College of Letters and Science
128 Hershey Hall
Box 957246
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7246
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
310-825-7109
Department e-mail
The revolution in modern biology that began with the elucidation of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in the 1950s has had a profound effect not only on biological research, but on the way biology is taught as a subject. The field of biology spawned by this discovery, generally called molecular biology, has provided an entirely new framework within which to approach questions in cell and developmental biology. The specializations, both technical and conceptual, demanded by this field have led to the growth of molecular biology and its related disciplines into an essentially separate branch of scientific inquiry.
Students who complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology are exceptionally well prepared to pursue careers in cellular and subcellular biological research, biomedical research, or medicine or allied health fields. The degree combines essential background studies in mathematics, chemistry, and physics with a general introduction to all of the biological subjects, as well as in-depth exposure to key topics in molecular, cell, and developmental biology. The PhD degree offers opportunity for advanced concentrated study and requires independent and innovative research that ultimately results in publishable dissertation materials.
