Which Upper-Division MCDB Research Series is Right for Me?
Overview
Students conducting ongoing, individual research under the guidance of an MCDB-approved faculty mentor may be eligible to enroll in upper-division MCDB research courses (maximum one course per quarter / four units per quarter / letter grading).
The MCDB department has multiple research courses in which to enroll. Students should select a course or series that best aligns with or enhances their research experience and fulfills desired degree requirements. Once you have reviewed the resources below, navigate to the specific course page to learn more about eligibility requirements, enrollment instructions, and required assignments.
As a reminder, a maximum of 12 units (or three quarters) of MCDB-approved research (MCDB 196A-B, MCDB 199A-D, MCDB 198A-D) may be applied towards major requirements.
A Guide to MCDB Research Courses
MCDB 196A-B
Juniors and seniors in the MCDB major who wish to fulfill the MCDB Lab Requirement with independent research must apply for and complete two consecutive quarters of independent research, MCDB 196A-B, concurrently with two research seminars, MCDB 180A-B. The seminar series is offered twice per year in Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring.
- MCDB 196A (4 units) may be accepted as a Category 1 elective for the MCDB major.
- MCDB 196B may fulfill the MCDB Lab Requirement.
- MCDB 180A (2 units) and 180B (2 units) may be accepted as Category 1 electives for the MCDB major.
MCDB 198A-D
Seniors in the MCDB major who wish to pursue a more advanced research project, culminating in a final thesis, should consider enrolling in MCDB 198A-D. Three consecutive quarters of independent research, MCDB 198A-C, are required to be awarded MCDB Departmental Honors. There are multiple ways in which MCDB 198A-D may be applied towards MCDB major requirements.
- A maximum of 12 units (or three quarters) of MCDB 198A-D may be applied towards the minimum 20 units of approved electives required for the MCDB major. MCDB 198A-D may be accepted as Category 1 electives for the MCDB major.
- One quarter of MCDB 198A-D may fulfill the MCDB Lab Requirement if taken concurrently with MCDB 180A-B. Whichever research course (MCDB 198A, 198B, 198C, or 198D) is taken concurrently with MCDB 180B will be applied towards the MCDB Lab Requirement. MCDB 180A (2 units), MCDB 180B (2 units), and a maximum of eight units (or two quarters) of MCDB 198A-D may be applied towards the minimum 20 units of approved electives required for the MCDB major.
- Students in the Biomedical Research Minor may fulfill the MCDB Lab Requirement with MCDB 198C without taking MCDB 180A-B. A maximum of eight units (or two quarters) of MCDB 198A-D may be applied towards the minimum 20 units of approved electives required for the MCDB major.
MCDB 199A-D
Juniors or seniors in the MCDB major who wish to fulfill MCDB elective units with independent research should consider enrolling in MCDB 199A-D. At least two consecutive quarters of independent research, MCDB 199A-B, are required.
MCDB 199
Juniors or seniors in the MCDB major who do not wish to commit to a multi-term research series, but wish to earn upper-division units for their independent research, should consider enrolling in MCDB 199. Please be aware that MCDB 199 does not apply towards MCDB major requirements!
Non-MCDB majors may enroll in MCDB 199 so long as their faculty research mentor is an MCDB faculty member.
Check out this Quick Guide to MCDB Research Courses for a summary of requirements and responsibilities of both the faculty mentor and student.
Still not sure which series is right for you? Take the quiz. Coming soon!
Still have questions? Contact the MCDB undergraduate advisors.