Biology/Cell and Molecular Biology, BS

The Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) track with the proposed Minors (Biomedical Science, Environmental Microbiology, Forensic Biosciences), is a comprehensive track with a broad science background that prepares students and provides the flexibility to take advantage of a range of careers requiring a strong science related curriculum. For qualified and highly motivated CMB students, we also offer a pathway to graduate in three years.

The CMB bioscience core and biomedical electives helps prepare students for entry into medical, dental, or other professional school programs (please refer to individual professional school programs for their specific requirements). All these experiences are contained within the single, comprehensive major in CMB that is designed to prepare graduates with knowledge and skills for immediate employment in biotechnology, forensics, biopharmaceuticals, and various health fields. They also provide for an excellent preparation of students who seek admission into graduate (for example, biomedical engineering, genetic counseling, public health) and professional programs.

Liberal Studies: 44-45

As outlined in the Liberal Studies Requirements with the following specifications:

Mathematics:

MATH 105 - College Algebra Credits: 3
or
MATH 121 - Calculus I for Natural and Social Sciences Credits: 4

Natural Science:

CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4

Social Science:

One course should also fulfill GMA requirement

Liberal Studies Elective: 3

MATH 216 - Probability and Statistics for Natural Sciences Credits: 3
or
MATH 217 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3

Major: 48

Required Core Courses:

BIOL 201 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution Credits: 4
BIOL 202 - Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 4
BIOL 203 - Principles of Genetics and Development Credits: 4

Required Biology Courses:

BIOL 241 - Introductory Medical Microbiology Credits: 4
BIOL 331 - Developmental Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 405 - The Biology of the Cell - Critical Thinking Credits: 2
BIOL 410 - Molecular Biology Topics Credits: 3
BIOL 411 - Forensic Biology Laboratory Operations Credits: 4

Controlled Biology Electives: 16-17

(1,2)

BIOL 105 - Cell Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 117 - Understanding HIV Biology and AIDS Credits: 3
BIOL 123 - Perspectives in Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 1
BIOL 200 - Medical Terminology Credits: 2
BIOL 281 - Special Topics Credits: 1-3 (2)
BIOL 300 - Genetics in Medicine and Nutrition Credits: 3
BIOL 301 - Fundamentals of Epidemiology Credits: 3
BIOL 310 - Applied Entomology and Zoonoses Credits: 3
BIOL 323 - Introduction to Toxicology and Risk Assessment Credits: 3
BIOL 352 - Comparative Animal Physiology Credits: 3
BIOL 364 - Immunology Credits: 3
BIOL 409 - Pharmacology Principles and Applications Credits: 3
BIOL 430 - Gene Editing Tools in Medicine and Biotechnology Credits: 3
BIOL 462 - Vertebrate Endocrinology Credits: 3
BIOL 466 - Principles of Virology Credits: 3
BIOL 469 - Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Credits: 3
BIOL 477 - Neurobiology Credits: 3
BIOL 478 - Mycology and Plant Pathology Credits: 3
BIOL 479 - Neurobiology of Addiction Credits: 3
BIOL 481 - Special Topics Credits: 1-3
BIOL 482 - Independent Study Credits: 1-3
BIOL 483 - Honors Thesis/Independent Study Credits: 1-6
BIOL 484 - Honors Seminar Credits: 2
BIOL 493 - Biology Internship Credits: 3-12
or other biology major courses by permission of advisor and department chair

Controlled Electives: 3-4

Any BIOL course at 300 level or above;
CHEM 332 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 4
or BIOC course

Required Science Courses: 12

CHEM 231 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 351 - Biochemistry Credits: 4
PHYS 111 - Physics I Lecture Credits: 3
PHYS 121 - Physics I Lab Credits: 1

Other Requirements:

Exit survey for assessment purposes

Free Electives: 15-16

(3)

Total Degree Requirements: 120

(1) No more than 6cr total from Independent Study, Special Topics, or Internship applies to major; excess applied as free electives.

(2) No more than 4cr can come from 100-level courses. Excluding prerequisite, cognate, liberal studies, college core courses, no more than 2 Majors courses can be shared between a major and minor.

(3) Free electives may be used towards a Minor such as Animal Behavior, Biomedical Science, Forensic Biosciences, Environmental Microbiology, Neurobiology, or other minors of interest.