Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
2014-15 General Catalog
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department
225 Sinsheimer Laboratories
(831) 459-2385
http://www.mcd.ucsc.edu
Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs Office
142 Jack Basking Engineering Bldg.
(831) 459-4143
http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu
MCDB Faculty | MCDB Course Descriptions
Undergraduate Program Description
This is an extraordinary time to be involved in biomedical research. New technologies are rapidly changing our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of life, with dramatic implications for how we treat human disease. Members of the Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, along with affiliated faculty in the departments of Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, and Physics, are participating in an extraordinary revolution in biomedical science. A broad spectrum of cutting-edge research tools are being employed to tackle problems in key areas that include: the structural and functional role of RNA in regulation of gene expression; chromatin biology and epigenetic control of genes; the cell biology of the cytoskeleton and the cell cycle; decisions controlling embryogenesis and organ development; and developmental neurobiology. The insights generated by this basic research enable new strategies for treatments of aging disorders, birth defects, neurological diseases, cancer and other human ailments. The department offers a spectrum of courses that reflect the exciting new developments and directions in these fields, and trains students to participate in these exciting fields.
Students may plan a program that leads to one of several bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees. Students may choose from the following major options:
Human biology B.S.Molecular, cell, and developmental biology B.S.
Neuroscience B.S.
Advanced undergraduates, with the guidance of faculty mentors, have access to extensive departmental laboratory facilities for independent research. Many students take advantage of the numerous opportunities with local physicians, health care providers and biotech companies to gain experience in a real world setting. This array of opportunities for directed independent study enables biological science majors to enhance their upper-division programs to reflect and strengthen their own interests and goals.
Prerequisites
Due to the demanding nature of the majors, students must begin their science coursework as early as possible. CHEM 1A, 1B and 1C, and BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B must be taken during the first and second years in order for students to qualify for admission to MCD biology-sponsored majors (see below). Students are strongly encouraged to take AMS 5 or AMS 7/L and at least one quarter of calculus during their first two years.
An online Mathematics Placement Examination is offered at various periods prior to enrollment for each quarter. Biological science majors are expected to take this examination. For more information see the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs web site at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu.
Students intending to major in human biology should take the Spanish placement examination, offered by the language program, to determine with which course they should begin the Spanish sequence. They should also complete the laboratory course 20L.
Transfer Students
Applications from transfer students in the biological sciences are encouraged. Students who transfer without having completed the required and recommended coursework may have difficulty enrolling in courses and may require more than two years to complete a degree. Prior to transfer, students should satisfy major qualification requirements or their UCSC equivalents: CHEM 1B, General Chemistry; CHEM 1C, General Chemistry; BIOL 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology; BIOE 20B, Development and Physiology. Junior-level transfer students are also strongly encouraged to complete courses equivalent to MATH 11A, MATH 11B and AMS 5 or AMS 7/L prior to transfer. Intended human biology majors are strongly encouraged to complete the Spanish language requirement prior to transfer. Prospective transfer students should review the transfer information at http://assist.org or contact the Undergraduate Affairs office for further information.
Academic Advising
Academic advising is available at the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs office. Students should take full advantage of this opportunity and should keep in frequent touch with the office to stay informed about late announcements of courses, changes in scheduling, and opportunities for special study. For additional advice and information please see the undergraduate web site.
Major Requirements Qualifications Policy
The Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology has a qualification policy that applies to the molecular, cell and developmental biology B.S.; human biology B.S. and neuroscience B.S. majors.To qualify for any of the majors, students must pass and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.30 or greater in the following courses or their equivalents:
Chemistry and Biochemistry 1B, General Chemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry 1C, General Chemistry
Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (BIOL) 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOE) 20B, Development and Physiology
Students who want to declare the Human Biology B.S. are strongly encouraged to complete BIOL 20L prior to declaring.
Students with two or more grades of NP, D, or F in the policy courses are not qualified to declare.
When calculating grades to determine cumulative GPA in policy courses:
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All courses must be taken for a letter grade, see Letter Grade Policy.
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Students with AP credit for Biology: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (BIOL) 20A and Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOE) 20B, may base their cumulative GPA on three grades: a single A for AP Biology and their grades in Chemistry and Biochemistry 1B and 1C.
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Students with non-grades (I, IP, DG, etc.) in any of the policy courses will not be eligible to declare until a grade has been assigned.
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Every student who satisfies the major admission requirements and who petitions to declare the major by the campus major declaration deadline (i.e. before enrolling in their 3rd year or the equivalent) will be admitted to the major. Students enrolled in their final qualification policy course at the major declaration deadline may submit the petition, but will not be declared until satisfactory grades and qualifying GPA have been posted. Students who satisfy the major admission requirements, but who petition to declare the major after the campus major declaration deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission to the major; admission is not guaranteed.
Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology Faculty Adviser within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the student, college, and Office of the Registrar of the decision. For more information about the appeal process see the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs web site at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/qualifying/appeal-process.html.
Double Major in the Biological Sciences
Students interested in pursuing multiple majors within the biological sciences may not declare any combination of biology (B.A., B.S., bioeducation concentration, or minor), molecular, cell and developmental biology, neuroscience, and biochemistry and molecular biology.
Human Biology Major
The B.S. major in human biology is designed for students interested in careers in medicine or biomedical research. Medical and professional school admissions requirements vary; students should verify that their coursework will satisfy the admissions requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply. Students are required to take introductory biology and lab (BIOL 20L), genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, human physiology with lab and one additional course directly relevant to human health. Students in this program must also fulfill Spanish language and health care internship requirements.
Human Biology B.S. Major Requirements*
Introductory Requirements
Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOL 20L
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M (Note: 109 is also recommended for pre-med students)
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B or Applied Math and Statistics 15A-B;
Statistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5 or 7/L
Physics: Physics 6A/L, and 6C/N (Note: some medical schools require one full year of Physics/Lab)
Advanced Requirements
Five core courses:
Biochemistry with laboratory: BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A, 100B, 100C
Molecular Biology: BIOL 101
Genetics: BIOL 105
Cell Biology: BIOL 110
Human Physiology with Laboratory: BIOL 130/L
One of the following electives:
BIOL 111A, Immunology I
BIOL 111B, Immunology II
BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology
BIOL 114, Cancer Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 125, Neuroscience
BIOL 126, Advanced Neural Development
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 135/L, Anatomy of the Human Body/Laboratory
BIOL 140, Biophysics
BIOL 178, Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 179, Biotechnology and Drug Development
BIOL 182, Genomics
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 119, Microbiology
Internship Requirement: BIOL 189 and 189W, Health Sciences Internship. The student must participate in a community health care service activity approved by the health sciences internship coordinator. Credit may be earned over multiple quarters.
Language Requirement: Spanish 1–4 or the equivalent and one quarter of Spanish for health-care workers (Spanish 5M).
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in human biology is satisfied by completing courses BIOL 130L, Human Physiology Laboratory, and BIOL 189, Health Sciences Internship and BIOL 189W, Disciplinary Communication: Human Biology.
Human Biology B.S. Sample Planners
For freshmen: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/hbiobs/hbiobs-frosh-plans.html
For transfer students: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/hbiobs/hbiobs-transfer-plans.html
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Major
The molecular, cell, and developmental (MCD) biology major is designed for students interested in medical or other professional graduate programs and those preparing for careers in biotechnology industries. This major is more structured than the general biology major and requires that students pay careful attention to the prerequisites required for upper-division biology courses.
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology B.S. Major Requirements
Introductory Requirements
Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B or Applied Math and Statistics 15A-B
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5 or 7/L
Physics: Physics 6A/L and 6B or 6C
Advanced Requirements
Five core courses:
Biochemistry*: BIOL 100; or the series Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, 100C. (Upon completion of the series, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C may be used to satisfy one lecture elective.)
Molecular Biology*: BIOL 101
*Instead of Biochemistry (BIOL 100) and Molecular Biology (BIOL 101), students may complete the series in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, 100C. (Upon completion of the series, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C may be used to satisfy one lecture elective.)
Molecular Biology Labatory: BIOL 101L
Genetics: BIOL 105
Cell Biology: BIOL 110
Three of the following electives:
(Only one of which may be a 3-credit course: BIOL 116 or BIOL 117)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100C, Biochemistry
BIOL 111A, Immunology
BIOL 111B, Immunology II
BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology
BIOL 114, Cancer Cell Biology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 116, Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
BIOL 117, Neglected Tropical Diseases
BIOL 118, Biology of Disease
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 125, Neuroscience
BIOL 126, Advanced Neural Development
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory
BIOL 140, Biophysics
BIOL 178, Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 178L, Protocols in Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 179, Biotechnology and Drug Development
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
BIOL 182, Genomics
BIOE 109, Evolution
BIOE 135/L, Plant Physiology/Laboratory
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 119, Microbiology
One of the following laboratory courses:
BIOL 100L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L Yeast Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory
BIOL 121L, Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 110L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in molecular, cell, and developmental biology is satisfied by completing one of the following courses: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 110L; BIOL 100L, 105L, 105M, 109L, 110L, 115L, 120L, 121L, 186L, 187L; Biomolecular Engineering 122; or Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 119L.
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology B.S. Sample Planners
For freshmen: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/mcdbbs/mcdbbs-frosh-plans.html
For transfer students: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/mcdbbs/mcdbbs-transfer-plans.html
Neuroscience Major
Neuroscience, the study of the nervous system and behavior of animals, is a frontier area in biology, touching psychology on the one hand and computer science on the other. The neuroscience major provides students with rigorous preparation for graduate studies and research in the field of neuroscience. Rigorous course work is supplemented by opportunities for hands-on research.
Neuroscience B.S. Major Requirements
Introductory Requirements
Introductory Biology: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B and 20C
General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A, 1B and 1C/N
Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 108A/L and 108B
Calculus: Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B or Applied Math and Statistics 15A-B
Biostatistics: Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5 or 7/L
Physics: Physics 6A/L and 6C
Advanced Requirements
Seven core courses:
Biochemistry: BIOL 100
Molecular Biology: BIOL 101
Molecular Biology Laboratory: BIOL 101L
Genetics: BIOL 105
Cell Biology: BIOL 110
Neuroscience: BIOL 125
Advanced Neuroscience: BIOL 126
Two of the following electives:
BIOE 131/L, Animal Physiology/Laboratory
BIOE 140, Behavioral Ecology
BIOL 111A, Immunology I
BIOL 111B, Immunology II
BIOL 113, Mammalian Endocrinology
BIOL 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
BIOL 118, Biology of Disease
BIOL 120, Development
BIOL 127, Neurodegenerative Disease
BIOL 130/L, Human Physiology/Laboratory
BIOL 140, Biophysics
BIOL 178L, Protocols in Stem Cell Laboratory
BIOL 179, Biotechnology and Drug Development
BIOL 180/L, Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
BIOL 181, Computational Biology Tools
BIOL 182, Genomics
Psychology 121, Perception
Psychology 123, Behavioral Neuroscience
One of the following laboratory electives:
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 183L/W, Undergraduate Research in EEB and Writing
BIOL 100L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L Yeast Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 120L, Development Laboratory
BIOL 121L, Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory
Biomolecular Engineering 122, Environmental Virus Bioinformatics Laboratory
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement. The DC Requirement in neuroscience is satisfied by completing one of the following: BIOE 141L, 183L; BIOL 100L, 105L, 109L, 110L, 115L, 120L, 121L, 186L, 187L; or BIOE 183L and 183W; or Biomolecular Engineering 122.
Neuroscience B.S. Sample Planners
For freshmen: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/nbiobs/nbiobs-frosh-plans.html
For transfer students: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/mcdb/nbiobs/nbiobs-transfer-plans.html
Comprehensive Requirement
All majors require a comprehensive requirement. This requirement can be satisfied in one of the following ways:
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by passing course 190, Senior Seminar;
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by receiving a passing grade in an internship, independent research laboratory, or field course:
BIOE 114L, Field Methods in Herpetological Research
BIOE 141L, Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 145L, Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 150L, Ecological Field Methods
BIOE 151, Ecology and Conservation in Practice
BIOE 155L, Freshwater Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 158L, Marine Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 159, Marine Ecology Field Quarter
BIOE 161L, Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 183, Undergraduate Research in EEB
BIOL 100L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
BIOL 105L, Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 105M, Microbial Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 109L Yeast Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 110L, Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 111L, Immunology Laboratory
BIOL 115L, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 120L, Developmental Biology Laboratory
BIOL 121L, Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory
BIOL 178L, Protocols in Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 186L, Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology
BIOL 186R, Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology
BIOL 187L, Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory
BIOL 189, Health Sciences Internship
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 110L, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
Biomolecular Engineering 122, Environmental Virus Bioinformatics Laboratory
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 119L, Microbiology Laboratory
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by completing a senior thesis;
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by achieving a graduate record examination (GRE) score at or above the 50th percentile on the biology subject test or the biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology subject test. Reports of GRE scores must be submitted to the biological sciences adviser before the last day of the graduating quarter;
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by obtaining an medical college admission test (MCAT) score at or above the 50th percentile on the biological sciences section. Reports of MCAT scores must be submitted to the biological sciences adviser before the last day of the graduating quarter.
Honors
Honors in the majors are awarded to graduating students whose academic performance demonstrates excellence at a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above. Highest honors are awarded to those students whose performance demonstrates the highest level of excellence and results in a GPA of 3.8 or above.
Letter Grade Policy
For all students entering UCSC in fall 2001 and later, all courses used to satisfy any of the majors must be taken for a letter grade.
Medical and Professional School Admission
Medical and professional school admissions requirements vary; students should verify that their coursework will satisfy the admissions requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply.
Course Substitution/Transfer Credit Policy
At least half of the upper-division courses (numbered 100–190) required for each major must be taken through the biological sciences program at UCSC, not as transfer credits from another department or institution. Transfer students are advised to contact the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs office before enrolling in numerous upper-division courses at other institutions. For more information on transferring courses to UCSC, please consult the undergraduate web site.
Students who wish to receive credit toward the major for different courses taken either at UCSC or at another institution should contact the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs office.
Education Abroad Opportunities
The UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) offers qualified students unique opportunities to broaden their educational horizons. The MCDB Department encourages interested students to participate. Many programs are in English-speaking countries or use English for advanced courses. Many programs offer small classes, extensive laboratories, and/or field research experience.
Students interested in study abroad need to get an early start on their basic science requirements, including chemistry, mathematics, and introductory biology and must declare their major prior to applying to go abroad. Visit the EAP office as soon as possible to begin planning; you must seek advice about your EAP plan for major courses at UCSC from the biological sciences undergraduate adviser and/or faculty adviser and receive their approval for your plans.
Graduate Program Description
The program in molecular, cell, and developmental (MCD) biology (courses BIOL) leads to either the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or the master of arts (M.A.) and is designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and biotechnology. Current research in MCD biology focuses on such topics as the structure and function of RNA, gene expression, chromatin structure, epigenetics, signaling, cell division, development, nerve cell function, and stem cell biology. A unique focus of the department is the Center for the Molecular Biology of RNA.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. and master’s students complete the graduate core courses, BIOL 200A, 200B, and 200C, and 200D in the first year. Additional undergraduate courses required to strengthen the student’s background may be assigned by the advisory committee during the initial advising meeting. Typically, these courses are Biochemistry 100A and BIOL 115. Students are required to participate in laboratory research meetings and departmental seminar series every quarter.
First-year Ph.D. students complete three 6-week laboratory rotations. Students choose their rotation laboratories in consultation with the Graduate Advisory Committee. The laboratory rotations give students a chance to learn about the diverse fields and methods of inquiry and to interact with members of the department. At the end of each rotation, students present a short talk to the department on their rotation project. At the end of winter quarter, students consult with rotation faculty to identify a permanent thesis laboratory.
Second-year Ph.D. students are required to submit two proposals—one on their proposed thesis work and a second on an unrelated MCDB research topic. The Ph.D. qualifying examination, taken in spring quarter of the second year, is an oral examination before a committee comprised of three internal reviewers and one external reviewer.
Once the qualifying examination is passed, a student, with her/his faculty adviser, selects a thesis committee to consult with in the development of the student’s thesis. This committee monitors the student’s progress and ultimately approves the final draft of the student’s dissertation. The student must meet with the thesis committee at least once a year after passing the qualifying examination.
A student is advanced to candidacy following presentation of their research to the department in a seminar. This presentation takes place no later than spring of the third year.
Graduate students must take two approved advanced graduate electives. Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree but without doing rotations must complete an additional two approved graduate elective courses.
Ph.D. Requirements
Complete the graduate core course
Complete the Practice of Science course
Complete an oral qualifying examination
Complete an advancement to candidacy seminar
Complete two advanced, graduate elective courses
Meet yearly with a thesis committee after the qualifying examination
Complete two quarters of service as a teaching assistant
Complete thesis research resulting in a dissertation of individual work
Present the thesis defense in a departmental seminar
M.A. Requirements
Students apply to the master’s degree program through the same portal as for the Ph.D. degree program. However, since master’s students do not do research rotations, they must identify a research adviser at the outset of the training period.
Completion of the graduate core courses
Completion of the Practice of Science course
Write a master’s thesis based on original research
Presentation of thesis defense in a departmental seminar
Revised: 09/01/14
