Cell and Molecular Biology
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology study life and cellular processes at the molecular level.
Cellular and Molecular Biology explores the organization and function of genes and cells, and how these systems are integrated to lead to the varied forms of life on earth. Students focus on very small things (molecules and cells), which have very big applications in diverse life science fields, including medicine, conservation biology, ecology, and agriculture. Cellular and Molecular Biology is fundamental to areas such as the discovery of new medicines, the development of better crops, the diagnosis of diseases, and the understanding of the origins of life.
After building a comprehensive background through the Biology core, upper division courses will allow students to explore various specializations in a diverse and rapidly changing field, including genomics, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, and immunology. Many of these courses have integrated laboratory components giving students opportunities to learn specialized laboratory techniques including DNA sequence analysis and cloning, cell culture, and bioinformatics. This concentration is highly recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study (MS/PhD) in this field.
Course Requirements
- 2-year Biology core
- Organic Chemistry II/Lab (CHM252/264)
- Molecular Biology (BIO427) or Advanced Cell Biology (BIO434)
- Genomics or Genetics course (BIO401, 408, or 442)
- Two additional courses from the Cell and Molecular Biology Group
- One course from another Group
- Capstone Seminar (BIO499)
- One additional 300+ Biology Elective
Career Opportunities
- Molecular Biologist
- Cell Biologist
- Health Professional Programs
- Brewery Production
- Research Technician
- Regulatory Affairs
- Intellectual Property Law
- Teacher
- Forensics
- Pharmaceutical Research
- Journalism/Science Writing
- Agricultural Research
- Bioinformatics