The following courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better:
BCB 210, Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Emphasizes molecular genetic and genomic approaches to address fundamental biological questions. Introduces and emphasizes the strengths of prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems and serves as building block for the BMCDB core courses, which use model systems to develop their themes.
This 3-unit course is taken in fall of the first year.
BCB 211, Macromolecular Structure & Interactions
Conceptual and quantitative basis for macromolecular structure-function relationships. Investigation of the paradigm form follows function. Review of key elements of protein, nucleic acid, and membrane structure. Exploration of specific macromolecular associations by analyzing chemical structure and physical-chemical behavior.
This 3-unit course is taken in fall of the first year.
BCB 212, Cell Biology
Analysis of basic processes governing cell organization, division, and transport. Study of the integration and regulation of cell behavior in response to changes in cellular environment.
This 3-unit course is taken in winter of the first year.
BCB 213, Developmental Biology
Fundamental principles in embryonic development that guide application of modern cellular and genetic approaches to understand developmental mechanisms. Emphasis on experimental approaches used to critically address scientific questions.
This 3-unit course is taken in winter of the first year.
BCB 214, Molecular Biology
Investigation of the basic cellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes that govern the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA-RNA-protein).
This 3-unit course is taken in spring of the first year.
BCB 215, Title TBD
This reading course is in the process of shifting to cover non-topical subject matter relevant to biomedical scholars, e.g., bioinformatics, light microscopy, and mass spectometry.
This 2-unit course is taken in the final two weeks of spring of the first year.
BCB 220L, Rotations Course
The course is your conduit for being supervised over four five-week rotations. At the end of each rotation, students give short presentations on their rotation projects to the other first-year students, the instructor in charge and any other faculty and students who wish to attend. In addition, each student prepares a short written report.
This five-unit course is taken in fall and winter of the first year.
BCB 290, Colloquium Credit
This one-unit credit is taken in fall and winter of the first year.
MCB 291, Joint Seminars in Molecular Biology
Students in their first and second years of study are expected to attend the Joint Seminars in Molecular Biology, which is tracked by enrollment in MCB 291. Poor attendance will result in an Unsatisfactory grade.
If a student finds a seminar that is more relevant to their research interests and/or more conducive to their schedule, they are permitted to attend that seminar with the consent of their academic advisor. The seminar must have a corresponding course in which the student can enroll to provide proof of attendance.
Elective Requirements
Six elective credits are required; they must be graded on a A - F scale, and cannot be required courses for a Designated Emphasis or T32 training program. Electives are generally selected in consultation with the academic advisor and PI. Attention to the schedule on which such courses are offered is essential - many are offered only in alternate years.
Other Degree Requirements
Ethics Requirement
Students are expected to complete one of two options: the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) series, which requires live Zoom sessions and CITI training, and GGG 296, which is offered every fall and instructed by BMCDB member Fred Chédin.
Some fellowships require one or the other; for example, NSF GRFP recipients are required to complete the RCR series, whereas NIH T32 trainees are required to enroll in GGG 296. Consult the program or fellowship coordinator, and CC the BMCDB Graduate Program Coordinator, if you have questions.
TA Requirement
All students are expected to complete a minimum of one quarter as a teaching assistant (TA). It is the student's responsibility to secure a TAship, and Reader positions are not a permissible substitute.
Students who are funded by certain fellowships or grants (e.g., the eMCDB T32, the NSF GRFP, the Schwall Medical Fellowship) are prohibited from TA employment; they are therefore exempt from this degree requirement. Email the Graduate Program Coordinator and your academic advisor if you have questions about your eligibility to waive the TA requirement.
Teaching assignments may vary according to past teaching experience and source of support. Open positions are advertised quarterly across the campus. Application forms may be obtained from Section or Departmental offices. In general, applications are current only for the quarters indicated on the form. New applications must be filed for subsequent consideration. It is recommended that students begin looking for TAships 2 quarters before they plan to TA.
