Overview

About MCDB

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) is a highly interactive community of ~30 faculty, whose research activities bridge the broad spectrum of modern biology, illuminating the fundamental mechanisms through which biological molecules, molecular assemblies, cellular constituents, and collectives of cells dynamically drive living processes throughout the microbial, plant and animal kingdoms. The department is characterized by a collaborative and collegial environment in which students, postdocs, staff, and faculty bring their collective talents and enthusiasm to the joy of scientific adventure and discovery.

Research

MCDB is strongly committed to excellence in both research and education. The department offers both general Biology degree programs, and for students wishing to focus on more specialized areas offers programs in biochemistry-molecular biology, microbiology, pharmacology, and cell & developmental biology. The department also affords numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, both in scheduled lab classes and independent study in individual faculty research labs.

Location

Outstanding faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, excellent support staff, and an incomparable campus setting on the Pacific Ocean, combine to provide MCDB students with a rich and intellectually stimulating environment for research and learning.