Cellular and Molecular Biology Major B.S.
- Preparation for graduate or professional school
- Career paths in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related areas
Major code: BS2520
Faculty Contact: Corinne Nielsen
Program Overview
Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas of modern biology. Progress in these areas is driven by the ongoing revolution in genetics and genomics, and it has profound and wide-ranging implications for medicine and for our understanding of the mechanisms of life.
This specialization prepare students for graduate or professional school, and career paths in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related areas. These are fields that are experiencing tremendous growth in employment opportunities both in academia and in the private sector.
Majors are encouraged to participate in laboratory research projects during their junior and senior years, in order to receive in-depth exposure to current scientific research in cellular and molecular biology.
Careers and Graduate School
Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas in modern biology. This specialization will prepare students for graduate or professional school, and career paths in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related areas. These are fields that are experiencing tremendous growth in employment opportunities both in academia and in the private sector.
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Admissions Information
First year applicants: "Strong preparation in mathematics and science as evidenced by coursework."
Transfer applicants: "Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and have completed the equivalent of BIOS 1700 and 1705."
Degree Requirements
Major Hours Requirement
The biological science major requires a minimum of 121 hours.
University-wide Graduation Requirements
To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.
College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences
View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Biological Sciences Requirement
Complete a total of 42 semester hours of BIOS coursework, including all of the requirements below. Note: 1000- and 2000-level courses not specifically required by the major will not count toward the BIOS hours requirement, but they may be used to fulfill University graduation requirements.
- BIOS 1700 - Biological Sciences I: Molecules and Cells Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 1705 - Biological Sciences I Laboratory Credit Hours: 1.0
- BIOS 1710 - Biological Sciences II: Ecology, Evolution, Animal Body Systems Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 1715 - Biological Sciences II Laboratory Credit Hours: 1.0
- BIOS 3100 - General Genetics Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 3105 - Laboratory Genetics Credit Hours: 2.0
- BIOS 3200 - Fundamentals of Animal Cell Biology Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 3205 - Cell and Microbiology Techniques Credit Hours: 2.0
- BIOS 3210 - General Microbiology Credit Hours: 4.0
- BIOS 3300 - Principles of Evolution Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4260 - Molecular Genetics Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4270 - Mechanisms of Gene Regulation Credit Hours: 3.0
Complete one of the following Biochemistry course group options
Biochemistry course group option
Complete the following courses:
- CHEM 4901 - Biochemistry I Credit Hours: 3.0
- CHEM 4902 - Biochemistry II Credit Hours: 3.0
Biological Chemistry course group option
Complete the following courses:
- BIOS 4630 - Biological Chemistry Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4635 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory Credit Hours: 2.0
Cellular/Molecular Electives
Complete two courses:
- BIOS 3430 - Principles of Physiology Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 3435 - Principles of Physiology Lab Credit Hours: 2.0
- Note: BIOS 3430/3435 satisfies one course requirement.
- BIOS 4070 - Developmental Biology Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4140 - Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4240 - Virology Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4250 - Evolutionary Genetics Credit Hours: 3.0
- BIOS 4500 - Principles of Endocrinology Credit Hours: 3.0
Extradepartmental Requirements
Complete four sub-requirements.
Sub-Requirement 1: Chemistry
Complete the following courses:
- CHEM 1510 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4.0
- CHEM 1520 - Fundamentals of Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4.0
- CHEM 3050 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3.0
- CHEM 3060 - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3.0
- CHEM 3080 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credit Hours: 1.0
- CHEM 3085 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II for Non-Majors Credit Hours: 1.0
Sub-Requirement 2: Mathematics
Complete the following course:
- MATH 2301 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4.0
Sub-Requirement 3: Physics
Complete one of the following course group options:
Introduction to Physics course group option
Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 2001 - Introduction to Physics Credit Hours: 4.0
- PHYS 2002 - Introduction to Physics Credit Hours: 4.0
General Physics course group option
Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 2051 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5.0
- PHYS 2052 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5.0
Sub-Requirement 4: Statistics
Complete one of the following:
- MATH 2500 - Introduction to Statistics Credit Hours: 4.0
- PSY 2110 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4.0