Program Status: Discontinued (No New Admissions)

This program is not accepting external or internal applications. Students currently enrolled or previously admitted should consult with an advisor regarding available options, including alternative programs and, where applicable, pathways to complete remaining requirements subject to applicable institutional requirements and approvals.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)Concentration provides a broad-based education in modern life science while offering the opportunity for students to concentrate their efforts within studies related to molecular and cellular biology. Through consultation with a professional advisor, students select elective courses that focus on cell and molecular biology and, biomedical sciences. The Bachelor of Science curriculum includes a strong background in the supporting sciences: Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. The MCB concentration prepares students for admission to graduate, medical, dental, and other professional schools; for careers in academic and industrial research; teaching; and for various careers in the publishing, pharmaceutical, biomedical and biotechnology industries.

Students may declare their interest in entering into the BS concentration after completing Principles of Biology I and II.  Students must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.7 to select a BS concentration. Students may apply to enter into specific BS concentrations following consultation with department advisors. 

Core Biology Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 72

Graduates of the MCB Concentration will be able to:

1. Describe of the nature of science and knowledge of the factual and theoretical bases of biology, including mechanisms on the molecular and cellular levels.
2. Differentiate the components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
3. Relate the structure, interaction and regulation of organic molecules to essential functions and metabolic processes and pathways of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the structures and functions of and relationships among informational and cell signaling molecules, including their roles in cell division, inheritance, gene expression, phenotype and cell death.
5. Analyze interactions between and among molecules, molecular systems and assemblages, cells and cellular systems, and multicellular entities essential to systems biology.
6. Relate scientific concepts to contemporary issues such as disease processes, inherited disorders, drug resistance, and recombinant DNA and transgenic organisms.
7. Demonstrate understanding of scientific inquiry and explain how scientific knowledge is acquired and validated.
8. Apply quantitative knowledge and reasoning to describe or explain phenomena in the natural world.
9. Compose written and/or oral presentations utilizing scientific information. 
10. Develop research methods employing up-to-date scientific tools to study molecular and cellular biology.