John McDowell, Ph.D.
MCBB Steering Committee Chair (2004 - 2007)
E-mail: johnmcd@vt.edu
<p>Contemporary research in the life sciences is becoming increasingly unified. New techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, immunology and molecular genetics have made possible the purification, mutation and reintroduction of modified gene products into cells. Practitioners of fields once considered distant from each other use these molecular cell biology approaches and now speak the same technical language. The Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology Option (MCBB) is a curriculum of courses intended to reflect this change. It functions as a supplement to existing master's and doctoral degree programs in applied and basic disciplines of biological and agricultural sciences. The purpose of an option is to provide training in broad fundamentals which can be then applied to individual problems pertaining to particular disciplines. On successful completion of the core curriculum in MCBB, students will be able to apply concepts of molecular cell biology directly to their own field of interest and research.

Please note that this is NOT a degree
granting program. Prospective students should apply for admission to one the
participating programs listed below.

PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:

• Animal
  & Poultry Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical
  Sciences and Pathobiology
• Chemical
  Engineering
• Crop, Soil
  & Environmental Sciences
• Dairy Science
• Entomology
• Fisheries
  and Wildlife Sciences
• Food Science
  & Technology
• Human
  Nutrition, Foods and Exercise
• Horticulture
• Plant Pathology,
  Physiology, and Weed Science

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND AWARDING
OF OPTION ON TRANSCRIPT

Ph.D. Candidates

A. A Ph.D. student's participation in the option must be endorsed by the major professor and will be part of the student's program of study.

Students in the program must complete ALS/PPWS 5334, Molecular Biology for the Life Sciences (or BCHM 4116/5116); BCHM 5214, Molecular Biology of the Cell; ALS/BIOL/BCHM/PPWS 6024, Topics in Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology; and ALS/BIOL/BCHM/PPWS 5064, Seminar in Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology. There is a requirement as well for a seminar presentation. This can be completed by a presentation in ALS/BIOL/BCHM/PPWS 5064 while registered A/F or by advertising the terminal seminar as an MCBB seminar. The seminar Course may be repeated.

B. Submission of MCBB Enrollment Form

The MCBB Graduate Option Student Enrollment form
(available at the bottom of this page) should be completed with
program of study. The original stays in the student's file in
their home department, while a copy should be sent to the Chair
of the MCBB Program Steering Committee. Certification in the MCBB
option will occur at the time of the preliminary examination.
The major professor will indicate to the MCBB Steering Committee
that the candidate has exhibited proficiency in these areas during
the examination.

C. Students Entering with Advanced Standing

Students entering with appropriate advanced standing, e.g., M.S. degree in a relevant discipline, and desiring to be MCBB option students will submit their credentials for review by the MCBB Steering Committee. Typically, such students will be required only to take the Topics and Seminar courses and complete MCBB certification.

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M. S. Candidates

An M. S. student's participation in the option must
be endorsed by the major professor and will be part of the student's
program of study. Submission of MCBB registration form is required
as for Ph.D. students.

M.S. candidates in the option must complete ALS/PPWS 5334, Molecular Biology for the Life Sciences (or BCHM 4116/5116); BCHM 5214, Molecular Biology of the Cell; ALS/BIOL/BCHM/PPWS 6024, Topics in Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology; and ALS/BIOL/BCHM/PPWS 5064, Seminar in Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology P/F. M.S. candidates are not required to present a seminar.

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Core Courses

PPWS/ALS 5344: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES

A multi-disciplinary treatment of gene organization
and expression in animal and plant systems. Emphasis on the applications
of molecular biology to current problems in applied biology and
biotechnology. Pre: Bion 4116 or Bion 5124

BCHM 5214: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL

Current concepts of the molecular organization of animal and plant cells and the biosynthesis and assembly of cellular structures. Topics include membrane structure and function, biosynthesis of cellular organelles, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, chemical signalling between cells, and the production of engineered proteins in cells. Pre: 4116 or 5116 or 5124 or ALS 5324. (3H, 3C).

PPWS/BIOL/ALS/BCHM 5064 : SEMINAR IN MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Review and discussion of current problems in molecular cell biology by students, Virginia Tech faculty and outside speakers. Students enrolled in the MCBB Ph.D. option may give one presentation while enrolled A-F. Pre: Graduate status in participating MCBB departments; (1H,1C). I,II.

PPWS/BIOL/ALS/BCHM 6024: TOPICS IN MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Specific areas such as the molecular biology of plant and animal disease resistance, of photosynthesis, of oncogenes, of organelle assembly, and of growth and development, structure and function of of proteases, bacterial virulence factors and vaccines, methanogens will be discussed. Students will give presentations and critically analyze current literature. May be repeated. Variable credit course. Pre: BCHM 5214; I,II.

Student Enrollment(see attachment) For
more information contact the Chair of the MCBB Steering Committee, John McDowell