Upper Division Requirements, Sample 4-yr Plans, Elective Lists

(formerly Immunology and Pathogenesis emphasis) Humans inhabit an environment teeming with microbes and their toxins. The omnipresent threat of infection and the emergence of new infectious diseases has catapulted immunology to the forefront of modern biomedical science. Immunology is the study of the cellular and biochemical mechanisms which protect us from these threats. Infectious agents such as human immunodeficiency virus which causes AIDS and immune-based diseases such as asthma have increased the public awareness about the importance of immunology in examining the causes and treatments of these diseases. Immunology is unique amongst the natural sciences in that it covers and integrates aspects of modern biological science including cell and developmental biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

Using approaches from many disciplines and techniques as diverse as recombinant DNA, flow cytometry, physical chemistry, mouse transgenesis, and targeted mutation in mice, immunologists have made major advances and striking discoveries leading to an ever-growing understanding of the immune system. We continue to explore questions such as how the immune system distinguishes self from non-self, how antibodies, T cells, and natural killer cells specifically recognize and distinguish millions of different foreign invaders, why some individuals are more susceptible to the development of autoimmune diseases, and how the immune system rejects transplanted organs but often fails to reject tumors. In addition, immunologists study questions of broader biological significance including how gene expression is regulated during animal development, the biochemistry and regulation of gene rearrangement, the mechanism and function of immune surveillance, and the control of programmed cell death.

These recent advances in basic knowledge have in turn led to potential treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers, new approaches to the design of effective vaccines, strategies to combat AIDS, and treatments to prevent tissue transplant rejection. Students with an emphasis in Immunology will be exposed not only to the unique aspects of the immune system but also to a broad array of disciplines across the full spectrum of modern biomedical sciences.

Upper Division Requirements

Sample 4-yr Plans

These are just examples, for more sample schedules including spring start and transfer see guide.berkeley.edu or meet with an advisor to explore your options. It is recommended by MCB advisors and faculty to take the upper division lab as early as you can if you are interested in research and/or honors research. 

Approved Electives Lists

Approved Courses but Not Regularly offered

• MCB 143 Evolution of Genomes, Cells, and Development (F; 3 units)
• MCB C145 Genomics
• MCB C146 Topics in Computational Biology & Genomics