MCB Colloquium Classes

MCB 195C Introduction to Research in Molecular and Cellular Biology (1 unit)
This is a 1-unit course designed for freshman Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) majors to introduce students to MCB and prepare them for engaging in biological research.
Dr. Pascale Charest
Offered in the Fall and Spring

 

MCB 195D Teaching and Learning in Molecular and Cellular Biology (1 unit)
Students will investigate the process of learning, drawing from examples of learning topics in molecular and cellular biology. This introduction will provide student with tools they will need to succeed in university-level biology courses. In addition, students will explore career opportunities for teaching and communicating science that are available to people with degrees in molecular and cellular biology.

 

MCB 195G The Molecular Biology of Food (1 unit)
This course is intended to teach students about how food is produced, how we obtain the nutrients we need, and how technology via molecular biology underlies studies of nutrition and can transform how we will grow food in the future. Students will also explore the basics of cell and molecular biology, learn how to succeed in university-level biology courses, and explore career opportunities available to people with degrees in molecular and cellular biology.

 

MCB 195I What is MCB? (1 unit)
What is Molecular and Cellular Biology is a one-unit colloquium course where students will explore the basics of cell and molecular biology, learn how to succeed in university-level biology courses, and explore career opportunities available to people with degrees in molecular and cellular biology.

MCB 195J Biological Scientist's Approaches to Identify and Solve Big Problems (1 unit)

In this freshman colloquium, molecular and cellular biology students will have the opportunity to think about Big Problems with biological connections facing society then work in groups to use imagination and scientific thinking to propose solutions. Students will learn to identify problems, research information on the topic, propose solutions, and communicate their ideas to their peers.
Dr. Ted Weinert
Offered in theSpring

 

In this colloquim, we will explore some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the differences in how our brains work. At the same time, we will listen to the voices of people whose brains work differently. These readings and discussions will be interspersed with tips on how to succeed in university-level biology courses, and explore career opportunities available to people with degrees in molecular and cellular biology. This is a first-year colloquium course.
Dr. Lisa Nagy
Offered in the Fall and Spring

 

Students will explore the current state of the art in immuno-oncology: the therapeutic approach designed to activate a patient's own immune system against cancer. This approach has recently garnered significant excitement as previously incurable cancers are seeing remarkable remissions. The course will provide a brief overview of cancer and the immune system, with a focus on the novel treatments.

 

Students will explore current research and career opportunities in molecular and cellular biology.  The focus of this colloquium is on key and recent discoveries as well as scientific insights into cell and molecular biology that were made using imaging approaches such as microscopy. This course is appropriate for students who have recently added or are interested in adding a molecular and cellular biology major. This is a second-year colloquium course that will highlight the interdisciplinarity and applicability of cell and molecular biology concepts in a wide range of careers.

MCB 295D Stem Cells and Human Health (1 unit)
    Second year course

The course will guide students to explore the current state of the art in stem cell biology and medicine. It will provide a brief overview of stem cells, with a focus on their clinical potentials in revolutionary treatments of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, and other human health issues, as well as risks and ethical challenges. This course is a second-year colloquium and requires the students to either have completed or be concurrently enrolled in introductory biology.
Dr. Guang Yao
Offered in the Spring

MCB 295G Life in the Universe (1 unit)
    Second year course
Students will explore the study of life in the Universe: also known as Astrobiology. The course will provide a brief overview of the ways the physiological limits of life on Earth have been considered to predict the potential for life to exist elsewhere in the Universe. We will explore key research from Astrobiologists investigating extant or extinct life and biosignatures from extreme environments. By conducting planetary field analogue studies, or by subjecting terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments Astrobiologists are exploring the limits of life as we know it.
Dr. Solange Duhamel
Offered in the Fall and Spring