About MCDB

Overview

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology is a highly interactive community whose research activities bridge the broad spectrum of modern biology. Members of the MCDB community strive to apply both experimental and theoretical approaches to illuminating the fundamental mechanisms through which biological molecules, molecular assemblies, cellular constituents, and collectives of cells dynamically drive living processes throughout the microbial, plant and animal kingdoms. The department is characterized by a collaborative and collegial environment in which students, postdocs, staff, and faculty bring their collective talents and enthusiasm to the joy of scientific adventure and discovery.

UCSB Campus

The campus's character, physical beauty and location near a historic city with a diverse cultural life and commitment to preserving the environment all provide the setting for an academic community known internationally for its excellence and innovation. A member of the Association of American Universities, this vibrant, energetic campus ranks with Harvard, Stanford and UC Berkeley among the leading institutions of higher learning in the U.S. and Canada. Students know it as a friendly, welcoming place where their professors take the time to help them learn. The quality of faculty members testifies to the strength of UCSB's academic programs and the quantity and quality of its research.

Academics

UC Santa Barbara ranks among higher-education leaders in the United States and Canada as one of only 63 research-intensive institutions elected to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities.

Research

External support for research, which is considered the lifeblood of a premier research university, totaled $209 million in 2017-2018.