Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences
Life Sciences and Technology Building Room 3311
Telephone: (805) 893-3511
Undergraduate Information (805) 893-5191
Graduate Information (805) 893-8499

Undergraduate e-mail: mcdb-ugrad@lifesci.ucsb.edu
Graduate e-mail: mcdb-gradasst@lifesci.ucsb.edu
Website: lifesci.ucsb.edu/MCDB (will open in a new browser window)

Department Chair: Dennis Clegg

Contents:

Faculty
- Emeriti Faculty
Overview
- Senior Honors Program
Undergraduate Program
Graduate Program
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Courses

Faculty

Rolf E. Christoffersen, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Associate Professor (plant molecular biology)

Dennis O. Clegg, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (molecular neurobiology)

James B. Cooper, Ph.D., Washington University, Associate Professor (plant biology)

Peggy A. Cotter, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Associate Professor (microbial pathogenesis)

Frederick Dahlquist, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Professor (biochemistry)

Diane E. Eardley, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment (cellular immunology)

Stuart C. Feinstein, Ph.D., UC San Francisco, Professor (molecular cell biology and neurobiology)

Ruth R. Finkelstein, Ph.D., Indiana University, Professor (plant biology)

Steven K. Fisher, Ph.D., Purdue University, Professor (neurobiology)

Kathleen Foltz, Ph.D., Purdue University, Associate Professor (cellular and molecular biology, marine invertebrate development)

Christopher Hayes, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Assistant Professor (molecular mechanisms of ribosome pausing during protein synthesis and recruitment of SsrA (tmRNA) to stalled ribosomes)

David M. Kohl, Ph.D., State University of New York, Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment (developmental biology)

Kenneth Kosik, M.D., Medical College of Pennslyvania, Professor and Harriman Chair (neuronal development, neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s disease)

G. John Lew, Ph.D., University of Calgary, Associate Professor (biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology)

David A. Low, Ph.D., UC Irvine, Professor (microbial genetics)

Dzwokai Ma, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Assistant Professor (trafficking regulation of receptors and channels in the nervous system)

Michael J. Mahan, Ph.D., University of Utah, Professor (microbial pathogenesis)

Daniel Morse, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Professor (molecular genetics, biochemistry, marine biology, developmental biology)

Stephen J. Poole, Ph.D., UC San Diego, Associate Professor (developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology)

Joel Rothman, Ph.D., University of Oregon, Professor (developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry)

Charles E. Samuel, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (virology, biochemistry)

Duane Sears, Ph.D., Columbia University, Professor (biochemistry)

William C. Smith, Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz, Professor (vertebrate developmental biology)

Douglas Thrower, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Lecturer PSOE (pharmacology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology)

Carol A. Vandenberg, Ph.D., UC San Diego, Professor (molecular neurobiology)

J. Herbert Waite, Ph.D., Duke University, Professor, (marine biomolecular materials)

Thomas Weimbs, Ph.D., University of Cologne, Assistant Professor (epithelial cell polarity, vesicle traffic, membrane fusion, polycystic kidney disease)

Leslie Wilson, Ph.D., Tufts University, Professor (biochemical pharmacology)

Emeriti Faculty

John A. Carbon, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Professor Emeritus (biochemistry)

Louise Clarke, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Professor Emerita (biochemistry, genetics)

James Cronshaw, D.Sc., Ph.D., Leeds, Professor Emeritus (cell biology)

Ellis Englesberg, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus (microbiology, genetics)

Aharon Gibor, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor Emeritus (cell biology)

Philip C. Laris, Ph.D., Princeton University, Professor Emeritus (cell physiology)

Nancy L. Lee, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, Professor Emerita (molecular biology)

Henry I. Nakada, Ph.D., Temple University, Professor Emeritus (biochemistry)

Eduardo Orias, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Professor Emeritus (genetics)

Ian K. Ross, Ph.D., McGill University, Professor Emeritus (cell biology, mycology)

George Taborsky, Ph.D., Yale University, Professor Emeritus (biochemistry)

Edward L. Triplett, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor Emeritus (biology)

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) offers the bachelor of science degree in four departmental majors - biochemistry-molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and pharmacology. In addition, it cooperates with the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology in offering the interdepartmental biological sciences major, with both B.A. and B.S. objectives. The department offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of master of arts and doctor of philosophy, with emphasis in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. An interdepartmental graduate program is offered in biochemistry and molecular biology, in cooperation with the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Materials. In addition, a wide range of courses is available to all undergraduates for elective enrollment or for the support of their preparation for degrees in other departments or programs.

Molecular, cellular, and developmental biology majors provide excellent preparation for a wide variety of biology-related careers, including careers in the health sciences, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, environmental health and safety, food technology, and forensic science, and for research careers in academic, industry, and government laboratories. Many MCDB students prepare for entry into graduate or professional schools. Students should become familiar with the requirements of programs of interest, and then discuss their undergraduate coursework with their advisor. In general, all of the department’s majors are suitable for students preparing for professional schools in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or nursing, and for graduate programs in biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, pharmacology, or virology. Students with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in pursuing a California Teaching Credential should contact the credential advisor in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education as soon as possible.

The department undergraduate academic advisor is available for counseling on matters such as major requirements, course substitutions, petitions, and career and graduate school information. One faculty member serves each year as graduate advisor. The graduate program assistant helps graduate students in all matters related to their graduate study. Department publications are available from the undergraduate advisor and the graduate program assistant. Additional information is available at the MCDB website at lifesci.ucsb.edu/MCDB.

Senior Honors Program

Students with outstanding academic records in biological sciences are encouraged to apply for the senior honors program early in the fall quarter of the senior year. The honors program centers on an independent research project carried out in one of the departmental research groups (MCDB and EEMB 199) and applications are available from the undergraduate advisor.

Undergraduate Program

Students are normally expected to complete all courses required in preparation for the major by the end of their sophomore year, but physics may be delayed until the junior year if necessary. Students with strong high school backgrounds are urged to complete their basic preparation in general chemistry and mathematics during their freshman year. Students with weak mathematics preparation should make up this deficiency by completing intermediate algebra and trigonometry by correspondence through University Extension, preferably during the summer preceding enrollment at UCSB, or by completing Mathematics 15 at UCSB. As the requirements suggest, each major in the department is designed to emphasize a different area in biology.

Upper-division major courses offered on the P/NP-only basis may be taken for major credit to a maximum of 4 units total in any combination for pharmacology and the B.A. in biological sciences or a maximum of 8 units total for the other B.S. majors. All other courses for the major, both preparation and upper-division, must be taken for letter grades.

Pre-Biology

Students are not admitted directly into the following majors: Biological Sciences B.A. or B.S., Biochemistry-Molecular Biology B.S., Biological Sciences B.A. or B.S., Cell and Developmental Biology B.S., Microbiology B.S., and Pharmacology B.S. Instead, they are first admitted to the pre-biology major, and they may advance to full major standing in one of these majors only after fulfilling the pre-major course and grade requirements listed below.

Note: Completion of the pre-major does not fully satisfy the preparation for the major requirements for any of the majors. Students should review the full requirement sheet for the major they intend to declare and plan their schedules accordingly. Also note that acceptance into the pre-major does not guarantee admission to full major status.

Students may petition for advancement to full major status in any one of the majors as soon as they have completed the required minimum of twelve courses with a 2.0 or higher grade-point average in area B, in area C, and in the courses in area A and D combined. At the time of the petition, they must also have a 2.0 or higher grade-point average in all courses attempted toward the major (preparation and upper-division). The P/NP grading option is not allowed for any pre-major courses. All must be completed on a letter-grade basis.

General Chemistry: Chemistry 1A or 2A, 1B or 2B, 1C or 2C. (The entire three-quarter series and laboratories are required for all MCDB majors.)
MCDB 1A, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, EEMB 3.
MCDB 1AL, either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L, and EEMB 3L.
Two courses from the following:
1. Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 109A-B-C. (Laboratories are also required for all MCDB majors. Biological Sciences B.A. and B.S. do not require 109C.)
2. Calculus: Mathematics 3A or 34A, 3B or 34B (Biochemistry-Molecular Biology requires Mathematics 3A-B-C and beyond; the other majors give a choice of Mathematics 3A or 34A-B).
3. Statistics: EEMB 30 or PSTAT 5A or Math 3C (Biochemistry-Molecular Biology requires Math 3C and either Math 5A or EEMB 30 or PSTAT 5A).
4. Physics 6A-B-C (Biological Sciences B.A. does not require 6C. Laboratories required for all majors).

Note: Many upper-division EEMB and all MCDB courses require a C or better in each prerequisite course. See individual course listings.

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences

UCSB offers both a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in biological sciences. The B.A. degree is intended to provide flexibility in curriculum planning for students interested in obtaining a degree in biology accompanied by a broader background in the liberal arts. Either degree is acceptable to most graduate and professional schools. Students are encouraged to seek advice from biology faculty and academic advisors regarding which degree option is most appropriate to their career goals.

Students are not admitted directly into the biological sciences major. Instead, they are first admitted to the pre-biology major, and they may advance to full major standing only after fulfilling specified pre-major course and grade requirements. See section entitled “Pre-Biology" for details.

Note: Hyphens indicate that an entire course sequence must be completed as shown to fulfill an area requirement. Note also that a single course, though listed in more than one area, can satisfy only one requirement.

Preparation for the major. MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L, and EEMB 3-3L; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL or 2A-AC-B-BC-C-CC, 6AL, BL (or-BH), and 109A-B; and Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B, and one of the following: PSTAT 5A or EEMB 30 or Mathematics 3C; Physics 6A-AL-B-BL.

Upper-division major. Thirty-six upper-division units in biological sciences, distributed as follows:

Note: The following courses do not count toward upper-division major credit: EEMB 182, 183, 184, MCDB 121, 182, 183, 184. In addition, no more than 4 units of the following courses combined will apply to the major: EEMB 185-199, MCDB 185-199.

Genetics: MCDB 101A (MCDB 101B strongly recommended for students taking 101A) or EEMB 129
Physiology: One course or course sequence from MCDB 111, 151, EEMB 141, 143, 154, 156, 175
Development and Cell Biology or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: One course or course sequence from MCDB 103, 108A, 110, 112, 118, 133, 134, 135, 151, 152, 153; EEMB 164
Ecology or Evolution: One course or course sequence from EEMB 102, 108, 109 (or Geology 148), 113-113L, 120, 131 (or Geology 121), 135, 136-136L, 137 (or Geology 141), 138, 139, 140, 142A, 166, 171 (or Environmental Studies 171), 173
Diversity of Form and Structure: One course or course sequence from EEMB 106, 107, 111, 112, 113-113L (if not used in D above), 116, 134; MCDB 131, 139
Electives: Additional upper-division courses offered within the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology to bring unit total to 36.

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry-Molecular Biology

This major is designed for students interested in the characteristics of the molecules and the molecular mechanisms involved in living systems. It is especially recommended for those planning graduate work in biochemistry, molecular biology, or microbiology.

Students are not admitted directly into the biochemistry-molecular biology major. Instead, they are first admitted to the pre-biology major, and they may advance to full major standing only after fulfilling specified pre-major course and grade requirements. See section entitled “Pre-Biology" for details.

Note: Hyphens indicate that an entire course sequence must be completed as shown to fulfill an area requirement.

Preparation for the major. MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L, and EEMB 3-3L; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL or 2A-AC-B-BC-C-CC, 6AL, BL (or-BH), and 109A-B-C; Mathematics 3A-B-C; Physics 6A-AL-B-BL-C-CL.

Upper-division major. Forty-eight units, distributed as follows:

Note: The following courses do not count toward upper-division major credit: EEMB 183, 184, MCDB 182, 183, 184. In addition, no more than 8 units of the following courses combined will apply to the major: MCDB 185-199.

Genetics: MCDB 101A-B
Biochemistry: MCDB 108A-B-C
Biochemistry laboratory: MCDB 109L
Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 113A and MCDB 123
Electives: additional courses from the following to bring the total upper-division units to 48: MCDB 103, 103L, 108AH, 108AL, 111, 112, 112L, 117, 118, 126A, 126AL, 126B, 126BL, 126C, 131, 131L, 132, 132L, 133, 133H, 133L, 134, 135, 138, 139, 140L, 145, 151,151H, 152, 152H, 153, 153H, 167, 186, 187, 188, 192, 197, 198, 199, EEMB 154; Chemistry 143, 145, 147, 161, 162.

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

UCSB offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biological sciences. The B.S. degree is intended for those students desiring a more focused and intensive curriculum in biology, including the development of laboratory skills. Either degree is acceptable to most graduate and professional schools. Students are encouraged to seek advice from biology faculty and academic advisors regarding which degree option is most appropriate to their career goals.

Note: Hyphens indicate that an entire course sequence must be completed as shown to fulfill an area requirement.

Preparation for the major. MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L, and EEMB 3-3L; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL or 2A-AC-B-BC-C-CC, 6AL, BL (or-BH), and 109A-B; Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B, and one of the following: PSTAT 5A or EEMB 30 or Mathematics 3C; Physics 6A-AL-B-BL-C-CL.

Upper-division major. Forty-eight units, distributed as follows:

Note: The following courses do not count toward upper-division major credit: EEMB 182, 183, 184, MCDB 121, 182, 183, 184. In addition, no more than 8 units of the following courses combined will apply to the major: EEMB 185-199, MCDB 185-199.

Genetics: One course sequence from MCDB 101A-B (MCDB concentration) or EEMB 129 and 130 (EEMB concentration)
One course or course sequence from each of the following. Note: Courses listed in more than one section (noted with an asterisk) can be applied to only one section.
1. Physiology: MCDB 111, 126A, 132, 151*; EEMB 141, 143, 151, 154, 156, 175
2. Developmental and Cell Biology: MCDB 103, 112, 118, 133*, 135, 151*, 152, 153
3. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: MCDB 108A, 110, 126B, 126C, 133*, 134, EEMB 164
4. Ecology: EEMB 120, 138, 139*, 140, 142A, 166, 171 (or Environmental Studies 171), 173
5. Evolution: EEMB 102, 108, 109 (or Geology 148), 113-113L*, 131 (or Geology 121), 135, 136-136L (or Geology 111-111L), 137 (or Geology 141), 139*
6. Diversity of Form and Function: EEMB 106, 107, 111, 112, 113-113L*, 115, 116, 134; MCDB 131, 139
7. Laboratory: Either one of the underlined courses from sections 1-6 above or one of the following: MCDB 101L, 103L, 109L, 112L, 126AL (or EEMB 126AL), 126BL, 131L, 132L, 133L, 140L; EEMB 107L, 119, 120AL, 140L, 143L, 148L, 164L, 164S, 170
Electives: Additional upper-division courses offered within the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology to bring the total to 48 units.

Bachelor of Science - Cell and Developmental Biology

Modern cell and developmental biology brings together a diverse group of disciplines and technologies linked by the common goals of understanding the nature and behavior of cells and how these cells work together to assemble an organism. Whereas some cell and developmental biologists may concentrate on the role that one particular molecule plays within cells, others study the way that many different molecules assemble into structures such as chromosomes or the nucleus, while others may examine how groups of cells interact to form systems of greater complexity, ultimately leading to the progression of a fertilized egg through the many stages of development to form an adult organism. The range of instruments and methods employed by cell and developmental biologists is equally diverse, including recombinant DNA technology, biochemistry, cell culture, genetics, light and electron microscopy, and many others.

The course requirements for the major in cell and developmental biology reflect the diversity within the field. Upper-division coursework includes work in genetics, cell biology, developmental biology (students may choose from among animal, plant, and neuronal development), biochemistry, and additional electives, including extensive laboratory experience. The major is designed to prepare students for graduate training in a wide range of molecular, cellular and developmental biology disciplines; medical, dental, nursing, optometry, and other health-related professions; and employment in the public or private sector (such as biotechnology) research communities.

Students are not admitted directly into the cell and developmental biology major. Instead, they are first admitted to the pre-biology major, and they may advance to full major standing only after fulfilling the pre-major course and grade requirements. See section entitled “Pre-Biology" for details.

Note: Hyphens indicate that an entire course sequence must be completed as shown to fulfill an area requirement.

Upper-division major. Forty-eight units, distributed as follows:

Note: No more than 16 total units may be applied to the major from outside the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. The following courses do not count toward upper-division major credit: EEMB 182, 183, 184, MCDB 121, 182, 183, 184. In addition, no more than 8 units of the following courses combined will apply to the major: EEMB 185-199, MCDB 185-199.

A. Genetics: MCDB 101A-B

B. Biochemistry: MCDB 108A-B-C

C. Cell Biology: MCDB 103

D. Developmental Biology: Two courses from: MCDB 112, 118, 153

E-1. One course from: MCDB 103L, 112L

E-2. One course or course sequence from: MCDB 109L, 126A-AL, 126B-BL, 132-132L, 133-133L, 140L

F. Electives: Additional upper-division courses offered within the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and Chemistry 161to bring unit total to 48 units.

Bachelor of Science - Microbiology

Microbiology has been and continues to be at the forefront in contributing to human welfare and to our understanding of the basic mechanisms of life processes. Three concentrations in microbiology are available.

General microbiology will provide the student with a broad knowledge of both procaryotic and eucaryotic microorganisms. Such a background will form the basis for understanding the relationships between the various groups of microorganisms and their environment and the relationship of those microorganisms to human welfare. This program will stress the contribution of microbiology to our understanding of basic life processes, and will provide a background for careers in food, industrial, marine, and pharmacological microbiology, and for graduate work in microbiology.

Biomedical sciences, in addition to providing a basic training in microbiology, will also provide a specialized background for students whose careers lie in the fields of medical technology and for those who wish to pursue graduate work in medical or clinical microbiology.

Genetic engineering, in addition to providing a basic training in microbiology, will provide specialized training in the methodology of recombinant DNA research. This area of research is paving the way for a fundamental understanding of the nature of the eucaryotic gene and its regulation. It is also ushering in a revolution in the pharmaceutical industry in the production of hormones and other biologically useful agents.

Students are not admitted directly into the microbiology major. Instead, they are first admitted to the pre-biology major, and they may advance to full major standing only after fulfilling specified pre-major course and grade requirements. See section entitled “Pre-Biology" for details.

Note: Hyphens indicate that an entire course sequence must be completed as shown to fulfill an area requirement.

Preparation for the major. MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L, and EEMB 3-3L; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL or 2A-AC-B-BC-C-CC; Chemistry 6AL, BL (or-BH), and 109A-B-C ; Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B and one of the following: PSTAT 5A or EEMB 30 or Mathematics 3C; Physics 6A-AL-B-BL-C-CL.

Upper-division major. Forty-nine upper-division units required, distributed as follows: MCDB 101A-B, 108A-B-C, 131-131L, 132-132L, 133 (133L strongly recommended), 134, plus additional units from the following to bring unit total to 49 units: MCDB 108AH, 108AL, 133H, 133L, 135, 138, 139, 140L, 199; EEMB 111, 134. No more than 2 units of MCDB 199 can be applied. Students are encouraged to select their elective courses from within one of the tracks below.

General Microbiology: EEMB 134 and MCDB 108AL, 133L, 138
Bio-Medical Sciences: MCDB 108AL, 133L, 138, 139 and EEMB 111
Genetic Engineering: MCDB 108AL, 133L, 140L

Bachelor of Science - Pharmacology

The emphasis in this major is on pharmacology as a basic science, rather than on the therapeutic principles of pharmacology. The curriculum content is designed to prepare students for careers in pharmaceutical research-and-development laboratories; the program also provides a strong background for graduate study in pharmacology.

Students are not admitted directly into the pharmacology major. Instead, they are first admitted to the pre-biology major, and they may advance to full major standing only after fulfilling the pre-major course and grade requirements. See section entitled “Pre-Biology" for details.

Note: Hyphens indicate that an entire course sequence must be completed as shown to fulfill an area requirement.

Preparation for the major. MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, either MCDB 1BL or EEMB 2L, and EEMB 3-3L; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL or 2A-AC-B-BC-C-CC; Chemistry 6AL, BL (or-BH), and 109A-B-C; Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B and one of the following: PSTAT 5A or EEMB 30 or Mathematics 3C or Psychology 5; Physics 6A-AL-6B-BL-6C-CL.

Upper-division major. Fifty upper-division units, distributed as follows:

Note: No more than 16 total units may be taken outside the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Courses that are cross-listed between MCDB and other departments do not count towards the 16-unit maximum. Instructor approval required prior to enrollment in psychology courses.

Pharmacology: MCDB 126A-AL-B-BL-C
Biochemistry: MCDB 108A-B-C
Genetics: MCDB 101A-B
Additional courses from the following to bring the total upper-division units in the major to 50. MCDB 103, 108AH, 108AL, 109L, 111, 112, 112L, 123, 131, 131L, 132, 132L, 133, 133H, 133L, 134, 135, 138, 139, 140L, 145, 151, 151H, 152, 152H, 153, 153H, 186, 187, 192, 197, 198, 199; EEMB 111, 126MM, 154, 156, 160, 164, 164L, 164S, 175; Chemistry 161, 162, 181; Psychology 115, 133, 134, 137. Note: A maximum of 4 units of the following courses allowed: MCDB 185-199.

Students are encouraged to select their elective courses from within one of these tracks:

Molecular and Cellular Biology: MCDB 108AL, 112, 112L, 131, 131L, 132, 132L, 133, 133L, 134, 135, 138, 139, 140L, 151, 152, 153; EEMB 126MM, 144
Biochemical Pharmacology: MCDB 108AL, 109L, 145, Chemistry 161, 162, 181, EEMB 126MM, 164, 164L, 164S
Neurobiology and Behavior: MCDB 151, 152, 153; Psychology 115, 133A, 133B, 137
Physiology and Development: MCDB 111, 112, 112L, 151, 152, 153; EEMB 111, 154, 156, 175

Graduate Program

Graduate-level research in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) spans a wide range of topics including biochemistry, cell biology, cell physiology, developmental biology, gene regulation, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular marine biology, neurobiology, pharmacology, plant molecular biology, plant physiology, and virology. The department offers graduate studies leading to the master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Candidates for graduate degrees must meet university degree requirements found in the section, "Graduate Education at UCSB,” as well as departmental requirements.

Admission

In addition to fulfilling university requirements for admission to graduate status described in the section, "Graduate Education at UCSB,” the applicant will normally hold a bachelor’s degree in biology or a biological specialty area (such as biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, or genetics). Undergraduate class work should include one year each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and physics. Upper-division courses should include biochemistry, genetics, and additional specialized electives relevant to preparation for graduate work in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.

Applicants with strong undergraduate records who lack some of the preparatory class work listed above may be admitted with the condition that they complete the necessary coursework early in their graduate careers.

The general test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. One of the three following subject tests is also required: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; biology; or chemistry.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Exceptions to this requirement will be considered for those students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate education at an institution whose primary language of instruction is English. The minimum score for consideration is 610 when taking the paper-based test or 253 when taking the computer-based test, or 102 when taking the Internet-based test. Tests must be taken within two years of application to UCSB.

Applications for admission must be received by December 15. Further details on admission to the MCDB graduate programs can be seen on the website at lifesci.ucsb.edu/MCDB.

Master of Arts - Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Degree Requirements

A candidate for the master’s degree must fulfill, in addition to general university requirements, the minimum lower- and upper-division requirements or their equivalents for the major in their field of emphasis. Students admitted with deficiencies must remedy them early in their graduate studies.

Plan 1 (thesis) program requirements:
(1) a research thesis, (2) MCDB 220A-B-C, 223, 225, 229, 230, 235 and BMSE 205A (students must receive an average of a B or better in the core course modules given each quarter and no grade lower than a C in a module), and (3) a minimum of 30 units of upper-division and graduate coursework in the department. Courses outside the department may be substituted upon prior written approval of the faculty graduate advisor.

Plan 2 (examination) program requirements:
(1) MCDB 220A-B-C, 223, 225, 229, 230, 235, and BMSE 205A (205A students must receive an average of a B or better in the core course modules given each quarter and no grade lower than a C in a module), (2) at least two additional MCDB graduate lecture courses; and (3) a total of at least 36 units of MCDB graduate lecture courses and literature courses. Up to 6 units of MCDB 596 research coursework may count toward this total. Certain graduate lecture courses in the Interdepartmental BMSE program may be used as well (BMSE 242, 245, 246, 254, 256A, 256B). Upper-division undergraduate lecture courses may also count toward the degree with the approval of the faculty graduate advisor. The following courses may not be counted towards the degree: MCDB 260, 263, 269, 290, 500, 501, 502, and 595. Students are expected to sign up for the seminars: 260, 262, 263.

Participation in the departmental research seminar program is expected of all MCDB graduate students.

Students admitted to the M.A.-only program may petition to transfer into a Ph.D. program. Petitions will be acted upon by the appropriate admissions committee, and admission to the Ph.D. program will be based on the same criteria applied to applications from other entering Ph.D. students. Successful transfer from M.A. to Ph.D. program will also depend on satisfactory progress in all graduate courses and written support of at least three faculty members. If the petition is approved, the student should consult with the appropriate graduate advisor regarding Ph.D. program requirements.

Students admitted to M.A./Ph.D. programs, may petition the graduate committee to drop the M.A. requirements after a minimum of two quarters of graduate study. Petitions will be acted upon by the graduate advisor following review by the graduate committee, and action on such petitions will be contingent upon satisfactory progress in the graduate core courses and the written support of at least two faculty members. As with all other Ph.D. students, continuation in the Ph.D. program is also contingent upon the successful completion of two qualifying examinations, each consisting of a written research proposition followed by an oral defense of the proposition.

Doctor of Philosophy - Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the degree of doctor of philosophy must normally have the bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, with a preparation deemed equivalent to that required for the bachelor’s degree from UCSB. Students who are admitted to graduate standing with deficiencies in preparation will be required to take appropriate undergraduate courses.

The following unified requirements, in addition to the dissertation, apply to all students entering the Ph.D. program: (1) students must pass one qualifying examination, consisting of a written research proposition followed by an oral defense of the proposition. This examination will normally be taken during the second year of graduate study. The proposition will deal with an area of molecular and cell biology distinct from the student’s anticipated dissertation research; (2) the student must pass the graduate core course sequence (MCDB 220A-B-C; 223; 225, 229, 230, 235, and BMSE 205A); students must receive an average of B or better in the core course modules given each quarter and no grade lower than a C in a module. Students are also required to take the following courses: the MCDB proposal-preparation course (MCDB 221); at least one additional graduate lecture course of the 200 series (not including seminar or literature courses); MCDB 260 (faculty research seminar) each quarter; MCDB 262 (student/postdoctoral research program) each quarter; MCDB 263 (visiting seminar speaker program) each quarter; two graduate literature seminars (from the MCDB 260 series other than 260, 262, and 263; or the 595 series - Group Studies - excluding any laboratory group meetings that may carry a course designation) each year, until formal advancement to Ph.D. candidacy; and departmental teaching assistant orientation/practice/technique courses (MCDB 500, 501, 502).

All doctoral candidates must qualify for and hold a teaching assistantship for the equivalent of two quarters as part of the preparation for the Ph.D. degree. All doctoral students who are supported wholly or in part by institutional funds (including university fellowships, teaching assistantships, traineeships, etc.) are expected to complete three one-quarter laboratory rotations during their first year of study. For first-year students supported entirely by faculty research grants, three rotations are not mandatory but are highly recommended.

Laboratory rotations serve two purposes: (1) students learn first-hand about research efforts in several different areas, thus broadening a student’s research perspective; and (2) they allow students and mentors to match up so that a research advisor may be selected. Each laboratory rotation consists of 3 units of MCDB 596 under the instruction of the appropriate faculty member. Although, in principle, this translates into a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week in the research laboratory, research is the core of doctoral training and it is assumed that students will devote much more than this to their research efforts during rotations. Grades will be assigned according to the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading system, on the basis of a laboratory meeting presentation or a written summary of the student’s laboratory experience, at the faculty member’s discretion, and a summary of the student’s laboratory performance, written by the faculty member, will be placed in the student’s permanent academic file. Students in the MCDB program may rotate in both MCDB and BMSE faculty laboratories.

Doctoral students take one qualifying examination administered by the department, complete a doctoral dissertation under the general supervision of a committee, and defend their dissertation in a final oral examination. With the approval of the candidate’s doctoral committee, a scheduled departmental seminar may be substituted in lieu of the final examination.

Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Biomolecular Science and Engineering
For details see catalog entry under Biomolecular Science and Engineering.

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Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Courses

Lower Division

1A. Introductory Biology I

(4) Christoffersen, Wilson, Morse

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-B-C (Chemistry 1C may be taken concurrently); or a score of 4 or better on either the Advanced Placement Chemistry or Advanced Placement Biology examinations.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4A or MCDB 4A or 5A. Lecture, 4 hours.

Introduction to biochemistry, cell biology and development, and genetics. (F)

1AL. Introductory Biology Laboratory I

(1) Staff

Prerequisite: MCDB 1A (may be taken concurrently).

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4A or MCDB 4A or 5AL. Laboratory, 3 hours.

Laboratory investigations illustrate basic principles of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, development, and genetics. (F)

1AZ. Selected Topics from MCDB 1A

(1-3) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of department.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4AZ or MCDB 4AZ or 5AZ. Lecture, 1-4 hours.

Designed for transfer students who have completed part of MCDB 1A through transfer work. Topics will be selected by the department, as appropriate, to fulfill the introductory biology requirement at UCSB. (F)

1B. Introductory Biology II - Physiology

(3) Staff

Prerequisite: MCDB 1A and Chemistry 1A-B-C; or, MCDB 1A with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4B or EEMB 4B or 5B or MCDB 4B or 5B. Lecture, 3 hours.

Introduction to animal and plant physiology. (W)

1BL. Introductory Biology Laboratory II

(1) Staff

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, concurrent enrollment in MCDB 1B and EEMB 2.

Same course as EEMB 2L. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4B or EEMB 4B or 5BL or MCDB 4B or 5BL. Laboratory, 3 hours.

Laboratory investigations illustrate basic principles of animal and plant physiology, ecology, and evolution. (W)

1BZ. Selected Topics from MCDB 1B

(1-2) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of department.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4BZ or EEMB 4BZ or 5BZ or MCDB 4BZ or 5BZ. Lecture, 1-4 hours.

Designed for transfer students who have completed part of MCDB 1B through transfer work. Topics are selected by the department, as appropriate, to fulfill the introductory biology requirement at UCSB. (W)

20. Concepts of Biology

(4) Staff

Open to non-majors. Not open for credit toward graduation to students who have completed Natural Science 1C. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 20, or Biology 4A-B-C, or MCDB 5A-AL, or EEMB 5B-BL, or MCDB 5B-BL,or EEMB 5C-CL, or MCDB 1A, or MCDB 1B, or EEMB 2, or EEMB 3, or EEMB 20. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Introduction to the science of life; cells, genetics, metabolism, molecular biology, physiology, natural selection, evolution, ecosystems; current news and controversial topics in biology.

21. The Immune System and AIDS

(4) Eardley

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 21. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

The basic properties of the immune system; the basic biology of AIDS and AIDS virus infection; and the biology of other sexually transmitted
diseases. (W,S)

23. Biology of Cancer

(3) Kohl

Lecture, 3 hours.

An introduction to developments regarding the etiology and treatment of various cancers. Lectures compare normal cells and tissues with those which have become malignant. Discussion of causes, treatment, and prevention of specific cancers. (F)

24. Genetics and Human Disease

(3) Kohl

Lecture, 3 hours

Introduction to genetics with emphasis on humans. Topics focus on human diseases with strong evidence for genetic components. Diseases covered include cancer, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s, muscular dystrophy, and others. (W)

26. Contemporary Nutrition

(4) Eardley

Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Presents the scientific basis for human nutrition including dietary nutrients and requirements, energy balance in health and disease and needs of various life stages. Food safety, preservation, and undernutrition throughout the world is discussed.

90A. Honors Forum in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology

(2) Kohl

Prerequisites: honors standing in College of Letters and Science; consent of instructor. Seminar, 2 hours.

Seminar for selected students in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Students will be introduced to research opportunities in the department. Focus will center on the use of the science library and the Internet as tools to produce a basic research paper. (F)

90B. Honors Forum in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology

(2) Kohl

Prerequisites: honors standing in College of Letters and Science; consent of instructor. Seminar, 2 hours.

Continuation of MCDB 90A. Students are introduced to various faculty in the department and begin reading and reviewing some of the original literature in the field. Students are expected to critically analyze basic research papers. (W)

90C. Honors Forum in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology

(2) Kohl

Prerequisites: honors standing in College of Letters and Science; consent of instructor. Seminar, 2 hours.

Continuation of MCDB 90B. Students meet with selected faculty in a defined area of research interest, attend various research seminars and laboratory meetings, and begin involving themselves with a research group.

98. Readings in Biology

(1-3) Staff

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department.

Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average and are limited to 3 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Students are limited to 6 units of Biology 98 and MCDB 98 combined. Tutorial, 1 hour.

Special readings on selected topics in biology. Individual conferences one hour every week. Designed to broaden the outlook and experience of advanced lower-division students. Hours and credit by arrangement with any member of the staff.

99. Introduction to Research

(1-3) Staff

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department.

Laboratory experience for advanced lower-division students. Hours and credit by arrangement with any member of the staff.

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Upper Division

Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better (unless otherwise noted) is required for all upper-division courses.

101A. Molecular Genetics I: Prokaryotes

(4) Low, Cotter

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A-B; EEMB 2; and Chemistry 1A-B-C. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

From the double helix and genetic code to the latest breakthroughs. Structure, function, evolution and manipulation of DNA, RNA. Replication, expression, recombination, complementation and their regulation in prokaryotes (bacteria, plasmids, viruses). Recombinant DNA technology in medicine, research, agriculture, and industry. (F,W,SS)

101B. Molecular Genetics II: Eukaryotes

(4) Poole, Christoffersen

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and MCDB 101A. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 130B. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Mendelian and molecular genetics. Replication, recombination, transmission and expression of DNA in eukaryotic organisms from yeast to man. Uses of traditional genetics and modern molecular techniques, including molecular genetic approaches to the study of human disease. (W,S,SS)

103. Cell Biology

(4) Clegg

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 137. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

An introduction to the structure and function of cell organelles: membranes, nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, microbodies, microtubules, cilia, centrioles, and microfilaments. (W)

103L. Laboratory in Molecular Cell Biology

(4) Clegg

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and MCDB 103 (may be taken concurrently). Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 137L. Laboratory, 9 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Laboratory techniques of modern cell biology; molecular dissection of cell structure and
function. (W)

108A. General Biochemistry

(4) Sears

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; Chemistry 1A-B-C; and Chemistry 109A-B-C. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 108A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Chemistry of proteins; enzymic catalysis. (F)

108AH. General Biochemistry–Honors

(1) Sears

Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in MCDB 108A or 108AL; consent of instructor. Discussion, 2 hours.

Honors component of MCDB 108A designed to permit an in-depth consideration of selected aspects of the structure/function relationships of proteins and nucleic acids. (F)

108AL. Protein Structure/Function Laboratory

(2) Sears

Prerequisite: MCDB 108A (may be taken concurrently).

Recommended preparation: Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B. Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours.

Computer laboratory analysis of biochemical structures and the dynamics of their interactions with other molecules.

108B. General Biochemistry

(4) Lew

Prerequisite: MCDB 108A with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 108B. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Principles of human energy metabolism. Chemistry and physiology of the major metabolic pathways of energy production. Metabolic interrelationships of the major body organs. Applications to human nutrition and disease, exercise, starvation, obesity, and atherosclerosis. (W)

108C. General Biochemistry

(4) Staff

Prerequisites: MCDB 108A-B both with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 108C. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Amino acid and nucleic acid metabolism, nucleic acid structure, biochemistry of lipids and biological membranes, photosynthesis, special topics. (S)

109L. Laboratory in Biochemistry

(4) Poole

Prerequisites: MCDB 108A or Chemistry 142A; and, MCDB 1A-1B. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 109L. Laboratory, 6 hours.

Laboratory techniques in biochemistry. Emphasis on techniques used in modern protein and nucleic acid biochemical research. Includes aspects of the use of computer analysis and recombinant DNA techniques in modern biochemistry. (S)

110. Principles of Biochemistry

(4) Rothman

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-B-C; and, Chemistry 109A-B. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not for specialized majors in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, physiology, or students who have completed Biology 108A-B-C or MCDB 108A-B-C. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 118. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

An introduction to molecular structures and mechanisms of living systems. (W)

111. Introduction to Physiology

(4) Staff

Prerequisite: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 100. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Structural and functional characteristics of membranes in relation to cellular communication. Study of the electrical properties of the hormonal visceral motor pathways of the central nervous system and some neural and hormonal visceral motor pathways. (W)

112. Developmental Biology

(4) Foltz

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and, EEMB 3 and MCDB 101A. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Zoology 100. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Modern aspects of animal development. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of embryogenesis. (W)

112L. Laboratory in Developmental Biology

(2) Foltz

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and, EEMB 3 and MCDB 101A; and concurrent enrollment in MCDB 112. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Zoology 100L. Laboratory, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Modern laboratory techniques in developmental biology. Experimental approaches to development using several animal model systems. (W)

118. Plant Development

(4) Finkelstein

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and, MCDB 101A or EEMB 129. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 112 or Botany 111. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Differentiation and morphogenesis of plants: mechanisms of control by genetic and environmental factors, plant growth regulators, and cell-cell interactions. (S)

123. Experimental Strategies in Physical Biochemistry

(4) Waite

Prerequisite: MCDB 108A or chemistry 142A with a grade of C or better. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Presentation of selected contemporary concepts and methodologies for determining the structure, size, shape, charge, and interactive behavior of biological macromolecules. (W)

126A. Basic Pharmacology

(4) Staff

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A (may be taken concurrently) or Chemistry 142C; and, Chemistry 109A-B-C. Completion of all prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed EEMB 126A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Designed to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of the history and scope of pharmacology as a basic science. Emphasis on the principles of drug action and the relationship of pharmacology to physiology, chemistry, and biochemistry. (F)

126AL. Pharmacology Lab I

(4) Staff

Prerequisite: MCDB 126A (may be taken concurrently).

Not open for credit to students who have completed EEMB 126AL. Laboratory, 9 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Analysis of drug sites and mechanisms of action using isolated tissues, organs, and intact animal preparations. (F)

126B. Basic Pharmacology

(4) Vandenburg

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A or Chemistry 142C; and, Chemistry 109A-B-C. Completion of all prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 119B.

Recommended preparation: MCDB 108A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Receptor signaling mechanisms; pharmacology of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors; molecular and cellular mechanisms of drug-receptor interactions. (W)

126BL. Pharmacology Laboratory II

(4) Vandenburg

Prerequisite: MCDB 126B (may be taken concurrently).

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 119BL. Laboratory, 9 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

An introduction to molecular and biochemical techniques in pharmacology; drug-receptor binding; receptor isolation; pharmacokinetics; techniques to evaluate potency, concentration and effects of hormones and their receptors. (W)

126C. Basic Pharmacology

(4) Wilson

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A or Chemistry 142C; and, Chemistry 109A-B-C. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 119C.

Recommended preparation: MCDB 108A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Fundamental principles of pharmacology, drug-receptor theory, biochemical mechanisms of action of drugs. (S)

131. General Microbiology

(4) Cooper, Cotter

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A (may be taken concurrently); and, Chemistry 109A-B-C, or Chemistry 109A-B and MCDB 110. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 104 or 104A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

An introduction to the biological properties of microorganisms; the historical foundations of the field of microbiology; a study of the major groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, cultivation, and pathogenicity. (F)

131L. Laboratory in General Microbiology

(2) STAFF

Prerequisite: MCDB 131 (may be taken concurrently).

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 104 or 104L. Laboratory, 6 hours.

Laboratory experiments dealing with the isolation, cultivation, and physiological, biochemical and genetic analysis of diverse microorganisms. (F)

132. Bacterial Pathogenesis

(3) Mahan

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A with a grade of C or better; and, concurrent enrollment in MCDB 132L.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 128.

Recommended preparation: MCDB 131. Lecture, 3 hours.

The mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease. Investigation of the bacterial gene products that are produced during infection to understand the metabolic, physiological, and genetic factors that contribute to the virulence of bacterial pathogens. (W)

132L. Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory

(3) Mahan

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MCDB 132.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 128L. Laboratory, 6 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

The latest molecular, biochemical, and genetic techniques available for the identification of microbial gene products that contribute to infection. Study of the regulatory parameters that govern their expression. (W)

133. Molecular and Cellular Immunobiology

(5) Sears

Prerequisite: MCDB 101A with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 123. Lecture, 4 hours; discussion, 1 hours.

Introduction to the current concepts of immunology. Emphasis on immunoglobulin structure and function, cell-cell cooperation in the immune response, and the role of the major histocompatibility complex and cytokines in regulating immune responsiveness. (W)

133H. Immunobiology - Honors

(1) Sears

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MCDB 133. Discussion, 2 hours.

Honors component of MCDB 133 focusing on selected aspects of the immune system and its components using a web browser to run interactive computer assignments. (W)

133L. Molecular and Cellular Immunobiology Lab

(3) Eardley

Prerequisite: MCDB 133 with a grade of C or better (may be taken concurrently).

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 123L. Laboratory, 6 hours.

Introduction to modern laboratory methods in immunology; properties and characterization of immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin-secreting cells; introduction to hybridoma technology; characterization of effector and regulatory T cells using functional assays. (S)

134. General Animal Virology

(4) Samuel

Prerequisite: MCDB 101A or EEMB 129 with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 122. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

An introduction to the biology of animal viruses with emphasis on the biochemical and biophysical properties of viruses; the mechanisms by which animal viruses replicate; the cellular effects of and response to viral infection; and selected aspects of medical virology. (S)

135. Cellular Growth Control and Oncogenesis

(4) Staff

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A-B both with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 138. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Focus on mechanisms of growth control in eukaryotes. Topics include: the properties of mammalian cells in culture and how they relate to malignant cells, growth factors and their receptors, cell cycle control, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. (F)

136. Cytokine Action and Viral Pathogenesis

(2) Samuel

Prerequisites: MCDB 101B and 134 (134 may be taken concurrently); completion of both with a grade of C or better; consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed MCDB 136H. Lecture, 1 hour; discussion, 1 hour.

Virology course designed to permit an in-depth consideration of selected aspects of the mechanisms of action of cytokines, with emphasis on the antiviral properties of interferons and their roles in host response to viral infection and viral pathogenesis.

138. Medical Immunology

(4) Sears

Prerequisite: MCDB 133 with a grade of C or better. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.

Interplay between the immune system and human disease is mechanistically evaluated by examining protective immunity against parasites and cancer, and immune dysfunction in transplantation, allergic, and autoimmune diseases, and AIDS. Computer exercises evaluate medical, case-based studies of human immune disorders. (S)

139. Medical Microbiology

(4) Eardley

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and EEMB 3. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 129. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Study of the characteristics of bacteria and viruses, both pathogenic and adventitious, as they are associated with diseases of humans. (F)

140L. Recombinant DNA Methods

(4) Staff

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A-B and 110; or, MCDB 101A-B and 108A-B; and, concurrent enrollment in MCDB 108C. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 132. Laboratory, 6 hours; tutorial, 6 hours.

Basic techniques in molecular cloning. Screening of recombinant cDNA libraries, polymerase chain reaction, restriction endonucleases, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, nucleic acid hybridization. (S)

145. Post-translational Protein Processing

(4) Waite

Prerequisite: MCDB 108A or Chemistry 142A with a grade of C or better.

Same course as Chemistry 151. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Structure/function relationships in interesting macromolecules isolated from marine organisms. Focus is on well-characterized pathways from horseshoe crabs, abalones, mussels, and fish as well as others.

149. Mariculture for the 21st Century: Research Frontiers

(4) Chapman, Collins, Staff

Prerequisite: upper-division standing.

Same course as EEMB 149. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 149. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Recent progress and new directions in research increasing production of valuable marine animals, plants and microorganisms. Control of reproduction, development, growth and disease in marine species; problems encountered in commercializing production; regional and biological solutions; the role of modern biotechnology. (S)

151. Neurobiology I: Cellular Organization and Biophysics of the Nervous System

(4) Fisher

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A and 1B. Completion of both prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for students who have completed Biology 105 or MCDB 114. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Properties of the nervous system ranging from single cells to the whole organism, using examples from vertebrates and invertebrates studied in terms of morphology, physiology, and behavior.

151H. Neurobiology 1: Cellular Organization and Biophysics of the Nervous System - Honors

(1) Fisher

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MCDB 151; consent of instructor. Discussion, 1 hour.

Honors section designed to permit an indepth analysis of topics relating to the properties of the nervous system ranging from single cells to the whole organism, using examples from vertebrates and invertebrates studied in terms of morphology, physiology, and behavior.

152. Neurobiology II: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology

(4) Kosik, Fisher

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A-1B and MCDB 151; completion of all prerequisites with a grade of C or better. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

This second course of a three quarter neurobiology course sequence (151/152/153) covers both top down systems level approaches and bottom up molecular approaches to major topics in neurobiology. These topics include mechanisms of sensory transduction in at least two selected sensory systems, processing of sensory information within the brain, mechanisms of muscle control, cell signaling, neuronal plasticity, neuronal polarity, and the mapping of neural information to the brain.

152H. Neurobiology II: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology - Honors

(1) Kosik, Fisher

Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in MCDB 152; consent of instructor. Discussion, 1 hour.

Honors seminar designed to permit an indepth consideration and analysis of both top down systems level approaches and bottom up molecular approaches to major topics in neurobiology. These topics include mechanisms of sensory transduction in at least two selected sensory systems, processing of sensory information within the brain, mechanisms of muscle control, cell signaling, neuronal plasticity, neuronal polarity, and the mapping of neural information to the brain.

153. Neurobiology III: Developmental Neurobiology

(4) Feinstein

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A-1B; and, MCDB 101A or EEMB 129; completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 106 or MCDB 115. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

The course begins with fertilization and moves through sequential stages in the development of the nervous system, including cell migration and differentiation, axon outgrowth and pathfinding, programmed cell death, synaptogenesis, learning, memory, neurodegenerative conditions and current strategies for neuronal regeneration.

153H. Neurobiology III: Developmental Neurobiology - Honors

(1) Feinstein

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MCDB 153; consent of instructor. Discussion, 1 hour.

Honors section designed to permit an indepth consideration and analysis of selcted topics relating to the development, maintenance, degeneratation and regeneration of the nervous system.

182. Introduction to Health Care and Biomedical Technology

(3) Kohl

Prerequisites: upper-division standing.

Same course as Engineering 182. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.

Course offered in conjunction with Sansum-Santa Barbara and Cottage Hospitals and involves a series of lectures/discussions dealing with various aspects of health delivery and modern biotechnology. Students also spend a period of time working with a physician or medical research scholar.

183. Introduction to Teaching in Biology

(1-5) Staff

Prerequisites: upper-division standing; consent of instructor.

May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 5 units in combination with EEMB 183 but no units may be applied toward the major.

Students will assist instructor in teaching course in which the student previously received a grade of A- or better. Activities will be determined in consultation with the instructor and may include leading discussion, laboratory, or tutorial section(s), attending lectures and grading exams.

184. Internship in Biological Sciences

(1-5) Staff

Prerequisites: upper division standing; consent of instructor and department.

Students must have a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 15 units, but no units may be applied toward the major (except Aquatic Biology. See restrictions in major narrative). Field, 5-25 hours.

Opportunity to obtain practical biological related research experience by working under faculty direction as an intern with local, state, federal, or private agencies. A written report will be submitted for evaluation.

186. Research Colloquium in Biological Sciences

(1) Kohl

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and EEMB 3. Completion of all listed prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 195 and BMB 171 to a maximum of 3 units.

Lectures by UCSB faculty from various departments focused on their current research in a variety of biological disciplines. (F,W)

187. Pharmacology Colloquia

(1) Jacobs, Wilson

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, MCDB 1B and EEMB 2; and EEMB 3.

Same course as EEMB 187. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 4 units, but only 2 units may be applied toward the major. Seminar, 1 hour.

Lectures on active research programs in pharmacology in the federal, state, and private research sectors. (S)

188. Literature in Plant Molecular Biology

(4) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 168. Seminar, 1 hour.

Critical reading and presentation of the current literature in plant molecular biology, cell biology and development.

192. Special Topics

(1-4) Staff

Prerequisites: upper-division standing in EEMB or MCDB and consent of instructor or department.

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 192 and EEMB 192. Maximum units for credit in major: 8 for B.S.; 4 for B.A. Lecture, 1 to 4 hours.

Special topics of current importance in biological sciences. Course content will vary. Information may be obtained in department office.

194AA-ZZ. Group Studies for Advanced Students

(2) Staff

Prerequisites: upper-division standing and consent of instructor.

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 194AA-ZZ and EEMB 194AA-ZZ to a maximum of 8 units. Individual letter designations may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 4 units. Maximum units for credit in major: 8 for BS; 4 for BA. See also credit limits with other courses in description of major requirements. Seminar, 2 hours.

Oral reports by students.

A-B. Biochemistry-Molecular Biology: Staff

BC. Biochemistry-Molecular Biology: Cooper

BG. Bacterial Genetics: Low

CM: Cellular Microbiology: Cotter

DM. Molecular Marine Biology and Marine Biotechnology: Morse

DS. Molecular and Cellular Immunology: Sears

DT. Cell Cycle Regulation: Thrower

DV. Developmental Biology: Smith

EO. Genetics: Orias

MP. Microbial Pathogenesis: Mahan

PJ. Introduction to Hematology: Kohl

RF. Plant Development Genetics: Finkelstein

V. Mycology: Ross

X. Cell Biology: Foltz

197. Directed Studies

(1-5) Staff

Prerequisites: upper-division standing; a major within MCDB; completion of two prior upper-division courses in MCDB or EEMB; consent of instructor and department.

Students must have a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in upper-division major courses and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 197/198/199/199DC/199RA courses combined. Maximum units for credit defined on major sheets. See also credit limits with other courses in description of major requirements. Tutorial, 1-5 hours; laboratory, 5-25 hours.

Hours and credit by arrangement with any faculty member.

198. Directed Readings

(1-5) Staff

Prerequisites: upper-division standing; a major within MCDB; completion of two prior upper-division courses in MCDB or EEMB; consent of instructor and department.

Students must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in upper-division major courses and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 197/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Maximum units for credit in major: 8 for BS; 4 for BA. See also credit limits with other courses in description of major requirements. Tutorial, 1-5 hours.

Individual conferences one hour every two weeks. Special readings designed to broaden the outlook of students and to knit into a cohesive whole the basic principles underlying the major disciplines in the field. (F,W,S)

199. Independent Studies

(1-5) Staff

Prerequisites: upper-division standing; a major within MCDB; completion of two prior upper-division courses in MCDB or EEMB; consent of instructor and department.

Hours and credit by arrangement with any faculty member. Laboratory or field. (F,W,S)

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Graduate Courses

203. Cell Biology

(4) Clegg

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A-AL; and, MCDB 1B-BL or EEMB 2-2L, or equivalents.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 237. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Introduction to the structure and function of cell organelles: membranes, nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, microbodies, microtubules, cilia, centrioles, and microfilaments. (W)

208AL. Biochemistry Computer Laboratory

(2) Sears

Prerequisite: MCDB 108A (may be taken concurrently).

Recommended preparation: Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B. Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 2 hours.

Computer laboratory analysis of biochemical structures and the dynamics of their interactions with other molecules. Students are required to submit a structural analysis paper on a topic of their choice.

212. Molecular Virology

(5) Samuel

Prerequisites: MCDB 108A-B-C and 101A-B or equivalent.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 212. Lecture, 5 hours.

Consideration of selected animal viruses in terms of structure, mechanism of genetic expression, and effects of viral gene expression on cell function, as well as aspects of the virus-host interaction including viral persistence, interference, and interferon.

220A. Chromosomes and Cell Cycle

(2) Staff

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 2 hours.

Structure and organization of the nucleus, chromatin and chromosome structure, organization, and function; DNA replication and replication origins; eukaryotic cell cycle regulation. (W)

220B. The Cytoskeleton

(2) Wilson

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 2 hours.

Structure and function of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Structure assembly and function of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments. (W)

220C. Membrane Dynamics and Cell-Cell Interactions

(2) Clegg, Rothman

Prerequisite: undergraduate biochemistry (e.g., MCDB 108A-B-C or Chemistry 142A-B-C) and genetics (e.g., MCDB 101A). Lecture, 2 hours.

Structure and dynamics of biological membranes and membrane proteins, protein translocation and sorting in the endomembrane system of eukaryotic cells, extracellular matrix protein structure/function, cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion receptors, transmembrane signaling by cell adhesion receptors. (W)

220D. Experimental Cytology and Digital Imaging

(4) Fisher

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 6 hours.

Introduction to imaging cellular substructure with the light microscope. Students receive theoretical and hands-on experience in obtaining maximum data from biological specimens using optical and digital enhancement techniques. (S)

221. Preparation and Evaluation of Research Proposals

(2) Foltz

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 2 hours.

Instruction in preparation, writing, and evaluation of research grant proposals. (S)

222. Sequence Analysis

(2) Poole

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 1 hour; discussion, 1 hour.

Analysis of DNA and protein sequence data. Topics include protein property prediction, defining sequence similarity, sequence comparison, and sequence database searching. (F)

223. Signal Transduction

(2) Mahan, Vandenburg, Finkelstein, Feinstein

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 2 hours.

A cell’s growth is controlled by positive and negative cues from its surroundings. Discussion of the cell’s signaling mechanisms that recognize these cues and initiate an intracellular set of events that generates a response. (S)

225. Development

(2) Foltz, Rothman, Finkelstein

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 2 hours.

The molecular mechanisms of pattern formation and cellular differentiation that underlie developmental processes in a variety of important model systems. (S)

226A. Basic Pharmacology

(4) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 219A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

History and scope of pharmacology as a basic science; principles of drug action and relationship of pharmacology to physiology, chemistry, biochemistry emphasized. (F)

226B. Basic Pharmacology

(4) Vandenburg

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 219B. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Receptor signalling mechanisms; pharmacology of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors; molecular and cellular mechanisms of drug-receptor interactions. (W)

226C. Basic Pharmacology: Principles and Chemotherapy

(4) Wilson

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 219C. Lecture, 3 hours; tutorial, 1 hour.

Fundamental principles of pharmacology, drug-receptor theory, biochemical mechanisms of action of drugs. (S)

229. Protein Biochemistry

(2) Waite

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Same course as BMSE 229.

Discussion of topics relevant to structure-function relationships in proteins, including chemical reactivity of amino acid side chains, post-translational modifications, and covalent and non-covalent interactions of multimeric structures. Case studies involve recent advances in structure-function relationships of mechanoproteins.

230. Gene Regulation

(2) Low, Samuel

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 2 hours.

Mechanisms and regulation of transcription and translation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and their viruses. (W)

231. General Microbiology

(4) Cooper, Cotter

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A-AL; and, MCDB 1B-BL or EEMB 2-2L; and, Chemistry 107A-B and 108, or 130A-B-C.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 207. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Introduction to the biological properties of microorganisms; historical foundations of the field of microbiology; a study of the major groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, cultivation, and pathogenicity. (F)

232. Bacterial Pathogenesis

(3) Mahan

Prerequisite: MCDB 101A-B.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 228.

Recommended preparation: MCDB 231. Lecture, 3 hours.

The mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease. Investigation of the bacterial gene products produced during infection to understand the metabolic, physiological, and genetic factors that contribute to the virulence of bacterial
pathogens. (W)

232L. Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory

(3) Mahan

Prerequisite: MCDB 232 (may be taken concurrently).

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 228L. Laboratory, 6 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

233. Molecular and Cellular Immunobiology

(3) Sears

Prerequisites: MCDB 101A-B or 108A-B-C.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 223. Lecture, 3 hours.

Introduction to, and evaluation of, the current concepts of immunology. Emphasis on immunoglobulin structure and function, cell-cell cooperation in the immune response, and the role of the major histocompatibility complex in regulating immune responsiveness. (W)

235. Experimental Strategies in Molecular Genetics

(1) Rothman

Prerequisites: undergraduate biochemistry (e.g., MCDB 108A-B-C) and genetics (e.g., MCDB 101A-B-C). Lecture, 1 hour.

Discussion of experimental strategies used to purify, analyze, and manipulate nucleic acids, isolate molecular clones from complex genomes, physically map genomes, analyze gene expression, and perform reverse genetics. (F)

239. Cellular Microbiology

(4) Cotter

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 3 hours.

Exploration of the mechanisms by which microbes and their eukaryotic hosts interact at the cellular and molecular levels. Focus is on experimental strategies to investigate these interactions and primary literature is discussed.

245. Post-translational Protein Processing

(4) Waite

Prerequisite: MCDB 108A or 218A or Chemistry 142A or equivalent.

Same course as Chemistry 251. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

246. Stem Cell Biology in Health and Disease

(4) Clegg

Qualified undergraduate students may petition to enroll with instructor approval. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Basic biology of embryonic and adult stem cells and nuclear transfer, with emphasis on latest findings from the current literature.

247. Social Dimensions of Stem Cell Research

(4) osborne

Same course as History 247. Lecture, 3 hours.

Overview of ethical, social and legal contexts of biological research with special reference to stem cells, embryology and policy.

249. Mariculture: Research Frontiers in Farming the Sea

(4) Collins, Chapman

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Same course as EEMB 249. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 249. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

251. Neurobiology I: Cellular Organization and Biophysics of the Nervous System

(4) Fisher

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A and 1B or equivalent. Completion of both prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 208 or MCDB 214. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Nervous system properties ranging from single cells to whole organisms, using examples from vertebrates/invertebrates studied in terms of morphology, physiology, behavior.

252. Neurobiology II: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology

(4) Kosik, Fisher

Prerequisite: MCDB 251 with a grade of B or better. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

This second course of a three quarter neurobiology course sequence (251/252/253) will cover both top down systems level approaches and bottom up molecular approaches to major topics in neurobiology. These topics include mechanisms of sensory transduction in at least two selected sensory systems, processing of sensory information within the brain, mechanisms of muscle control, cell signaling, neuronal plasticity, neuronal polarity, and the mapping of neural information to the brain.

253. Neurobiology III: Developmental Neurobiology

(4) Feinstein

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A-1B; and, MCDB 101A or EEMB 129. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

This course begins with fertilization and moves through sequential stages in the development of the nervous system, including cell migration and differentiation, axon outgrowth and pathfinding, programmed cell death, synaptogenesis, learning, memory, neurodegenerative conditions and current strategies for neuronal regeneration.

260. Research Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

(1) Staff

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 260. Seminar, 1 hour.

Seminars on research in progress presented by faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. (F,W,S)

262. Research Progress in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

(1) Staff

Seminar, 1 hour.

Research presentations by postdoctoral fellows and advanced Ph.D. students of research progress in the department. (F,W,S)

263. Progress in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

(1) Staff

Seminar, 1 hour.

Research seminars presented by invited speakers on current research topics. (F,W,S)

265. Literature in Virology

(1) Samuel

Prerequisites: graduate standing; consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 265. Seminar, 1 hour.

Critical reading and presentation of the recent literature on animal viruses and host cells by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff. (F,W,S)

266. Literature in Neurobiology

(1) Fisher, Clegg, Vandenberg, Feinstein

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 266. Seminar, 1 hour.

Critical reading and presentation of the literature in modern neurobiology. (F,W,S)

268. Literature in Plant Molecular Biology

(1) Finkelstein, Christoffersen, Cooper

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 268. Seminar, 1 hour.

Critical reading and presentation of the current literature in higher plant molecular biology, cell biology, and development. (F,W,S)

269. Literature in Pharmacology

(1) Wilson

Prerequisite: graduate standing in biological sciences.

Same course as EEMB 269. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 269. Seminar, 1 hour.

Critical reading and presentation of current literature in topics on pharmacology. (F,W,S)

276B. Biomolecular Materials II: Applications

(3) Safinya

Prerequisite: Physics 135 or MCDB 108A or Materials 276A. Lecture, 3 hours.

Interactions and self assembly in biomolecular materials. Chemical and drug delivery systems. Tissue engineering. Protein synthesis using recombinant nucleic acid methods: advanced materials development. Nonviral gene therapy.

290AA-ZZ. Group Studies

(2) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Presentation and discussion of current research, to be selected from the following list.

A. Research in Molecular Marine Biology: Morse

B. Research in Biomineralization: Morse

BE. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for Engineers: Feinstein

BG. Bacterial Genetics: Low

CE. C Elegans Development: Rothman

CM. Cellular Microbiology: Cotter

DN. Developmental Neurobiology: Clegg

LW. Microtubule Dynamics and Functions: Wilson

MM. Bacterial Pathogenesis: Mahan

MS. Biomass Spectrometry: Waite

NB. Neurobiology: Kosik

PM. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions: Cooper

RF. Plant Developmental Genetics: Finkelstein

S. Molecular Virology and Interferon Action: Samuel

SK. Research in Retinal Cell Biology: Fisher

V. Current Research on Cell and Developmental Biology of Fungi

VA. Molecular Neurobiology–Ion Channels: Vandenberg

293. Computational Methods in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology

(1) Christoffersen

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 1 hour.

Survey of computational methods in molecular biology. Topics include analysis and presentation of data, database searching, quantitative image analysis, and protein homology modeling. Emphasis on utilizing accessible software tools that are designed for nonprogrammers. (W)

500. Teaching Assistant Orientation

(1) Staff

Required of all teaching assistants.

No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 500. Workshop, 1 hour.

General orientation regarding the University of California and the Santa Barbara campus; various pertinent regulations, officials and their functions, staff and functions; services available to teaching assistants and to students. Prospective teaching assistants are encouraged to take this course during the fall quarter prior to their employment. (F)

501. Practicum in Instruction

(1-4) Staff

Prerequisite: concurrent teaching assistant employment.

No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 501. Workshop, 3-12 hours.

Practical experience in teaching within specified areas of biology. Students will have responsibility for one or more laboratory and/or discussion sections. Staff will periodically observe teaching assistants in actual teaching situations. Evaluation forms will be completed by members of the class sections. (F,W,S)

502. Techniques of Teaching and Laboratory Class Supervision

(1-2) Eardley, Even

Prerequisite: concurrent teaching assistant employment. Required of all teaching assistants.

No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 502. Discussion, 1 hour.

Weekly discussion and readings on techniques of teaching including lecturing, leading discussions, writing and grading exams, student-teacher interactions, classroom dynamics, and teaching philosophy. (F,W)

503. Research Practicum in Biology

(1-2) Staff

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 503. Tutorial, 1-2 hours.

Basic procedures and methods of research in a specified area as determined by consultation between the supervising faculty member and the research assistant. Includes weekly meetings and consultations, and formal evaluations. (F,W,S)

595AA-ZZ. Group Studies

(2) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 36 units. Individual letter designations may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 36 units. Seminar, 2 hours.

A critical review of research in selected fields of biology. Subject matter for these seminars will be selected from the following list:

A-B. Biochemistry-Molecular Biology: Staff

BC. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology: Cooper

BE. Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology for Engineers: Staff

BG. Bacterial Genetics: Low

CM. Cellular Microbiology: Cotter

DM. Molecular Marine Biology and Marine Biotechnology: Morse

DS. Molecular and Cellular Immunology: Sears

DV. Developmental Biology: Smith

EO. Genetics: Orias

F. General Physiology: Staff

G. Virology: Samuel

MM. Contemporary Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Sears

MP. Microbial Pathogenesis: Mahan

MS. Group Studies: Staff

NN. Literature in Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics: Orias

RF. Group Studies: Staff

V. Mycology: Ross

X. Cell Biology: Foltz

596. Directed Reading and Research

(2-12) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Hours and credit by arrangement with faculty.

597. Individual Study for Master’s Comprehensive Examinations and Ph.D. Examinations

(1-12) Staff

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 597. No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. Students are limited to 24 units per examination, and 12 units per quarter.

Individual study for M.A. comprehensive examinations and Ph.D. examinations.

598. Master’s Thesis Research and Preparation

(1-12) Staff

Prerequisites: M.A. (thesis) candidate and consent of committee chair.

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 598 to a maximum of 12 units. No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.

For research underlying the thesis and writing of the thesis.

599. Ph.D. Dissertation Preparation

(1-12) Staff

Prerequisites: Ph.D. candidate and consent of instructor.

May be repeated for credit in combination with Biology 599 to a maximum of 12 units.

For writing of the dissertation.

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Enter the 2007-2008 UCSB General Catalog

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