Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOL-40358
Learn Molecular Biology Online
This course will immerse students in the fields of cellular and molecular biology by providing the necessary background in biology and chemistry; examining key discoveries and figures from the history of the cellular and molecular biology; providing an overview of the key tenants and organizing principles of the discipline; introducing the most important methods and techniques used by cellular and molecular biologists; showcasing how advances in molecular biology have led to practical technologies; and discussing the ethical implications of certain lines of research.Learning Objectives
- Apply the scientific method to generate, test, critique, refine (or abandon) hypotheses
- Summarize and explain the key tenants of cellular and molecular biology
- Understand the design and significance of crucial experiments from the history of cellular and molecular biology
- Describe common experimental methods and techniques used by molecular biologists
- Recognize multiple important practical applications that have arisen from the field of molecular biology
Transferring for College Credit
Many courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies may be eligible for college credit at UC San Diego or other institutions. Credit transfer is determined by the receiving institution. We recommend consulting with the registrar's office at your intended institution before enrolling to confirm how your courses will transfer.Course Information
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DEADLINES
If you are working toward a strict deadline to complete your course, you MUST enroll early. The Cell and Molecular Biology course fills up extremely quickly and once it reaches capacity, no exceptions will be made to add additional students.
Waiting until the last minute to enroll puts your academic timeline at serious risk. Do not assume space will be available later.
Plan ahead. Enroll early. Secure your spot.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/27/2026
Schedule:
Instructor: Daun Everforest
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Andrew Walters, PhD
AJ Walters is a bioengineer working at the nexus of synthetic biology, cell engineering, immunology, and cell therapy. In his science facing roles, he researches ways to make cell therapies more effective and accessible for deployment in regenerative medicine across a wide range of disorders. He completed a PhD in Bioengineering, jointly advised at Rice University and UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School. This gives him a unique perspective on the applications of scientific disciplines, and he hopes to bring the therapies he has helped develop to patients by starting a company. As an educator, AJ has a decade of experience teaching and mentoring others in the sciences. He spearheaded an initiative at Utah State University where he studied as a Biological Engineering undergraduate that provided exposure to principles of biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioengineering to 8th graders in a summer camp/classroom setting. Now in its 8th year, this initiative has inspired hundreds of youth to explore STEM. In total, AJ's diverse experiences provide real world context and a unique perspective that help him connect with those seeking to learn.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/29/2026
Schedule:
Instructor:
Matthew Weinstock
Matthew Weinstock is a Group Leader at the biotechnology company AbSci where he is currently leading a team of scientists in the Molecular Sciences group in developing bacterial strains to produce complex biopharmaceuticals. Previously he was a scientist at Synthetic Genomics, Inc. where he focused on large-scale genome engineering of novel microorganisms for biotech applications. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Utah, where he worked on the discovery and development of mirror-image peptide therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/20/2026
Schedule:
Instructor: Daun Everforest
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 8/10/2026
Schedule:
Instructor:
Matthew Weinstock
Matthew Weinstock is a Group Leader at the biotechnology company AbSci where he is currently leading a team of scientists in the Molecular Sciences group in developing bacterial strains to produce complex biopharmaceuticals. Previously he was a scientist at Synthetic Genomics, Inc. where he focused on large-scale genome engineering of novel microorganisms for biotech applications. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Utah, where he worked on the discovery and development of mirror-image peptide therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases.
