About the Program
The Metabolic Biology MS and PhD programs provide interdisciplinary training in the areas that include metabolic regulation, physiological chemistry, nutrient functions, and diseases related to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cancer.
Admissions
Admission to the University
Applying for Graduate Admission
Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. A complete list of graduate academic departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website.
Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application can be found on the Graduate Division website.
Admission Requirements
The minimum graduate admission requirements are:
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A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
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A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
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Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.
For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page. It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here.
Where to apply?
Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page.
Admission to the Program
Admission to the Metabolic Biology (formally Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition) program is based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement and relevant experience. We practice holistic admissions—each part of the application is important and thoroughly reviewed.
Applicants with a background in the biological sciences and lab experience are best suited for the Metabolic Biology program. While there are no set prerequisites, we look for the coursework in areas such as calculus, general and organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry. Because this program is designed to develop research scientists, it is also important that applicants are familiar with an experimental lab setting.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
Curriculum
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Courses Required | ||
First Year | ||
NUSCTX 103 | Nutrient Function and Metabolism | 4 |
MCELLBI 110 | Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Synthesis and Cellular Function | 4 |
NUSCTX 211A | Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences (Rotations & reports) | 4-8 |
NUSCTX 211B | Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences (Rotations & reports) | 4-8 |
NUSCTX 250 | Advanced Topics in Metabolic Biology | 3 |
NUSCTX 260 | Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases Graduate Level | 4 |
NUSCTX 290 | Advanced Seminars in Nutritional Sciences (Advanced Special Topics offered by NST Dept. or any biological/chemical science department; 3 required taken once a year) | 2 |
NUSCTX 292 | Graduate Research Colloquium (Every semester) | 1 |
NUSCTX 293 | Research Seminar (Faculty Research Presentations) | 1 |
NUSCTX 299 | Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Research *taken instead of NUSCTX 211B upon joining a lab after first or second rotation | 1-12 |
NUSCTX 302 | Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching Experience in Nutrition | 2 |
NUSCTX 375 | Professional Preparation: Teaching in Nutritional Sciences | 2 |
Second—Fifth Years | ||
NUSCTX 290 | Advanced Seminars in Nutritional Sciences (Advanced Special Topics offered by NST Dept. or in any biological/chemical science department; 3 required taken once a year) | 2 |
NUSCTX 292 | Graduate Research Colloquium (Every semester) | 1 |
NUSCTX 299 | Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Research (Every semester) | 1-12 |
Master's Degree Requirements
Curriculum
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Courses Required | ||
First Year | ||
NUSCTX 103 | Nutrient Function and Metabolism | 4 |
MCELLBI 110 | Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Synthesis and Cellular Function | 4 |
NUSCTX 211A | Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences (Rotations & reports) | 4-8 |
NUSCTX 211B | Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences (Rotations & reports) | 4-8 |
NUSCTX 250 | Advanced Topics in Metabolic Biology | 3 |
NUSCTX 260 | Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases Graduate Level | 4 |
NUSCTX 292 | Graduate Research Colloquium (Every semester) | 1 |
NUSCTX 293 | Research Seminar (Faculty Research Presentations) | 1 |
NUSCTX 299 | Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Research *taken instead of NUSCTX 211B upon joining a lab after first rotation | 1-12 |
NUSCTX 302 | Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching Experience in Nutrition *if teaching | 2 |
NUSCTX 375 | Professional Preparation: Teaching in Nutritional Sciences | 2 |
Second Year | ||
NUSCTX 290 | Advanced Seminars in Nutritional Sciences (Advanced Special Topics offered by NST Dept. or in any biological/chemical science department) | 2 |
NUSCTX 292 | Graduate Research Colloquium | 1 |
NUSCTX 299 | Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Research | 1-12 |
Contact Information
Graduate Group in Metabolic Biology
119 Morgan Hall
Phone: 510-642-6490
Fax: 510-642-0535