In view of the strong research orientation of the fields involved, the department does not accept applications from students seeking the MA as a terminal degree. The master of arts degree, either with a thesis (Plan I) or without (Plan II), is awarded under special circumstances.

Course code for this program is MCDB.

Faculty

While many faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate students, some instruct students at the undergraduate level only. For more information, contact the faculty member's home department.

Abbott, Lois A.
Senior Instructor Emerita

Anseth, Kristi S.
Distinguished Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Arnoult, Nausica Christine
Assistant Professor; PhD, Pierre and Marie Curie University (France)

Betterton, Meredith D.
Professor; PhD, Harvard University

Blumenthal, Thomas
Professor, Visiting Professor; PhD, Johns Hopkins University

Boswell, Robert E.
Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Brumbaugh, Justin J.
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Cech, Thomas R.
Distinguished Professor; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Chen, Zhe
Assistant Research Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Copley, Shelley
Professor; PhD, Harvard University

DeDecker, Brian S.
Senior Instructor; PhD, Yale University

Detweiler, Corrella Scott
Professor; PhD, University of California, San Francisco

Donaldson, Zoe
Assistant Professor; PhD, Emory University

Dowell, Robin D.
Associate Professor; DSc, Washington University

Dubin, Mark W.
Professor Emeritus

Espinosa, Joaquin Maximiliano
Visiting Associate Professor; PhD, Univ of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Fillman, Christy L.
Senior Instructor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Garcea, Robert L.
Professor; MD, University of California, San Francisco

Gold, Lawrence
Professor; PhD, University of Connecticut

Guild, Nancy Ann
Professor Attendant Rank; PhD, University of Colorado

Han, Min
Distinguished Professor; PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

Harvey, Pamela Ann
Senior Instructor; PhD, Tufts University

Hoenger, Andreas
Professor; PhD, Universität Basel (Switzerland)

Jones, Kevin Robert
Associate Professor; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Junge, Harald Jobst
Assistant Professor; PhD, Philipps-Universität Marburg (Germany)

Klymkowsky, Michael W.
Professor; PhD, California Institute of Technology

Knight, Jennifer Kirsten
Associate Professor; PhD, University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Kralj, Joel M.
Assistant Professor; PhD, Boston University

Krauter, Kenneth S.
Professor, Associate Chair; PhD, Yeshiva University

Kuempel, Peter L.
Professor Emeritus

Leinwand, Leslie Anne
Distinguished Professor, Faculty Director; PhD, Yale University

Martin, Jennifer Mary
Senior Instructor; PhD, University of Washington

Mastronarde, David N.
Professor Attendant Rank; PhD, University of Colorado

McConkey, Edwin H.
Professor Emeritus

McIntosh, J. Richard
Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Niswander, Lee
Chair, Professor; PhD, Case Western Reserve University

Odorizzi, Charles Gregory
Professor; PhD, University of California, San Diego

Old, William
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Olwin, Bradley Bruce
Professor, Associate Chair; PhD, University of Washington

Orth, James D.
Assistant Research Professor, Instructor; PhD, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine

Pace, Norman R.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Park, Soyeon
Assistant Professor; PhD, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine

Parker, Roy Robert
Distinguished Professor; PhD, University of California, San Francisco

Perkins, Thomas T.
Professor Adjoint; PhD, Stanford University

Runner, Meredith
Professor Emeritus

Sawyer, Sara Lea
Professor; PhD, Cornell University

Shen, Jingshi
Professor; PhD, Columbia University

Singh, Ravinder
Associate Professor; PhD, Baylor College of Medicine

Staehelin, L. Andrew
Professor Emeritus

Stowell, Michael
Associate Professor; PhD, California Institute of Technology

Su, Tin Tin
Professor, Chair; PhD, Carnegie Mellon University

Sueoka, Noboru
Professor Emeritus

Van Blerkom, Jonathan
Research Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Vigers, Alison Jane
Instructor; PhD, University of Colorado Denver

Voeltz, Gia Kaarina
Professor; PhD, Yale University

Weaver, Benjamin
Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Kansas

Wood, William B. III
Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Xue, Ding
Professor; PhD, Columbia University

Yarus, Michael J.
Professor Emeritus

Courses

MCDB 5201 (1) Graduate Lab in Molecular Evolution

Ever wonder what functional clues might reside in the DNA sequence of your favorite gene? In this course, graduate students will learn the fundamentals of phylogenetics with an emphasis on evolutionary models that infer selective pressures in protein-coding DNA sequences (genes). During the course, students will be working on their favorite gene and using it as a case study for applying all of the concepts that we will cover. By the end of the course they will have generated a publication-quality summary figure, along with appropriate supplemental figures, of the selective pressures shaping their favorite gene. Additionally, they will learn how to design and execute an experimental approach based off of findings from the evolutionary analysis.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

MCDB 5210 (3) Cell Structure and Function (Lecture and Discussion)

MCDB 5220 (3) Graduate Core 2

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5230 (3) Graduate Core 1

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5250 (3) Topics in Developmental Genetics (Methods and Logic)

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.

MCDB 5301 (3) Immunology

Emphasizes cellular and molecular mechanisms by which organisms protect themselves from pathogens and the experimental basis for our understanding of these processes. Discusses development, function, and misfunction of t-cells, b-cells and other components of the immune system, focusing on the human immune system.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4300
Requisites: Restricted to Biological Sciences (MCDB) graduate students only.

MCDB 5310 (3) Microbial Genetics and Physiology

Examines the physiology and genetics of bacteria, Archaea and viruses. Particular emphasis will be on metabolism, regulation of gene expression and protein function, mechanisms of interactions with and manipulation of the environment, and evolution in response to environmental pressures.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4310

MCDB 5312 (3-4) Quantitative Optical Imaging

Explores the fundamentals of optical imaging in biology, especially molecular and cellular biology. Covered topics include an introduction to optics and microscopes, fluorescence microscopy and image analysis, and biological applications. MATLAB will be taught at the beginning of the course and used throughout for image processing. Prior experience with MATLAB (or Python) is highly recommended but not required.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: BCHM 5312, MCDB 4312 and BCHM 4312
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

MCDB 5350 (3) Microbial Diversity and the Biosphere

Provides a molecular phylogeny-based perspective on microbial diversity and the interactions between organisms that result in the biosphere. Provides overview of recent methods and findings in microbial ecology, as well as computer-based workshop in molecular phylogeny.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4350
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5361 (3) Evolution and Development

Relates how recent discoveries in the molecular mechanisms of development are shaping our understanding of animal evolution. Reviews basic principles of molecular developmental biology and applies these concepts to critically discuss current research in the field of Evo-Devo (evolution and development).

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4361

MCDB 5425 (3) Topics in Membrane Biology: Cell Biology, Physiology and Disease

Students will apply their knowledge of basic biology to exploring several of the most exciting topics in biomedicine including protein folding and stress responses, nutrient sensing and balance and signal transduction across membranes. Emphasis will be placed upon human physiology and associated human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4425
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5426 (3) Cell Signaling and Developmental Regulation

Introduces several cell signaling processes and their biological functions. Students read and analyze original research articles to learn the thinking processes of scientific research. Writing assignments and oral presentations are required.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4426

MCDB 5427 (3) Biology of the Visual System

Explores the neurobiology, cell biology, genetics and developmental biology of the visual system. Discusses neurodegenerative and vascular diseases that lead to blindness. Students read and analyze original research articles to train scientific reasoning. Involves student-organized presentations and classroom discussion.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4427
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (all minimum grade C-).

MCDB 5441 (4) Animal Developmental Diversity

Surveys development in a range of vertebrate and invertebrate systems to reconstruct the common bilatorian ancestor, and elucidate the developmental genetic changes underlying animal diversification. Lab focuses on vertebrate embryos and explores key methods in evolutionary developmental biology including in situ hybridization, embryo microinjection, and transgenesis.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4441 and EBIO 4440 and EBIO 5440
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5471 (3) Mechanisms of Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Focuses on manifestations of regulated gene expression. Studies gene regulation at multiple steps, including transcription, RNA processing and translation. Is based on critical analysis of primary research papers. Written assignments and oral presentations are required.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4471

MCDB 5520 (3) Bioinformatics and Genomics

Computational and experimental methods in bioinformatics and genomics, and how these methods provide insights into protein structure and function, molecular evolution, biological diversity, cell biology and human disease. Topics include database searching, multiple sequence alignment, molecular phylogeny, microarrays, proteomics and pharmacogenomics.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4520
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5521 (1) Bioinformatics and Genomics Laboratory

Provides experience with, and exposure to, computational and experimental methods in bioinformatics and genomics. Meets once a week. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, plan and execute data analysis in selected areas.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4521
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

MCDB 5550 (3) Cells, Molecules and Tissues: A Biophysical Approach

Focuses on the biophysics governing the structure/function of enzymes, cells, extracellular matrix and tissue. Synthesizes ideas from molecular biology, physics, and biochemistry, emphasizing how low Reynolds number physics, not Newtonian physics, is relevant to life inside a cell.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4550 and PHYS 4550 and PHYS 5550

MCDB 5560 (3) Introduction to Biophysics

Covers an introduction to the physics of living systems. Focuses on how living systems are able to generate order, with both physical principles and biological examples. Covers the development of quantitative models for biological systems, including estimates. Taught from a physics perspective, with biology background introduced as needed.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4560 and PHYS 4560 and PHYS 5560
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

MCDB 5615 (3) Biology of Stem Cells

Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. Examines the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4615
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5621 (3) Genome Databases: Mining and Management

Lec. Develops essential skills for performing genomic analyses, with focus on developing practical research tools. Introduces human genome and microbiome projects, Python/Sql scripting, accessing and understanding genomic data, sequence alignment and search, evolutionary models, expression data, biological networks, and macromolecular structure.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: BCHM 5621, MCDB 4621 and BCHM 5621

MCDB 5650 (2) Teaching and Learning in Undergraduate Science Courses

Discusses recent research on how students learn and applications to the teaching of undergraduate science courses. Conducted as an interactive workshop, in which active-engagement in learning approaches are modeled and experienced by participants. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. May be used to fulfill the pedagogical training requirement for undergraduate Learning Assistants in upper division science courses. Post-doctoral and faculty auditors are welcome to participate as regular auditors.

MCDB 5651 (3) Developmental Biology

Explores the development of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, emphasizing cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms. Focuses on conceptual understanding and experimental approaches to topics such as embryology, developmental control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis and developmental genetics.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4650
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5680 (3) Mechanisms of Aging

Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4680
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5750 (3) Animal Virology

Encompasses the structure and replication of both lytic and transforming animal viruses. Emphasizes diversity of naturally occurring genomic structures and the resulting strategies of infection as well as the impact of viral epidemics on society. Includes critical analysis of primary research papers. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Course has additional graduate student level requirements.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4750
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 5776 (1) Scientific Ethics and Responsible Conduct in Research

Lect. Advanced discussion of topics in scientific ethics, including requirements for responsible conduct of research, case histories of fraud, research misconduct, ethical misconduct and development of professional values and ethical standards.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: BCHM 5776
Requisites: Requires a corequisite course of MCDB 5230 or BCHM 5771.

MCDB 5777 (3) Molecular Neurobiology

Introduces the functional anatomy of the nervous system and explores current knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic basis of the development and function of the nervous system. Studies recent insights into the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases, in the last portion of the course.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4777

MCDB 5811 (3) Teaching and Learning Biology

Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its valuation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: MCDB 4811 and EDUC 4811 and EDUC 6811
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 6000 (3) Introduction to Laboratory Methods

Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 15.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to Biological Sciences (MCDB) graduate students only.

MCDB 6440 (1-3) Special Topics in MCD Biology

Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 6441 (1) Faculty Res Seminar

Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

MCDB 6442 (2) Research Grant Writing

Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

MCDB 6940 (1) Master's Candidate for Degree

Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.

MCDB 6950 (1-6) Master's Thesis

Students seeking a master's degree should consult a departmental advisor. Plan I or Plan II is offered.

MCDB 7840 (1-6) Graduate Independent Study

An independent study contract is required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.

MCDB 7910 (1) Seminar Practicum

Designed for graduate students to give oral presentations on their thesis research, field questions, respond to critiques, and present background information.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 2.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

MCDB 8990 (1-10) Doctoral Dissertation

All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 30.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.