University of California, Los Angeles College of Letters and Science 80 courses
The Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) is designed especially for students who intend to go on to postgraduate work in biology or medicine and for students aiming for entry-level positions in biotechnology-related fields. Students are exposed to basic biological and molecular concepts underlying recent technical advances in molecular, cell, and developmental biology of animals and plants. Areas of emphasis include cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, plant biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology, among others.
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Chemistry
Select one series from:
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Chemistry: Chemistry 14 series
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Chemistry: Chemistry 20 and 30 series
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Life Sciences
Complete the following four courses:
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Mathematics
Select one series from:
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Mathematics: Life Sciences 30 series
Students may select either Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13.
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Mathematics: Mathematics 3 series
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Mathematics: Mathematics 31 series
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 31A | Differential and Integral Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 31B | Integration and Infinite Series | 4 |
| MATH 32A | Calculus of Several Variables | 4 |
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Physics
Select one series from:
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Physics: Physics 1 series
Preparation for the Major: Life Sciences Core Curriculum: Physics: Physics 5 series
The Major
Complete five required courses, one laboratory course, and 20 upper-division units as follows:
The Major: Required Courses
Complete the following five courses:
The Major: Laboratory
Select one course from:
The Major: Laboratory: Biomedical Research Minor Substitution
Students completing the Biomedical Research minor may satisfy the laboratory requirement with the following course:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCD BIO 198C | Honors Research in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology | 4 |
The Major: Electives
Complete a total of 20 upper-division elective units as follows:
The Major: Electives: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Upper-Division
Select five units from Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (except 100, 104AL, 138, 144, 150AL, 165A, 187AL, 192A, 192B, 193, 194A, 194B, or 199).
The Major: Electives: Additional Electives
Select five additional units from the preceding list or the following list:
The Major: Electives: Additional Electives
Complete 10 additional units from the preceding two course lists or from the following. Only one course from Biostatistics 100 or Statistics 100A may be applied.
Honors Program
The core of the program consists of at least one approved undergraduate seminar course from Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 145, 180A, 180B, 191, Biomedical Research 193H, or 194H, and three research courses (12 units minimum) from 198A, 198B, and 198C, culminating in a thesis. Biomedical Research 193H and 194H are not accepted as electives for the major.
Computing Specialization
Majors in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology may select a specialization in Computing by satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the major and completing the following course requirements. A grade of C or better is required in each course, with a combined grade-point average in the specialization of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after completing Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Student Affairs Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.
Computing Specialization: Required
Students may select either Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13
Computing Specialization: Elective
Select one course from:
Click a course code or title to read the full course description.
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