Teaching and research in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology are directed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are the basis of biological structure, growth, evolution, embryonic development, and genetic inheritance. As undergraduate majors, students learn about the scientific methods, experimental approaches, and groundbreaking discoveries that have made modern molecular and cellular biology such an important force in medicine, agriculture, and the biotechnology industry. They also learn about the diverse tools of modern biology, recombinant DNA, genomic mapping, transgenic organisms, gene targeting, analysis of mutants, biochemical purification, antibody probes, laser manipulation of living cells, electron microscopy, and computer modeling. In addition to general and specialized classes, students have ample opportunities to participate in ongoing research in the laboratories of the department