Cell and Molecular Biology (BS)

The BS in Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for graduate studies or work in biomedical fields. Laboratory experiences include opportunities for students to conduct original research working closely with a faculty mentor. This degree is also appropriate for professional schools including medical, dental, and veterinary schools. Note that some professional/graduate schools require a full year of physics. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to plan their coursework.

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
BI 1110Biological Science I (TECO)4
BI 1120Biological Science II4
BI 2270Integrative Biology (WECO)4
BI 3040Microbiology4
BI 3060Genetics4
BI 3130Evolution4
BI 3240Conservation (DICO,GACO) (Remove INCO/INCP)3
BI 4120Cell Biology4
BI 4188Molecular Biology4
BI 4980Biology Seminar2
CH 1050Laboratory Safety1
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 3370Organic Chemistry I4
CH 3380Organic Chemistry II4
2000 Level BI Electives
Complete 4 credits of 2000-level or above (cannot be BIDI)4
Upper Level Cell and Molecular Biology Electives
Complete two courses from the following: 18
BI 3035
Biochemistry I (INCO)
or CH 3030
 Biochemistry I
BI 4150
Developmental Biology (WRCO)
BI 4770
Animal Physiology (WRCO)
BI 4780
Neurobiology (WRCO)
BI 4950
Undergraduate Research
Physics
PH 2110College Physics I4
or PH 2510 University Physics I
Mathematics Foundations
MA 1800College Algebra (or equivalent Math Placement Score) 20-3
MA 2550Calculus I (QRCO)3-4
or MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO)
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 34-8
INCP4
Electives15-19
Total Credits120
1

One course must be a Writing in the Discipline Connection (WRCO) (Developmental Biology (BI 4150), Animal Physiology (BI 4770), or Neurobiology (BI 4780))

2

Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Calculus I or Statistics is required.

3

Directions should total 16 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Cell and Molecular Biology.

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
BI 1110 Biological Science I (TECO) 4
BI 1120 Biological Science II 4
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
Mathematics Foundations Course:
MA 1800 College Algebra 0-3
MA 2550
or MA 2300
 Calculus I (QRCO)
or Statistics I (QRCO)
 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 3-4
Elective 4
 Credits27-31
Year Two
BI 2270 Integrative Biology (WECO) 4
CH 2335 General Chemistry I (QRCO) 4
CH 2340 General Chemistry II 4
Physics Requirement:
PH 2110
or PH 2510
 College Physics I
or University Physics I
Complete 4 credits of 2000-level or above (cannot be BIDI) 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 6-8
Electives 3
 Credits25-27
Year Three
BI 3040 Microbiology 4
BI 3060 Genetics 4
BI 3240 Conservation (DICO,GACO) 3
CH 3370 Organic Chemistry I 4
CH 3380 Organic Chemistry II 4
BI Upper Level 3000/4000 Biology elective 3 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 4-8 3-4
Electives 3-4
 Credits29-31
Year Four
BI 3130 Evolution 4
BI 4120 Cell Biology 4
BI 4188 Molecular Biology 4
BI 4980 Biology Seminar 2
BI Upper Level 3000/4000 Biology elective (WRCO) 3 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 4-8 0-4
Electives 4-9
 Credits26-35
 Total Credits120
1

Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Precalculus or Statistics is required.

2

Required to take one each of CTDI, SSDI, and PPDI and then fulfill 16 credits total of Directions courses.  SIDI courses are waived and do not count toward Directions course total for Biology majors.

3

Pick from BI 3030/CH 3030/ BI 3035/CH 3035 Biochemistry I, BI 4150 Developmental Biology (WRCO), BI 4770 Animal Physiology (WRCO), BI 4780 Neurobiology (WRCO), BI 4950 Undergraduate Research.  One course taken must be a WRCO.

  • An understanding of the scientific method as the means to increase understanding of the natural world through hypothesis-testing.
  • An aptitude for critically reading scientific literature, including primary research journals.
  • Proficiency in writing, especially in scientific format.
  • An ability to present scientific information orally with emphasis on clear interpretation of scientific data.
  • Proficiency in techniques specific to a subdiscipline of biology, including but not limited to laboratory, field, and statistical techniques.
  • An understanding of the critical issues facing the environment at local, regional, national, and global scales.
  • Biological literacy allowing for the evaluation of new information and emerging issues.
  • Readiness for post-graduate experiences in graduate school, professional school, or biology employment.
Biologists study living organisms and their relationships to the environment from molecules, to cells, to ecosystems. Most specialize in a particular discipline within biology, sometimes by pursuing a specialized degree like Environmental Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. Some go on to attain further education in graduate school or a health professional school for medicine, public health, or pharmacy. There are as many job opportunities as areas of study.
 
For more information, visit Career Services in the Global Education Office.
 
Sample Job Titles include: Biochemist, Botanist, Ecologist, Fishery Biologist, High School Science Teacher, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Veterinarian, Medical doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Research Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical scientist, Virologist
 
See the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook for a complete list.
 
Useful Skills for Jobs in the Biology Fields:
  • Research skills such as data collection, laboratory techniques, and working in teams
  • Ability to problem-solve and think critically
  • Written and verbal communication skills to convey technical and scientific data to both scientific and non-scientific communities