Research in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) ranges from the structure and function of biological macromolecules to the fundamental processes used in cellular functions and the integration of these processes during microbial, plant, and animal development. Areas of particular focus include molecular microbiology, molecular neurobiology, developmental and cellular genetics, plant molecular biology, marine molecular biology, and stem cell biology. MCDB researchers have affiliations with the Neuroscience Research Institute, the Marine Science Institute, the Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, the Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies, and the Materials Research Laboratory.

MCDB offers two general biology degrees (a BA and BS in Biology) in concert with the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, plus four specialized BS degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology. The MCDB Graduate Program provides rigorous, individualized graduate training that emphasizes innovative research, and offers MA and PhD degrees. MCDB also participates in the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Biomolecular Science and Engineering and in the Interdepartmental Marine Science graduate program.