosome condensation, desiccation tolerance, microbial genetics.
Research Profile

Richard H Kramer, Professor. Cells, synaptic transmission, chemical signaling between neurons, ion channels, electrical signals, chemical reagents, synapses.
Research Profile

John Kuriyan, Professor. Structural and functional studies of signal transduction, DNA replication, cancer therapies, phosphorylation.
Research Profile

Michael S Levine, Professor. Regulation of enhancer-promoter interactions, gene networks, animal development and disease, drosophila embryo, immune response in drosophila larvae, differentiation of the notochord and heart in the sea squirt, whole-genome analysis.
Research Profile

Kunxin Luo, Professor. Signal transduction pathways, mechanisms controlling the receptor kinases, regulation of mammary epithelial cell differentiation, breast carcinogenesis.
Research Profile

Terry E. Machen, PhD, Professor. Physiology pathophysiology secretory epithelial cells, airway, ion transport, cell regulationm, imaging microscopy, calcium pH redox, electrophysiology, green fluorescent protein, genetic targeting, innate immune defense.
Research Profile

Susan Marqusee, Professor. Amino acids, determinants of protein structure and folding, biophysical, structural and computational techniques, translocation, protein synthesis.
Research Profile

Barbara J Meyer, Professor. Developmental biology, gene expression, genetic determination of sex, regulatory genes, chromosome dynamics, X-chromosome.
Research Profile

John Ngai, Professor. Nervous system, molecular and cellular mechanisms of olfaction, detection of odors, odorant receptors, olfactory neurons, DNA microarray technologies, genome-wide patterns of gene expression.
Research Profile

Nipam Patel, Professor. Genetics, evolution, crustaceans, insects, arthropods, homeotic (Hox) genes, segmentation, embryonic pattern formation, neural patterning.
Research Profile

Mu-Ming Poo, Professor. Neurobiology, cellular and molecular mechanisms, axon guidance, synapse formation, activity-dependent refinement of neural circuits.
Research Profile

Michael P Rape, PhD, Professor. Cancer, protein degradation, siRNA, Berkeley Screening Center.
Research Profile

Jasper D. Rine, Professor. Biology, cell biology, DNA replication, gene regulation, saccharomyces cerevisiae, genetic analysis, genome, cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, modification of proteins, prenylated proteins.
Research Profile

Donald C. Rio, Professor. Molecular genetics, drosophila melanogaster, transposable elements, RNA splicing, nucleic acid rearrangement reactions, P elements and their cellular host, HIV, proteomic diversification, nucleoprotein complexes.
Research Profile

Ellen Robey, Professor. Fate determination in the T-lymphocyte lineage, T cell development in the mouse, thymic development, cellular maturation, parasitic infection, chronic infection, host-pathogen interactions, Toxoplasma gondii.
Research Profile

Randy W Schekman, Professor. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, organelle assembly, intracellular protein transport, assembly of cellular organelles, Alzheimer's Disease.
Research Profile

Kristin Scott, Professor. Nerve cell connectivity in developing nervous systems, taste perception in the fruit fly, taste neural circuits, sensory maps in the brain.
Research Profile

Karsten Weis, Professor. Molecular biology, proteins, macromolecular transport, nucleus of eukaryotic cells, DNA transcription, mRNA translation, nuclear pore complex, the cytoplasm, cerevisiae and metazoan cells, transport of macromolecules, the cell cycle.
Research Profile

David A. Weisblat, Professor. Developmental biology, glossiphoniid leech embryos, evolution of different animal taxa, microinjection of cell lineage tracers.
Research Profile

Matthew D. Welch, Professor. Biology, cell motility, the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cell locomotion, shape change, actin filament assembly, bacterial and viral pathogens.
Research Profile

Astar Winoto, PhD, Professor. Cancer, genomics, apoptosis, innate immunity and infectious diseases, cell cycle, signal transduction, immune tolerance.
Research Profile

Qiang Zhou, PhD, Professor. Biochemistry of HIV gene expression, transcriptional elongation, Tat activation, stage of transcriptional elongation, HIV replication, anti-HIV therapy.
Research Profile

Associate Professors

Gregory M. Barton, Associate Professor. Immunology, cell biology, infectious disease, innate immunity.
Research Profile

Laurent Coscoy, Associate Professor. Immunology, viruses, viral infection, immune responses, immune evasion.
Research Profile

Dan Feldman, PhD, Associate Professor. Neurobiology, learning, neurophysiology, sensory biology.
Research Profile

Nicole King, Associate Professor. Genetics, developmental biology, biology, choanoflagellates, evolution of multicellular animals, comparative genomics, molecular phylogenetics, eukaryotes, cadherins, host-microbe interactions.
Research Profile

Henk Roelink, PhD, Associate Professor. Stem cells, neural development, embryonic induction.
Research Profile

Bill Sha, Associate Professor. B cell gene regulation, fate determination, gene regulatory pathways, antibody-secreting plasma cells, memory B cells, apoptotic cells, B7 costimulatory ligands.
Research Profile

Russell E. Vance, Associate Professor. Immunology, microbiology, infectious disease, molecular and cell biology.
Research Profile

Assistant Professors

Hillel Adesnik, Assistant Professor.

Helen Bateup, Assistant Professor.

Diana Bautista, PhD, Assistant Professor. Ion channels, sensory physiology, chemosensation, touch, thermosensation, somatosensory system.
Research Profile

Gloria A Brar, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Rachel B Brem, Assistant Professor. Genetics of regulatory variation.
Research Profile

Lin He, Assistant Professor.

Dirk Hockemeyer, Assistant Professor.

Nicholas Ingolia, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Bryan A. Krantz, PhD, Assistant Professor. Protein folding, spectroscopy, electrophysiology, biophysical studies of transmembrane protein translocation, microbial toxins.
Research Profile

Polina V Lishko, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Craig T. Miller, PhD, Assistant Professor. Genetics, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, evolution, quantitative genetics, developmental genetics, evolutionary genetics, craniofacial development.
Research Profile

Kaoru Saijo, Assistant Professor.

David Savage, PhD, Assistant Professor. Synthetic biology and metabolism.
Research Profile

Elcin Unal, Assistant Professor.

Roberto Zoncu, PhD, Assistant Professor.

Adjunct Faculty

Gary H. Karpen, Adjunct Faculty. Gene expression, cell biology, chromosome structure and function, drosophila melanogaster, centromere identity and function.
Research Profile

Robert T. Tjian, Adjunct Faculty. Eukaryotic molecular biology; biochemistry, cellular differentiation, chromatin function, RNA synthesis.
Research Profile

Lecturers

P. Robert Beatty, Lecturer.

Helen Lew, PhD, Lecturer.

David E. Presti, Lecturer.

Gary Joseph Wedemayer, Lecturer.

Contact Information

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

142 Life Sciences Addition

Phone: 510-642-2651

Visit Department Website

Department Co-Chair

David Raulet, PhD

481A Life Sciences Addition

mcbchair@berkeley.edu

Department Co-Chair

Richard Harland, PhD

571A Life Sciences Addition

mcbchair@berkeley.edu

Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Division Chair

Jennifer Doudna, PhD

708A Stanley Hall

Phone: 510-643-0225

doudna@berkeley.edu

Chair, Undergraduate Affairs Committee

Eva Nogales

708C Stanley Hall

Phone: 510-642-0557

enogalel@lbl.gov

Undergraduate Advising Office Manager

Jessica Kongthong

Phone: 510-643-7473

jesskt@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Staff Adviser

James Depelteau, MA

3060 Valley Life Sciences Building

Phone: 510-643-8895

jdepelteau@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Staff Adviser

Anwar Thomas, MA

3060 Valley Life Sciences Building

Phone: 510-643-8895

anwar.thomas@berkeley.edu

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