Molecular and Cell Biology
Download as PDF
Program Type
Overview
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 concentrations, ranging from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks, to fish, amphibia, and mammals.
There are six emphases (concentrations) in MCB:
All of the emphases have multiple tracks to choose from. Some tracks only differ slightly and some give a whole different perspective on the emphasis. For help deciding your emphasis please see a staff or peer advisor in MCB!
Declaring the Major
Students can receive pre-major advising at any time from staff or peer advisors. MCB will accept any interested student who meets the minimum course and GPA requirements and is realistically able to complete the major requirements during the student's time at UC Berkeley. Any student intending to major in MCB must finish declaring or complete MCB conditions to declare by the end of their 6th semester, or during the semester before their graduating term (if this semester is before their 6th semester).
In order to declare the MCB major, students must have completed or be enrolled in:
BIOLOGY 1A/BIOLOGY 1AL (with a C or better on the first Bio 1A midterm) OR a score of 4 or 5 in AP Biology
CHEM 3B (past the early drop deadline)
Have at least a 2.0 overall GPA, a 2.0 GPA in all courses taken for the major, a 2.0 GPA in any upper division courses taken for the major
Intended MCB students are not required to have completed the math, physics, or Bio 1B requirements at the time of declaration (though these requirements must be met in order to graduate).
To start the major declaration process, students must complete the MCB major declaration form online. During major declaration, students must choose an MCB emphasis.
Once the declaration form has been processed, students will receive an email with instructions to schedule an appointment to meet with a staff advisor. Advising appointments take place either online on Zoom or in person at the Undergraduate Advising Office in 3060 Valley Life Sciences Building. See full instructions on the MCB Declaration page.