Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
David Fruman, Department Chair
Melissa Lodoen, Department Vice Chair
3205 McGaugh Hall
949-824-4915
http://mbb.bio.uci.edu/
The core discipline of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry is the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie all fundamental biological processes. To that end the faculty of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry represent diverse research interests that include structure and synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, gene organization and regulation, cell signaling, immunology and host pathogen interactions, biochemical genetics, cell and developmental biology, microbiology and virology.
Faculty
Dana W. Aswad, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Rachael M. Barry, Ph.D. Princeton University, Assistant Professor of Teaching of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Hans-Ulrich Bernard, Ph.D. University of Goettingen, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Population Health and Disease Prevention
Elizabeth Bess, Ph.D. University of Utah, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (chemical biology)
Suzanne Bohlson, Ph.D. University of Notre Dame, Professor of Teaching of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Michael J. Buchmeier, Ph.D. McMaster University, Professor Emeritus of Medicine; Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Melanie Cocco, Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences
Michael G. Cumsky, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Nir Drayman, Ph.D. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Hung Y. Fan, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Donald N. Forthal, M.D. University of California, Irvine, Professor of Medicine; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
David A. Fruman, Ph.D. Harvard University, Chair and Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Paul David Gershon, Ph.D. University of Liverpool, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Charles Glabe, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Shane Gonen, Ph.D. University of Washington, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Alon A. Gorodetsky, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Materials Science and Engineering (cephalopods, adaptive materials, camouflage, bioelectronics)
Celia Goulding, Ph.D. King's College London, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences
Michael T. Green, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Chemistry (chemical, biology, inorganic and organometallic, physical chemistry and chemical physics, theoretical and computational)
Matthew E. Griffin, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences (chemical biology)
Christopher J. Halbrook, Ph.D. Stony Brook University in New York, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Barbara A. Hamkalo, Ph.D. University of Massachusetts, Professor Emerita of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Allon Hochbaum, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (biological materials, protein materials, electronic conductivity in proteins, materials and methods to study microbes and microbial communities)
Yilin Hu, Ph.D. Loma Linda University, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Christopher C. Hughes, Ph.D. University of London, Associate Dean for Research & Innovation and Chancellor's Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Biomedical Engineering (tissue engineering, growth and patterning of blood vessels)
Matthew Inlay, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Anthony A. James, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Distinguished Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Pavan Kadandale, Ph.D. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Associate Professor of Teaching of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Mei Kong, Ph.D. McGill University, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Young Jik Kwon, Ph.D. University of Southern California, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (gene therapy, drug delivery, cancer-targeted therapeutics, artificially-induced cellular vesicles, multi-modal therapies)
Chang C. Liu, Ph.D. Scripps Research Institute, Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (genetic engineering, directed evolution, synthetic biology, chemical biology)
Wendy F. Liu, Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University, Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences (biomaterials, microdevices in cardiovascular engineering, cell-cell and cell-micro-environment interactions, cell functions and controls)
Melissa Lodoen, Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco, Vice Chair and Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Ray Luo, Ph.D. University of Maryland, College Park, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering (protein structure, noncovalent associations involving proteins)
Andrej Luptak, Ph.D. Yale University, Department Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (chemical biology)
Jerry E. Manning, Ph.D. University of Utah, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Rachel Martin, Ph.D. Yale University, Professor of Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (analytical, chemical biology, physical chemistry and chemical physics)
Reginald McNulty, Ph.D University of California, Irvine, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences
Alexander McPherson, Ph.D. Purdue University, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Benjamin Morehouse, Ph.D. Brandeis University, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences
Naomi Morrissette, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Edward L. Nelson, M.D. University of Oregon, Professor of Medicine; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Dequina Nicholas, Ph.D. Loma Linda University, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Thomas L. Poulos, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences (chemical biology)
Jennifer A. Prescher, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences (chemical biology, organic and synthetic)
Olga Razorenova, Ph.D. Institute of Molecular Genetics, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Markus W. Ribbe, Ph.D. University of Bayreuth, UCI Chancellor's Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Chemistry (chemical biology, inorganic and organometallic)
Brian Sato, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor of Teaching of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Education
Donald F. Senear, Ph.D. University of Washington, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Albert Siryaporn, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Robert Spitale, Ph.D. University of Rochester, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (chemistry, chemical biology, RNA biology)
Andrea Tenner, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor Emerita of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Neurobiology and Behavior; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Roberto Tinoco, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Shiou-Chuan (Sheryl) Tsai, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Chemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences
Luis P. Villarreal, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Craig Walsh, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Gregory A. Weiss, Ph.D. Harvard University, Professor of Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences (analytical, chemical biology, organic and synthetic, polymer, materials, nanoscience)
Katrine Whiteson, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Chancellor's Fellow and Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Travis Wiles, Ph.D. University of Utah, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Katherine Xue, Ph.D. University of Washington, Seattle, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Affiliate Faculty
John Charles Chaput, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (chemical and synthetic biology)
James S. Nowick, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, UCI Distinguished Professor of Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences (chemical biology, organic and synthetic, polymer, materials, nanoscience)
Krzysztof Palczewski, Ph.D. Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Irving H. Leopold Endowed Chair of Ophthalmology and Donald Bren and Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology; Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Physiology and Biophysics
Courses
MOL BIO 200A. Research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 2-12 Units.
Individual research with Molecular Biology and Biochemistry faculty.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
MOL BIO 200B. Research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 2-12 Units.
Individual research with Molecular Biology and Biochemistry faculty.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
MOL BIO 200C. Research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 2-12 Units.
Individual research with Molecular Biology and Biochemistry faculty.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
MOL BIO 200R. Research in Developmental & Cell Biology for First-year Students. 2-12 Units.
Independent research within the laboratories of graduate training faculty in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry for first-year Ph.D. students.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times
MOL BIO 201A. Seminars in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. 2 Units.
Presentation of research from department laboratories or, when pertinent, of other recent developments.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 201B. Seminars in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. 2 Units.
Presentation of research from department laboratories or, when pertinent, of other recent developments.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 201C. Seminars in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. 2 Units.
Presentation of research from department laboratories or, when pertinent, of other recent developments.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 202A. Tutorial in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 2 Units.
Tutorials in the area of research of a particular professor which relate current research to the literature. May be conducted as journal clubs.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
MOL BIO 202B. Tutorial in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 2 Units.
Tutorials in the area of research of a particular professor which relate current research to the literature. May be conducted as journal clubs.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
MOL BIO 202C. Tutorial in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 2 Units.
Tutorials in the area of research of a particular professor which relate current research to the literature. May be conducted as journal clubs.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary
MOL BIO 203. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function. 4 Units.
Structure and chemistry of nucleic acids. Relationship between these properties and the mechanisms of fundamental processes such as replication and repair, RNA-mediated catalysis, formation and regulation of higher order chromatin structure and recombination.
Prerequisite: BIO SCI 98 and BIO SCI 99 and CHEM 51A and CHEM 51B and CHEM 51C.
MOL BIO 204. Protein Structure and Function. 4 Units.
The structure and properties of proteins, enzymes, and their kinetic properties.
Prerequisite: BIO SCI 98 and BIO SCI 99 and CHEM 51C.
MOL BIO 205. Molecular Virology. 4 Units.
Primary research data on the major DNA and RNA viruses emphasizing strategies of regulation of gene expression. Utilization of viruses as molecular biological tools. Graduate-level knowledge of the biochemistry and molecular biology of macromolecules is required.
Prerequisite: MOL BIO 203 with a minimum grade of B- and MOL BIO 204 with a minimum grade of B-.
MOL BIO 210. Tumor Microenvironment, Immunology, and Metabolism. 4 Units.
Covers basic background and current topics in the cells that compose the complex tumor microenvironment. Explores how these cells interact to support metabolism and shape immune response.
MOL BIO 211. Structural Biology. 4 Units.
Basic principles of magnetic resonance, Xray crystallography, and CryoEM toward the determination of high-resolution biomolecular structures.
Prerequisite: MATH 2B.
Concurrent: BIO SCI M133
MOL BIO 214. Literature in Protein Structure and Function. 2 Units.
Exploration and critical analysis of recent primary scientific literature in structure and properties of proteins, enzymes, and their kinetic properties.
Corequisite: MOL BIO 204.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
MOL BIO 215A. Integrative Immunology I. 4 Units.
Provides an introduction to immunology, but focuses on providing in-depth analysis of selected topics within the broader field of immunology, including relevant research techniques, while improving critical thinking skills.
Same as PHYSIO 215A, M&MG 215A
MOL BIO 215B. Integrative Immunology II. 4 Units.
Lectures and student presentations of primary literature. Focuses on advanced topics and cutting edge technologies in modern immunology. Combination of didactic lectures and student-led journal article discussion.
Prerequisite: PHYSIO 215 with a minimum grade of B+.
Same as M&MG 215B, PHYSIO 215B
MOL BIO 217A. Principles of Cancer Biology I. 4 Units.
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are studied from molecular viewpoints. Also studies their role in cancer; viral carcinogenesis. Designed for graduate students interested in cancer research. Format includes lectures and student-led discussions.
Prerequisite: MOL BIO 203 with a minimum grade of B- and MOL BIO 204 with a minimum grade of B-.
MOL BIO 217B. Principles of Cancer Biology II. 4 Units.
Topics include cancer cell growth and metastasis, chemical carcinogenesis, and cancer genetics and epidemiology. Designed for graduate students interested in cancer research. Format includes lectures and student-led discussions.
Prerequisite: MOL BIO 203 with a minimum grade of B- and MOL BIO 204 with a minimum grade of B-.
MOL BIO 218. Clinical Cancer. 3 Units.
Designed to acquaint students in basic life science with clinical cancer.
MOL BIO 220. Structure & Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules Journal Club. 2 Units.
Advanced topics in macromolecular struture and synthesis as related to biological problems.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 221. Advanced Topics in Immunology. 4 Units.
Literature-based, interactive discussions focused on review of seminal historic and recent immunology literature. Student responsibilities include reading, critical evaluation, and discussion of manuscripts.
Prerequisite: M&MG 215 with a minimum grade of B-.
MOL BIO 221L. Advanced Immunology Laboratory. 4 Units.
An advanced course in immunology for graduate students enrolled in the Biotechnology master's program. Emphasis is placed on learning modern techniques in immunology such as ELISAs, western blotting, immunofluorescent staining assays.
Concurrent: BIO SCI M121L
MOL BIO 223. Introduction to Computational Biology. 4 Units.
The use of theories and methods based on computer science, mathematics, and physics in molecular biology and biochemistry. Basics in biomolecular modeling. Analysis of sequence and structural data of biomolecules. Analysis of biomolecular functions.
Same as BME 232
Concurrent: BIO SCI M123, COMPSCI 183, BME 132
MOL BIO 227. Immunlology Journal Club. 2 Units.
Advanced topics in immunology as related to an understanding of human disease.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 15 times
MOL BIO 229. Research-in-Progress Seminars. 1 Unit.
Two half-hour presentations by graduate students and postdoctorals to the department on their current research projects.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken for credit 15 times
MOL BIO 235. Literature in Chemical and Structural Biology. 1 Unit.
Exploration and critical analysis of recent primary scientific literature in chemical and structural biology.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 243. Topics in Stem Cells. 2-4 Units.
Presentation by participating faculty or guest lecturer that is open to the science community, followed by discussion of the lecture topic or a related topic. Students are responsible for presentations and readings.
MOL BIO 248. Metallobiochemistry . 4 Units.
A review of the biochemistry of metallic elements emphasizing: methods for studying metals in biological systems; the chemical basis for nature's exploitation of specific elements; structures of active sites; mechanisms; solid-state structures and devices; metals in medicine.
Prerequisite: CHEM 131C (may be taken concurrently) or CHEM 132C (may be taken concurrently).
Same as CHEM 218
MOL BIO 250. Advanced Topics in Biotechnology - Nucleic Acids. 2 Units.
Supplements laboratory curriculum with scientific background behind experimental methods. Format consists of lectures and the presentation and analysis of relevant papers from the scientific literature.
Corequisite: MOL BIO 250L.
Restrictions: Biotechnology majors only.
MOL BIO 250L. Biotechnology Laboratory - Nucleic Acids. 8 Units.
Nucleic acid techniques and recombinant DNA technology. Extraction and purification of nucleic acids, cloning and subcloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, nucleic acid hybridization, additional associated procedures. Students must demonstrate accurate documentation of data (laboratory notebook) detailing experience and results.
Corequisite: MOL BIO 250.
Restrictions: Biotechnology majors only.
MOL BIO 251. Advanced Topics in Biotechnology - Protein Purification and Characterization. 2 Units.
Supplements laboratory curriculum with scientific background behind experimental methods. Format consists of lectures and the presentation and analysis of relevant papers from the scientific literature.
Corequisite: MOL BIO 251L.
Prerequisite: MOL BIO 250L with a minimum grade of B- and MOL BIO 250 with a minimum grade of B-.
Restrictions: Biotechnology majors only.
MOL BIO 251L. Biotechnology Laboratory - Protein Purification and Characterization. 8 Units.
Major techniques of handling proteins and antibodies. Protein engineering, expression and large-scale purification of recombinant proteins from bacteria, HPLC, antibody purification, western blotting, additional associated procedures. Students must demonstrate accurate documentation of data (laboratory notebook) detailing experience and results.
Corequisite: MOL BIO 251.
Prerequisite: MOL BIO 250L with a minimum grade of B- and MOL BIO 250 with a minimum grade of B-.
Restrictions: Biotechnology majors only.
MOL BIO 252L. Biotechnology Management Laboratory. 8 Units.
Overview of current methods in biotechnology, designed specifically for biotechnology graduate students. Organized into four distinct sections (nucleic acids, proteins, virology, and immunology). Students must demonstrate accurate documentation of data (laboratory notebooks) detailing experience and results.
Restrictions: Biotechnology majors only.
MOL BIO 253. Biotech Management . 5 Units.
Taught jointly by Bio Sci and Merage School faculty, the course addresses fundamental aspects within, and associated with, the biotechnology industry. Curriculum is focused largely on management issues, including finance, product development, pharmaceuticals, project management, regulatory affairs, and ethics.
Same as MGMTMBA 293
Restrictions: Biotechnology majors only.
MOL BIO 268. Seminar in Systems Microbiology Research. 1 Unit.
A research and journal club seminar that covers topics on bacteria and phage using approaches and principles from biology, engineering, and physics.
Same as PHYSICS 268, MSE 267
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 270. Science Communication Skills. 2 Units.
Development of effective communication skills, oral and written presentations. Topics range from the art of creating keynote slides to strategically crafting a personal story, culminating in a live presentation to an invited audience.
MOL BIO 280. Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 4 Units.
Selected topics in specified areas of concentration, e.g., nucleic acids, protein biochemistry, genetic expression, biochemical genetics. Specific topics announced in advance.
MOL BIO 291. Graduate School Fundamentals. 2 Units.
Lectures and discussions providing basic skills needed for success in Ph.D. graduate studies. Topics include formulating a hypothesis, experimental design, literature review, grant writing, oral communication, biostatistics, time management, and professional development.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Restrictions: Cellular and Molecular Biosciences majors only.
MOL BIO 292A. Scientific Communication. 2 Units.
Small group meetings for graduate students to practice scientific writing, debate, and presentation skills.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 292B. Scientific Communication. 2 Units.
Small group meetings for graduate students to practice scientific writing, debate, and presentation skills.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 292C. Scientific Communication. 2 Units.
Small group meetings for graduate students to practice scientific writing, debate, and presentation skills.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times
MOL BIO 293A. Cancer Biology Journal Club. 1 Unit.
Focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of cancers. Covers a variety of cancer-related research areas, such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, DNA repair, metastasis, angiogenesis, and others.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
MOL BIO 293B. Cancer Biology Journal Club. 1 Unit.
Focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of cancers. Covers a variety of cancer-related research areas, such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, DNA repair, metastasis, angiogenesis, and others.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
MOL BIO 293C. Cancer Biology Journal Club. 1 Unit.
Focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of cancers. Covers a variety of cancer-related research areas, such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, DNA repair, metastasis, angiogenesis, and others.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
MOL BIO 295. Biomedical Research Methods. 2 Units.
Lectures and interactive discussions of research methods in modern biomedical science. Each week will focus on a different class of techniques, including molecular, biochemical, immunological, genomic, bioinformatics, microscopy, cancer biology, genome editing. One hour per week, grading based on attendance.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Restrictions: Cellular and Molecular Biosciences majors only.
MOL BIO 399. University Teaching. 4 Units.
Limited to Teaching Assistants.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only
Graduate Program
The Department offers graduate study in conjunction with the program in Cellular and Molecular Biosciences (CMB) and the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP). Students admitted into a combined program who select a research advisor in the Department begin following the departmental requirements for the Ph.D. at the beginning of their second year. Participation in an advanced topics seminar series and completion of at least one course per year for three years are expected of all students. Students must advance to candidacy in their third year. The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. is five years, and the maximum time permitted is seven years.