Introduction to the Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate programs offered by the department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry (MB&B) are for students interested in not only what life is, but also in how it works. We seek to understand life at a mechanistic level by studying how the extraordinarily complex molecules found in living organisms create structures, carry out chemistry, and store and utilize information to generate the remarkable properties of living organisms. Biochemistry and biophysics are rapidly advancing areas of science that underlie the current dramatic progress in medicine.  

Our undergraduate degree programs are well suited for students planning to attend medical school or graduate studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, or biophysics. The MB&B major differs from the programs offered by the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) department in that MB&B places its central focus on studying biology using the tools of chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. MB&B students thus carry out more in-depth coursework in these areas, and typically take less coursework in other areas such as organismal biology, cell biology, and genetics.

MB&B has found that undergraduates have a lot of questions about what is involved in pursuing the MB&B major.  To address this, we have put together some “quick facts” about MB&B.   The intent is to answer some commonly asked questions and provide central features each potential major will want to know.  Roadmap to the Major          MBB Quick Facts 

First Year Majors:

• acquire a broad foundation in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology

• focus on molecular biology and biophysics

• choose among a wide range of opportunities
• conduct independent research projects
• take courses at the Graduate School or the Medical School or advanced elective classes at Yale College 

Of the seniors majoring in MB&B each year, about two-thirds go to medical school. Of the other third, some enter graduate school, and others seek employment in university labs or in the biotechnology industry. Our alumni include many distinguished leaders in science and medicine. 

Professor Karla Neugebauer
Director of Undergraduate Studies 
email: MBBUndergrad@yale.edu

Undergraduate Registrar

Elizabeth Vellali 
Yale University 
Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry 
333 Cedar Street, SHM CE-26A 
P.O. Box 208024

New Haven, CT 06520-8024 
phone: (203) 737-2060 
email: MBBUndergrad@yale.edu