UC Berkeley MCB

The undergraduate major in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) focuses on the study of molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. This covers a broad range of specialized disciplines, such as biochemistry, microbiology, biophysics, molecular biology, genetics, cell physiology, cell anatomy, immunology, and neurobiology. The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials are as diverse as its disciplinary specializations, ranging from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks, to fish, amphibia and mammals.

There are five emphases to choose from: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell & Developmental Biology, Genetics, Genomics & Development, Immunology & Pathogenesis, and Neurobiology. Information about the emphases, including the lower-division and upper division requirements, can be found on the Major-At-Glance webpage.

Students majoring in any of these emphases have been highly successful in entering graduate or medical school and in other science- and health-related careers. For more information about what our students do with an MCB major, checkout our Career webpage.

Academic advisors are available year-round to help you plan for the upcoming semesters. The advisors are trained to support students and assist them in successfully completing their MCB major. They are excellent resources for questions concerning administration and academics, or finding out about other available services. Students should see a staff advisor in order to:

*ask questions about major requirements;
*ask advice about schedule planning;
*declare the MCB major;
*consult about research opportunities, graduate & professional schools, career *opportunities, scholarships and internships;
*get their advisor code (AC) number to access Tele-BEARS registration;
*get information and course control numbers for independent research;
*request general assistance, advice or information; and
*find out about upcoming events and programs.

Staff advisors are primarily available for drop-in advising, though limited appointments are available for more complex issues such as probation, academic difficulty and re-admission. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 510.643.8895 during drop-in advising hours. Our general email address is mcbuao@berkeley.edu. We check this email daily, M-F, so you'll receive an answer to questions within one business day.