Director of undergraduate studies:
Douglas Kankel (MCDB)
1220B  KBT, 203-432-3839
crystal.adamchek@yale.edu
www.biology.yale.edu

The Major in MCDB at Yale University

The science of biology is extremely broad, ranging across the domains of molecules, cells, tissues and organs, organisms, and ecosystems. Moreover, biology explores questions of evolutionary history and the processes of evolutionary change as well as the mechanisms by which cells, organisms, and ecosystems function. Students majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology receive a thorough yet varied liberal education and preparation for professional careers in a diverse array of fields. Practical applications of biology include the development of biologicals and pharmaceuticals, the practice of medicine, and pursuit of the scientific bases for understanding the development and function of biological systems.

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) offers programs for students wishing to concentrate on molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and their applications to problems in cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, and various aspects of computational biology. Interdisciplinary opportunities are available within the major in the biotechnology and neurobiology tracks.

The MCDB major offers many opportunities for independent laboratory research. With approval, research can be conducted under the supervision of faculty members in any Yale department. Some programs for study abroad are available to MCDB majors; approved programs can fulfill some of the requirements for the major. Interested students should consult the director of undergraduate studies and the Center for International and Professional Experience (cipe.yalecollege.yale.edu).

Yale is a leading institution for research in the biological sciences, and during their stay at Yale, students have many opportunities to carry out independent research under the supervision of faculty members. In addition to the labs within the MCDB department, there are over 200 bioscience laboratories on the Yale campus, including those at the School of Medicine. Hence, the research topics that undergraduates can pursue are as diverse as the interests of the entire bioscience community at Yale. Subjects studied include molecular genetics and biochemistry, developmental biology, neurobiology, human physiology, plant science, evolution and systematics. Research is usually taken for either course credit and/or performed during the summer. In addition to lecture, seminar, and research courses, students may arrange tutorials to study topics not covered by the traditional curriculum. Finally, students are encouraged to attend departmental seminars featuring lectures on the research of the Yale faculty and of visiting scientists.

The teaching and research facilities in MCDB are distributed in three buildings on Yale’s main campus: Osborn Memorial Laboratories, Kline Biology Tower, and the Environmental Science Facility; and in a number of laboratories on Yale’s west campus. There are about 48 faculty members, 30 postdoctoral fellows, and 52 graduate students and approximately 125 MCDB majors that work and study in these buildings. The quality and breadth of expertise in this biological community has made Yale a premier center for both students and scientists.

What can being a MCDB Major do for me?

The major in MCDB contributes to a liberal education as well as providing excellent preparation for a wide range of professional careers in medicine, public health, the pharmaceutical industry, science writing, teaching, as well as biological research. MCDB undergraduates at Yale have a high rate of acceptance at medical and graduate schools. Today, with the use of genetic testing in court cases, the patenting of biological products, and procedures for assessing environmental impact, this major can also be helpful in law and business careers.

Official Yale College program and course information is found in Yale College Programs of Study, available on line at http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/yale-college-programs-study.

Updated: August 15, 2012