发育与细胞生物学专业旨在为学生提供有关尖端方法的强化培训，以了解细胞的结构和功能以及它们如何相互作用以产生复杂的生物，从受精卵开始。发育与细胞生物学学士学位的重点是为学生提供强化培训，旨在为他们为现代发育与细胞生物学或其他生物医学科学的研究生课程做好准备。在细胞和发育生物学的分子基础上的深入培训将与整合从基因组技术的最新爆炸性进展中获得的知识相结合，以提供对如何解决基础研究中的问题的深刻的工作理解。
The Developmental and Cell Biology major is intended to provide students with intensive training in cutting edge approaches to understanding the structure and function of cells and how they interact to produce a complex organism, starting with a fertilized egg. The focus of the B.S. in Developmental and Cell Biology is to provide students with intensive training aimed at preparing them for graduate programs in modern Developmental and Cell Biology or other biomedical sciences. In-depth training in the molecular basis of cell and developmental biology will be coupled with integrating knowledge obtained from the recent explosive advances in genomic technology to provide a strong working understanding of how to approach problems in basic research.<br><br>The major has distinctive features. The first is a reduction in the number of required courses, allowing students the opportunity to focus more deeply on training in Developmental and Cell Biology. The second is the implementation of a new course in Genomic and Proteomic analysis that is closely tied to problems in genetics, developmental, and cell biology. Understanding the connections among these disciplines and how to apply the appropriate tools for defining and answering fundamental questions in biomedical research is a critical tool for success in research. Another distinctive feature of the major is the opportunity to replace two upper-division laboratory courses with mentored BIO SCI 199 individual research in faculty laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to apply the tools they have acquired during formal course work to current problems at the frontiers of research. Lastly, students majoring in Developmental and Cell Biology have faculty advisors with whom they meet at least quarterly. The faculty advisors help students plan their curriculum, select appropriate 199 projects and sponsoring labs, and as a group grant petitions and certify the degree. The combination of new upper-division courses, more flexibility in the curriculum, the option for mentored research, and close interaction with faculty advisors will help the Developmental and Cell Biology majors to develop an appreciation of the nature of research and establish a strong foundation for future success in graduate or professional schools.