Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
The concentration in cell and molecular biology explores cells and molecules to give you an understanding of an organism's structure and function.
Preparing You for Success
You explore cell and molecular biology in depth by taking courses in cell biology, microbiology, immunology, neurophysiology or comparative physiology. Classes introduce you to research methods in your first year, then you can build on those skills through labs, independent studies and summer research.
By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:
- One-on-one mentorship from faculty with expertise in cell and molecular biology
- Opportunities to publish your research and share it at professional conferences
- A senior research capstone project
- Opportunities for networking and professional development through Tri-Beta national honor society and the Biology Undergraduate Society
Making Your Mark
Cell and molecular biology concentrations are valuable for laboratory technicians or as first steps toward careers as chiropractors, pharmacists, physicians, dentists or veterinarians. Many majors pursue professional or graduate school. Recent graduates have continued their education at institutions such the University of Iowa, University of Alabama-Birmingham and Georgetown University. Other graduates are working for zuChem, Inc., DuPont Pioneer, Eli Lilly and Co., ParkLands Foundation and Endotronix.
Concentration Requirements
The cell and molecular biology concentration requires completion of the undergraduate biology major plus the following.
Required Courses - 10 hrs.
- BIO 385: Supervised Research - 3 hrs.
- BIO 485: Research - 3 hrs.
- CHM 256: Organic Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
- CHM 257: Organic Chemistry II Lab - 1 hr.
Elective Courses (choose two) - 6-8 hrs.
- BIO 312: Developmental Biology - 4 hrs.
- BIO 314: Plant Development - 4 hrs.
- BIO 361: Microanatomy - 4 hrs.
- BIO 381: Comparative Animal Physiology - 3-4 hrs.
- BIO 406: General Microbiology - 4 hrs.
- BIO 408: Bacterial Pathogenesis - 4 hrs.
- BIO 464: Cell Biology - 3-4 hrs.
- BIO 468: Immunology of Host Defense - 3-4 hrs.
- BIO 482: Endocrinology - 3 hrs.
- BIO 484: Neurophysiology - 3-4 hrs.
- BIO 502: Biometry - 3 hrs.
- BIO 503: Molecular Genetics - 3-4 hrs.
- BIO 506: Advanced Microbiology - 3 hrs.
- BIO 508: Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis - 3 hrs.
- BIO 509: Human Genetics - 3 hrs.
- BIO 525: Advanced Physiology - 3 hrs.
- BIO 564: Advanced Cell Biology - 3 hrs.
- BIO 568: Cellular and Molecular Immunology - 3 hrs.
Note: The courses used for the concentration cannot have been used to fulfill the requirements for the major.
Course Sequence
Sample program plan information is provided for sample purposes only. Students should consult with their academic advisor about their individual plan for course registration and completion of program requirements.
| First-Year - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 150 | Introduction to Biomedical Science | 2 hours |
| CHM 110/111 | General Chemistry I - Lab | 4 hours |
| MTH 115 | Calculus I | 4 hours |
| Core Courses | 6 hours | |
| Total | 16 hours | |
| First-Year - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 151/152 | Molecules to Cells - Lab | 3 hours |
| CHM 116/11 | General Chemistry II - Lab | 5 hours |
| MTH 116 | Calculus II | 3 hours |
| COM 103 | Oral Communication | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Sophomore - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 250 | Organismal Biology | 4 hours |
| BIO 260 | Biological Statistics I | 1 hours |
| CHM 252/253 | Organic Chemistry I - Lab | 5 hours |
| Core Course | 3 hour | |
| Total | 13 hours | |
| Sophomore - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 251/252 | Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - Lab | 4 hours |
| BIO 261 | Biological Statistics II | 2 hours |
| BIO | Research | 1 hour |
| Core Course | 3 hours | |
| Elective | 6 hours | |
| Total | 16 hours | |
| Junior - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 310/311 | Genetics - Lab | 4 hours |
| PHY 107 | Physics I | 4 hours |
| Core Course | 3 hours | |
| Electives | 3 hours | |
| Total | 16 hours | |
| Junior - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| PHY 108 | General Physics II | 4 hours |
| BIO | Lab Course | 4 hours |
| BIO | Research | 2 hours |
| Core Course | 3 hours | |
| Electives | 3 hours | |
| Total | 16 hours | |
| Senior - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO | Lab Courses | 8 hours |
| BIO | Elective | 3 hours |
| BIO | Research | 2 hours |
| Electives | 3 hours | |
| Total | 16 hours | |
| Senior - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO | Lab Course | 8 hours |
| BIO | Elective | 3 hours |
| BIO 490 | Biology Capstone | 1 hours |
| Elective | 3 hours | |
| Total | 16 hours | |