Intro Bio Lecture and Lab Courses

The Intro Bio lecture series is a year-long program comprising four courses: MCDB 1A, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, AND EEMB 3. There is one textbook, Campbell Biology, which is used for all four courses.

The Intro Bio lab series is a two-quarter program designed to augment the concepts covered in the lecture series, and to build upon those concepts with practical, applicable laboratory techniques. Each lab course has one major project: a Poster in MCDB 1LL and a Paper in EEMB 2LL.

All pre-biology majors must complete the full 4-course lecture series and the full 2-course lab series before they can declare their biology major. If you earn less than a "C" in any of these courses, please make an appointment with the Biology Advisers (third floor of the Life Sciences building).

Lectures

MCDB 1A

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-B-C with a grade of C- or better (Chem 1C may be taken concurrently), or a score of 4 or better on either the Advanced Placement Chemistry or Advanced Placement Biology exams.

Advisor Enrollment Comments: Concurrent enrollment in MCDB 6 not allowed. Reduced credit of 2.0 units will be given to those who have credit for MCDB 6. 

MCDB 1A is the first course in the Intro Bio lecture series, examining cellular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. MCDB 1A is a prerequisite for the lectures MCDB 1B and EEMB 2. Students must have completed MCDB 1A, or be concurrently enrolled, in order to take the MCDB 1LL lab course.

There are 2 options for pre-biology students who are taking MCDB 1A: section 100 and section 200. MCDB 1A section 100 is the larger, traditional course that is held in Campbell Hall. MCDB 1A section 200 is a smaller course that employs active learning techniques, and includes a weekly discussion section. Both courses cover the same material, and fulfill the same requirements. Students choose which course they would like to take based on their understanding of what kind of learner they are.

MCDB 1A section 100 and MCDB 1A section 200 are both offered in Fall quarter (main series). MCDB 1A section 100 is also offered during Spring quarter and during summer session A (off-series).

MCDB 1B

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A and Chemistry 1A-B-C with a grade of C- or better; or MCDB 1A with a grade of C or better.

Advisor Enrollment Comments: Concurrent enrollment in EEMB 7 not allowed. Reduced credit of 2.0 units will be given for those who have completed EEMB 7.

MCDB 1B covers animal physiology and plant physiology.

There are 2 options for pre-biology students who are taking MCDB 1B: section 100 and section 200. MCDB 1B section 100 is the larger, traditional course that is held in Campbell Hall. MCDB 1B section 200 is a smaller course that employs active learning techniques, and includes a weekly discussion section. Both courses cover the same material, and fulfill the same requirements. Students choose which course they would like to take based on their understanding of what kind of learner they are.

MCDB 1B section 100 and MCDB 1B section 200 are both offered in Winter quarter (main series). MCDB 1B section 100 is also offered during Fall quarter and during summer session B (off-series).

EEMB 2

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A with a grade of C- or better is required.

Advisor Enrollment Comments: Concurrent enrollment in EEMB 7 not allowed. Reduced credit of 2.0 units will be given for those who have received credit for EEMB 7.

EEMB 2 introduces the history and principles of both ecology and evolution. EEMB 2 is a prerequisite for the lecture EEMB 3. Students must have completed EEMB 2, or be concurrently enrolled, in order to take the EEMB 2LL lab course.

EEMB 2 is offered in Winter quarter (main series), as well as during summer session B (off series).

EEMB 3

Prerequisites: MCDB 1A, MCDB 1B, and EEMB 2 lecture courses with a grade of C- or better is required. 

Advisor Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4C or EEMB 4C or 5C.

EEMB 3 is a survey of biodiversity, covering everything from microbes, to plants, to fungi and animals. EEMB 3 also explores how humans interact with and influence Earth's biodiversity.

EEMB 3 is offered in Spring quarter (main series), as well as during the Fall quarter (off series).

Labs

MCDB 1LL

Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MCDB 1A (may be taken concurrently).

Advisor Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 4A or MCDB 4A or 5AL, or 1AL.

MCDB 1LL is the first half of the Intro Bio lab series. 1LL covers basic laboratory techniques in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students will be required to complete a scientific poster project.

MCDB 1LL is offered twice each year, during Winter quarter (main series) and then again during Summer Session C (off-series).

 

EEMB 2LL

Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in EEMB 2 (may be taken concurrently).

EEMB 2LL is the second half of the Intro Bio lab series. 2LL covers basic laboratory and field techniques in ecology and evolution. Students will observe and interact with organisms from each kingdom, including representatives from all extant plant and animal phyla. Students will also be required to write a scientific paper after completing a multi-week experiment in evolution.

EEMB 2LL is offered twice each year, during Spring quarter (main series) and Fall quarter (off-series).