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CNAS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center

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Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology

Overview

CMDB overview
CMDB was established in 1999 based on the belief that an interdisciplinary approach was becoming increasingly critical for training biological researchers. Since then, modern biology has developed into an even more synthetic and multi-faceted discipline. Today’s biologists now need to perform experiments and integrate research findings at multiple levels of biological organization, ranging from individual molecules to whole organisms.  To provide the necessary breath for this type of interdisciplinary training, CMDB is organized as an interdepartmental program that brings together scientists from across UCR.  Each year we recruit a select group of students who share this vision, maintaining an overall size of between 30-40 students in the Program.  CMDB is committed to preparing our students for exciting research-oriented careers in basic and applied aspects of cell, molecular and developmental biology, and we are proud of the accomplishments our students have achieved once they have completed our Program.
 

CMDB Advising

Click on the drop-menus below for more information and documents related to the CMDB major.
  • Change of Major Criteria for CMDB
    To declare a major, students must be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above), a Life Science Core GPA of 2.0 or higher, and no grades lower than a C- in any attempted major requirement.  If upper-division courses have been taken, a minimum upper-division GPA of a 2.0 is also required.  Must be able to complete the degree within 216 units.  AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining unit range for change of major criteria and 216 unit maximum. Must have letter grade for all science courses.  

    Freshman (up to 44.9 units)

    Sophomore (45 - 89.9  units)

    Junior (90 - 134.9 units)

    Senior (135 units & above)

    Completion of...

    • BIOL 005A/BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020
    • CHEM 001A/CHEM 01LA
    • CHEM 001B/CHEM 01LB
    • MATH 006B or MATH 007A or MATH9A

    Completion of all previously listed criteria and the following courses:

    • BIOL 005B
    • BIOL 005C
    • CHEM 001C
    • CHEM 01LC
    • MATH 007B or MATH 009B

    Completion of all previously listed criteria and completion of at least one of the following sequences:

    *Note: Organic Chemistry is the preferred sequence

    • CHEM 008A
    •  CHEM 08LA
    • CHEM 008B
    • CHEM 08LB
    • CHEM 008C
    • CHEM 08LC
    • PHYS 002A
    • PHYS 02LA
    • PHYS 002B
    • PHYS 02LB
    • PHYS 002C
    • PHYS 02LC

    Completion of all previously listed criteria and the following courses:

    • STAT 010*
    • BCH 100 or both BCH 110A and BCH 110B
    • BIOL 102
    • GPA of 2.0 or higher in all attempted upper division courses applicable to the major

     

    *STAT 100A was offered up until Fall 2021 and is accepted
  • Additional Information About the CMDB Major
    CMDB Additional Documents 
  • Course Planning Materials for CMDB

    CMDB Degree Summary Sheets

     

    CMDB Sample Four-Year Course Plans

     

    CMDB Schedule of Course Offerings

CMDB Advisors

CNAS Professional Academic Advisors provide students with individual guidance throughout their academic careers at UCR and help them achieve realistic academic goals.  Professional Academic Advisors can assist you with declaring or changing your major or minor, course repeats, the process for taking courses outside of UCR, taking a leave from UCR, and questions about withdrawing or readmitting to UCR.

NakitaL
Nakita Lea
CMDB Advisor
Advising Caseload: A - L
Email: nakita.lea@ucr.edu
Phone: 951-827-4229
Availability: MyAdvising.ucr.edu
Mark
Mark Taylor
CMDB Advisor
Advising Caseload: M - Z
Email: mark.taylor@ucr.edu
Phone: 951-827-2488
Availability: MyAdvising.ucr.edu

CMDB Lead Faculty Advisor

A Lead Faculty Advisor is assigned for each major.  Faculty advisors are available to assist students with guidance regarding graduate or professional school, opportunities to participate in research, independent study, or internships.  Faculty advisors also may provide students with advice and mentoring regarding career goals.

 
Fedor Karginov
Dr. Fedor "Ted" Karginov
CMDB Lead Faculty Advisor
Phone: 951-827-3604
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